10 Movies & Shows Like Smile 2 (2024)

Description: Both 'The Ring' and 'Smile 2' feature cursed media that brings supernatural horror into the modern world. They share themes of investigation into mysterious deaths and the terror of inevitable doom. The visual style of both films is moody and atmospheric.

Fact: The American remake was actually shot before the Japanese original's US release. Naomi Watts' performance revived her Hollywood career. The famous well scene took weeks to film due to technical challenges.

Description: Like 'Smile 2', 'The Grudge' deals with a supernatural curse that spreads between people. Both films feature terrifying imagery and themes of inescapable fate. The psychological impact on characters is similarly explored in both stories.

Fact: The film's ghost Kayako was inspired by Japanese Noh theater. Sarah Michelle Gellar took the role to break from her Buffy image. The death rattle sound effect became iconic in horror cinema.

Description: Like 'Smile 2', 'The Conjuring' is a supernatural horror film that builds tension through psychological terror. Both feature protagonists confronting malevolent forces that threaten their sanity. The films share a similar atmospheric approach to horror.

Fact: Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film launched a successful horror franchise. Director James Wan used practical effects to enhance realism.

Description: 'Sinister' and 'Smile 2' both explore the horror of discovered footage and cursed images. They share themes of family danger and supernatural threats that escalate over time. The films create fear through what's shown and what's implied.

Fact: The creepy home videos were inspired by real snuff film myths. Ethan Hawke's character was originally written as much older. The film's villain Bagul was based on Mesopotamian mythology.

Description: Similar to 'Smile 2' (2024), 'The Babadook' explores psychological horror and the theme of inherited trauma. Both films use supernatural elements to symbolize deep-seated fears and mental health struggles. The visual aesthetics in both movies are dark and unsettling, creating a constant sense of dread.

Fact: The Babadook was director Jennifer Kent's debut feature film. The creature design was inspired by German Expressionist cinema. The film was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of grief and depression.

Description: Similar to 'Smile 2', 'Get Out' blends psychological horror with social commentary. Both films feature protagonists who slowly realize they're in grave danger, with tension building through subtle clues. The themes of manipulation and hidden threats are central to both stories.

Fact: Jordan Peele's directorial debut won him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The film's budget was only $

Description: Both 'A Quiet Place' and 'Smile 2' use innovative concepts to create tension (silence vs. smiling). They share themes of family protection against overwhelming threats. The films similarly build horror through character reactions and limited communication.

Fact: John Krasinski co-wrote, directed and starred in the film. The creatures' design was inspired by prehistoric sea life. Millicent Simmonds, who is deaf, helped design authentic ASL scenes.

Description: 'Us' shares with 'Smile 2' a focus on doppelgängers and the horror of facing one's own darkness. Both films use psychological elements to create fear, with themes of identity and hidden trauma. The visual storytelling in both is striking and symbolic.

Fact: Lupita Nyong'o prepared for her dual roles by studying schizophrenia cases. The film's title has multiple meanings, including 'United States'. The scissors used as weapons were inspired by Edward Scissorhands.

Description: Like 'Smile 2', 'Hereditary' deals with themes of family trauma and psychological horror. Both films feature disturbing imagery and a slow-building tension that culminates in shocking moments. The emotional tone is similarly intense and unsettling.

Fact: Toni Collette's performance was widely praised but controversially snubbed for an Oscar nomination. The film's climax features one of the most shocking scenes in modern horror. Director Ari Aster drew inspiration from personal family experiences.

Description: Both 'Midsommar' and 'Smile 2' explore psychological horror through the lens of personal trauma. They share a theme of characters being trapped in increasingly terrifying situations. The visual contrast between bright settings and dark themes is another similarity.

Fact: Florence Pugh's performance was largely improvised during emotional scenes. The film was shot in Hungary but set in Sweden. Director Ari Aster used daylight to create unease, subverting typical horror conventions.