In the last two decades, many have claimed that horror is dead. But “Smile” challenged that idea, winning over skeptics with its chilling atmosphere and psychological intensity. Now, the film is finding a second life on the small screen, ranking among the most-watched movies on Netflix in the United States, according to FlixPatrol.
Although it premiered in theaters three years ago, “Smile” remains one of the most talked-about horror titles today. A sequel was released last year and, to the surprise of many, critics have praised it as even more effective than the original.
With a box office haul of $217.4 million on a $17 million budget, the picture was already a theatrical success — and its popularity has only grown on streaming. If you haven’t yet joined the wave, here’s what you need to know.
Three years later, ‘Smile’ is still scaring everyone
The movie follows a therapist who witnesses the bizarre suicide of a patient, then becomes overwhelmed with increasingly disturbing and daunting visions that lead her to believe she’s experiencing something supernatural. Of course, she’s right, but she’s nowhere near prepared for the terror that begins to follow her every step.
A seemingly mundane element guides the horror: whenever someone smiles eerily at the protagonist, it signals danger. The film plays with this simple visual cue to build tension, making the viewer feel that anyone around her could be a threat.
From the very start of its marketing campaign, “Smile” became the talk of the town. Just days before its September 30, 2022 release, actors from the title appeared at various baseball games, sitting behind home plate completely still, smiling creepily while staring directly into the camera. One even showed up in the background of the Today show, surrounded by a crowd, wearing a “Smile” shirt and not breaking character.
What makes those smiles even more disturbing is that they’re 100% natural, no visual effects involved. While the studio considered enhancing them digitally, director Parker Finn refused. He insisted on keeping them grounded and realistic, proving that true creepiness doesn’t require over-the-top CGI.
Interestingly, “Smile” was originally intended as a streaming-only release on Paramount+. But after test screenings received much stronger reactions than expected, Paramount pivoted to a theatrical release. The result was a box office hit and another reminder that horror remains a powerful force in keeping the theatrical experience alive.
In September 2024, Finn confirmed plans for a third film, telling SFX Magazine, “We’ve maybe only scooped a single glass of water out of the ocean.” By December, “Smile 3” was officially in development and is set to begin filming in 2025. So, it’s only a matter of time before the nightmare continues.
