Release date: January 30, 2026 (USA)
Director: Brett Ratner
Budget: 40 million USD
Cinematography: Dante Spinotti, Jeff Cronenweth, Barry Peterson
Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios
Genre: Documentary
Language: English
Twenty days before the 2025 presidential inauguration, Melania Trump navigates the complexities of the White House transition as she prepares for the role of first lady once again.
The documentary “Melania” is sparking a heated debate, with critics giving it a dismal 6% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences are raving about it with a 99% score. This marks the biggest critic-audience split in Rotten Tomatoes history. The site confirms the audience reviews are legit, stating they’ve verified ticket purchases through Fandango. The film’s box office is doing surprisingly well, considering the criticism, with a $7 million opening weekend – the best for a documentary in a decade.
The critics are slaughtering Melania, with reviews sounding like they were forced to watch it at gunpoint. The few positive ones came from right-leaning outlets like The Epoch Times. Meanwhile, audiences are loving it, but let’s be real, they’re probably hardcore MAGA fans who’ve been waiting to see Melania’s story told. The 99% audience score isn’t shocking – it’s a self-selecting crowd.
Since we previously showcased many of the critical barbs thrown at the film, it seems only fair to post a couple of the audience reactions from RT: “There’s no propaganda, just lots of insight into the planning and execution of the parties and events,” wrote one. “I was surprised at how involved the incoming First Lady is. And I was amazed at the programs and work Melania has done over the past 8 years. There are some glimpses at her personal life as well. A truly classy woman with an amazing sense of style, grace and elegance.” And another: “I didn’t know what to expect, but Id never seen in a documentary about the White House this angle and I found it fascinating! I was really drawn into it about 15 minutes in and when the movie ended, everyone in the entire theater was applauding, including myself.”
Melania has been a clear success at the box office. The film’s $8 million opening weekend was the best showing in a decade for a documentary film.
Melania also recently made headlines in a new way when distributor Amazon MGM asked a theater in Oregon to stop screening the film due to some viral jokes on its marquee.
Previously, the first lady and Brett Ratner discussed with THR the making of the film, with the controversial filmmaker denying speculation he made Melania as a way to get his career back. That’s ridiculous,” he said. “If anything, this was a bigger risk because of the polarization and subject matter. I didn’t do this to get me back into Hollywood. That wasn’t my strategy. I’ve been waiting to make Rush Hour 4 — that was my strategy.”
