Smile 2, the horror sequel that fans describe as one of the most disturbing films ever, is now streaming on Netflix as of 15 July 2026. The film, previously available on Paramount+, is expected to reach a much wider audience on Netflix.
Plot and Cast
The sequel follows pop star Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott, as she inherits a curse from the first film. The story picks up immediately after the original 2022 movie, but viewers can enjoy it without having seen the predecessor. Skye is about to launch a major comeback world tour when the horrors of fame and a dark past threaten to overwhelm her. The cast includes Lukas Gage (You), Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Miles Guiterrez-Riley, and Ray Nicholson, son of Jack Nicholson.
Critical and Fan Reception
While Smile 2 did not perform as well at the box office as the first film, it earned a higher Rotten Tomatoes score of 86%. Fans quickly labelled it the scariest film of 2024. One fan shared: "Smile 2 blew me away! An award-worthy step-up in every way to the original: magnificent cinematography, clever jump scares, bloody, gnarly imagery and thematic depth surrounding grief, trauma and guilt. Career-best performance from Naomi Scott." Another added: "The jump scares are so well done, I nearly dropped my popcorn twice, but what ultimately sells it is the amazing portrayal of Skye and her trauma by Naomi Scott."
Warnings from Viewers
During its theatrical run, a pattern emerged of filmgoers posting immediate reactions on social media, warning others to avoid the film if they want to sleep. One TikTok user confessed: "I am not sleeping tonight. Walking out of the Smile 2 movie, I am never ever recovering. The most disturbing thing I have ever seen." Another concurred: "I'm not sleeping for a week. Just saw Smile 2. That was nothing like the first one. Traumatised doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. It was so good but so horrifying and unexpected."
Smile 2 is now streaming on Netflix.
