You won’t believe this comeback! 😱 A beloved Stranger Things star just shattered an ALL-TIME Rotten Tomatoes record with a surprise underdog hit that’s leaving fans speechless… and it’s NOT who you think! 🔥🍅

In a surprising turn for fans of the long-running Netflix series Stranger Things, actor Caleb McLaughlin has achieved a notable milestone on Rotten Tomatoes with his latest project. The animated sports comedy GOAT, released in early 2026 by Sony Pictures Animation, has earned a 93% audience score on the review aggregator site—surpassing McLaughlin’s previous highest-rated work and even outpacing the Popcornmeter rating for Stranger Things itself.

McLaughlin, best known for portraying Lucas Sinclair across all five seasons of the hit sci-fi horror series, voices a key character in GOAT. The film, directed by Tyree Dillihay and based on Chris Tougas’ children’s book Funky Dunks, centers on an underdog goat named Will who dreams of becoming a professional “roarball” player—a fictional high-energy sport blending elements of basketball and fantasy. The story emphasizes themes of perseverance, proving doubters wrong, and the idea that “smalls can ball,” making it a classic feel-good tale aimed at family audiences.

The movie features a star-studded voice cast, including Gabrielle Union, Aaron Pierre, Nicola Coughlan, and fellow Stranger Things alum David Harbour. Union and Harbour lend their voices to supporting roles, adding familiar faces to the ensemble. Ahead of its theatrical release, GOAT garnered mostly positive early reviews from critics, culminating in an 80% Tomatometer score. But it is the audience response that has driven the headlines, pushing the Popcornmeter to 93% based on verified ratings.

This audience score marks a personal best for McLaughlin on Rotten Tomatoes. It eclipses the 83% Popcornmeter rating for Stranger Things, the Netflix phenomenon that launched his career in 2016. The series, created by the Duffer Brothers, concluded its fifth and final season in late 2025 after nearly a decade on air. Season 5 earned an 83% audience score, reflecting solid but not overwhelming fan approval compared to earlier seasons, which often hovered in the 90s.

For context, Rotten Tomatoes audience scores, known as the Popcornmeter, reflect user-submitted ratings from ticket buyers and verified viewers. A 93% score places GOAT among highly regarded family films in recent years, though it does not claim an absolute all-time record across the platform—such claims often refer to personal or categorical highs for specific actors or casts. In this case, reports highlight that the film’s reception breaks multiple records for the GOAT cast members, including McLaughlin’s highest-rated project and a tie for Union’s top audience-rated film (matching her 2004 TV movie Something the Lord Made).

The success comes at a pivotal time for McLaughlin. At 24, the actor has spent much of his young career tied to the massive shadow of Stranger Things. The show turned its young cast into global stars, but transitioning to new roles post-finale has been a focus for many. McLaughlin’s prior film credits include supporting turns in projects like Concrete Cowboy (2020) and High Flying Bird (2019), but none achieved the widespread audience acclaim of GOAT.

Industry observers note that animated features often perform strongly with family crowds, especially when featuring recognizable voices. GOAT follows in the footsteps of other recent Sony animated successes, such as the Spider-Verse films and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, which also leaned on star power and vibrant storytelling. The film’s underdog narrative— a literal goat defying odds in a world dominated by larger animals—resonates as a metaphor for overlooked talent, perhaps mirroring McLaughlin’s own journey beyond Hawkins.

Critics have praised the movie’s energetic animation, humor, and positive messages. Reviews describe it as “heartwarming without being saccharine,” with strong voice performances elevating the material. The 80% critic score indicates broad approval, though not universal raves—some noted familiar tropes in the sports comedy genre. Audiences, however, have embraced it enthusiastically, with many calling it a “hidden gem” and “the perfect family movie of the year.”

The timing is noteworthy. Stranger Things wrapped in November 2025, just months before GOAT‘s release. The series finale drew massive viewership but divided some fans with its conclusions. McLaughlin’s quick pivot to a lighter, family-oriented project may signal a deliberate shift toward diverse roles. Co-star Harbour, who played Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, also appears in GOAT, creating an interesting crossover for fans of both.

Rotten Tomatoes records are frequently updated and contextual. While headlines tout “all-time” breaks, they often specify actor-specific or cast-related highs. In McLaughlin’s case, GOAT stands as his top-rated entry, a significant achievement for someone whose career began as a child actor on a streaming juggernaut.

The film’s box office performance has not been detailed in early reports, but strong word-of-mouth from audiences could sustain its run. Sony has marketed it heavily toward families, emphasizing the star power and inspirational story. Trailers highlight McLaughlin’s voice work alongside Union’s motivational coach character and Pierre’s rival player.

For McLaughlin, this milestone arrives amid a broader wave of post-Stranger Things projects from the cast. Millie Bobby Brown has pursued thrillers and action films, Finn Wolfhard has explored indie dramas, and others have branched into music and directing. The success of GOAT suggests the “kids” from Hawkins remain bankable, even in unexpected genres.

Whether GOAT maintains its high audience score as more ratings roll in remains to be seen. Rotten Tomatoes scores can fluctuate, especially for new releases. But for now, it stands as a bright spot in McLaughlin’s career—a reminder that underdogs, on screen and off, can sometimes rise to the top.