Smile 2, the 2024 horror sequel starring Naomi Scott, best known for playing Princess Jasmine in the 2019 Aladdin reboot, has dropped on Netflix. The film has become one of the most talked-about horror movies of the decade, leaving viewers terrified with its intense suspense and jump scares.
Sequel surpasses original in scares
While the original Smile is not currently available on major streaming platforms, Netflix added its spooky sequel on Wednesday, July 15. Fans note that you do not need to have seen the first film to enjoy it, and many consider it the superior movie. The film centers on Skye Riley, a pop star played by Scott, who begins to experience a series of increasingly disturbing events as she prepares for her world tour. It offers a brilliant take on the pressures of the music industry.
Stellar cast and critical acclaim
Filling out the rest of the cast are Rosemarie DeWitt (La La Land), Lukas Gage (Euphoria), Miles Gutierrez-Riley (Agatha All Along), Peter Jacobson (House), Ray Nicholson (Novocaine), Dylan Gelula (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Raúl Castillo (Knives Out), and Kyle Gallner (Strange Darling), who previously appeared in the first film. At the time of its release, many felt that Scott's performance deserved an Oscar nomination. Smile 2 holds a strong score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. The critical consensus reads: 'Blessed with a nerve-jangling star turn by Naomi Scott, writer-director Parker Finn broadens Smile's conceit into a pop stardom nightmare that'll leave a rictus grin on horror fans' faces.'
Fan reactions highlight intensity
Over on Reddit, horror movie fans have left reviews explaining why Smile 2 is not only a successful sequel but one of the scariest movies they have seen. One user, @deleted, said: 'Smile 2 was, without a doubt, the best horror movie I've seen in a long time. The suspense was constant, keeping me glued to the edge of my seat from start to finish. Every single moment had me pulled right in, feeling like I was living it right along with the characters. Naomi Scott's performance was incredible raw, intense, and packed with emotion.' Another user, @brightvib3, wrote: 'Just watched that movie was absolutely insane, loved it!' @nathailey451 posted: 'Definitely one of the scariest movies I've ever seen. Acting was good and the jump scares felt constant. I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time lol. Wasn't expecting it to be that intense!' @SeparateTip4057 commented: 'It was amazingggggg. Not a lot of horror movies have me tensed up the whole time.' @Ok_Patience3075 stated: 'I love how each film starts with a character from the previous story and wonder if they'll hone in one of the characters we watched during Smile 2 for this next iteration.'
Horror genre thriving in 2026
2026 is proving to be another stellar year for horror. In May, Obsession changed the way the industry views the box office. Made for just $750,000, it has grossed over $425 million at the time of writing and dominated social media chatter. Boasting an unknown cast and directed by newcomer Curry Baker, it followed a young man who uses a supernatural toy to make his friend fall in love with him, with things going further than expected. Last month saw Backrooms released, made by 20-year-old director Kane Parsons. Based on a creepy internet phenomenon about liminal spaces, it cost only $10 million to make and brought in $368 million at the box office. With franchises like Marvel and Star Wars beginning to falter, film fans clearly want thrilling, original stories, a trend first indicated by the 2022 film Smile.
