As a horror enthusiast who has spent countless nights huddled under the covers, I can wholeheartedly recommend these chilling movies for those who have found themselves captivated by the eerie allure of “Smile“.
2022 was an exceptional year for the horror genre, offering fans a chilling debut, “Smile,” from writer-director Parker Finn, inspired by his short film “Laura Hasn’t Slept.” Despite employing a well-worn device, it proved to be an effective horror movie that delves into themes of grief and trauma, largely due to the captivating portrayal of a psychiatrist who forms an unsettling bond with a malevolent entity, which reveals itself through its sinister grin, delivered masterfully by Sosie Bacon.
Without a doubt, it gave birth to one of the most eagerly awaited horror films in 2024’s movie lineup – none other than “Smile 2,” starring Naomi Scott. The original “Smile” can be streamed with a Paramount+ or Hulu subscription, but until then, there are numerous other terrifying movies featuring Naomi Scott that you might enjoy watching.
It Follows (2015)
Director: David Robert Mitchell
Starring: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist
Following an unsettling intimate experience, a young lady starts being tormented by a mysterious figure capable of changing its form, which she alone perceives.
If you’re a fan of Smile, you might want to consider watching It Follows as well. This film revolves around a character who receives a lethal curse in an unconventional way (through sexual encounters). While It Follows has a more subdued tone and explores different themes, it shares similarities with Smile that could make it appealing to you.
How to watch It Follows:
- Stream It Follows on Netflix
- Stream It Follows on Tubi
- Rent or buy It Follows on Amazon
- Buy It Follows on Blu-ray on Amazon
The Ring (2002)
Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson
Investigation Focus: A journalist delves into a string of troubling incidents linked to an enigmatic VHS tape.
If you’re fond of Smile, you might want to consider watching The Ring, an equally chilling film that shares a similar theme. It’s based on the highly praised Japanese horror movie Ringu and revolves around a woman trying to break free from a lethal curse.
How to watch The Ring:
- Stream The Ring on AMC+
- Rent or buy The Ring on Amazon
- Buy The Ring on Blu-ray on Amazon
Drag Me To Hell (2009)
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long
The Main Topic: Following her denial of an extension on a loan to an old lady, a woman finds herself under a malevolent spell.
If you enjoy the film Smile, I highly recommend giving Sam Raimi’s movie, Drag Me to Hell, a watch. It’s another supernatural cursed movie, but what sets it apart is its comedic elements, making it one of the funnier ones in the genre. Plus, Alison Lohman delivers a standout performance in a unique role often associated with scream queens.
How to watch Drag Me to Hell:
- Stream Drag Me to Hell on Amazon Prime
- Stream Drag Me to Hell on Peacock
- Buy Drag Me to Hell on Blu-ray on Amazon
Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
Starring: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff
Main Topic: Following a devastating event, the already sorrowful family experiences a string of mysterious incidents that leave them puzzled and distressed.
Consider giving this a try: If you appreciate the haunting exploration of trauma in films like Hereditary, then Smile is definitely worth checking out. It’s another chilling masterpiece from A24’s horror collection, similar to Ari Aster’s acclaimed debut shocker.
How to watch Hereditary:
- Rent or buy Hereditary on Amazon
- Buy Hereditary on Blu-ray on Amazon
The Babadook (2014)
Director: Jennifer Kent
Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman
Main Topic: A grieving single mom, who has lost her spouse, feels that an eerie figure from a children’s book is bullying her and her son.
If you enjoyed the chilling horror of The Babadook, then Smile is a must-see for you! Like its titular villain, the central theme in Smile symbolically portrays the protagonist’s battles with grief.
How to watch The Babadook:
- Stream The Babadook on Netflix
- Stream The Babadook on Pluto TV
- Rent or buy The Babadook on Amazon
- Buy The Babadook on Blu-ray on Amazon
Umma (2022)
Director: Iris K. Shim
Starring: Sandra Oh, Fivel Stewart
In a nutshell: The bond between a Korean-American farmer and her daughter becomes strained as the arrival of her mother’s ashes stirs up painful recollections from their past.
As a gamer, I’d highly recommend checking out Umma if you enjoyed the chilling themes of intergenerational trauma and child abuse in Smile. Produced by Sam Raimi, the mind behind the iconic Evil Dead, it’s a gripping horror tale that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
How to watch Umma:
- Stream Umma on Hulu
- Rent or buy Umma on Amazon
- Buy Umma on Blu-ray on Amazon
Director: Mike Flanagan
Starring: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites
Main Topic: A sibling duo seeks to uncover the truth behind an enigmatic antique mirror, as they believe it played a pivotal role in orchestrating their unsettling upbringing.
If you enjoy the psychological exploration found in Smile, you might want to consider checking out Oculus by Mike Flanagan as well. Both films share a central theme of characters grappling with their past traumas, and they both culminate in surprising and unsettling conclusions.
How to watch Oculus:
- Stream Oculus on Pluto TV
- Stream Oculus on Plex
- Rent or buy Oculus on Amazon
- Buy Oculus on Blu-ray on Amazon
The Invisible Man (2020)
Director: Leigh Whannell
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge
The subject matter: A woman believes her supposedly deceased, tech mogul husband has found a method to tease her unnoticeably.
If you enjoy the film Smile, you might find it worthwhile to watch The Invisible Man as well. One reason is that deception, or gaslighting, is a significant aspect in both movies. Additionally, The Invisible Man is a fresh and intelligent take on the classic Universal Monster movie, produced by Blumhouse.
How to watch The Invisible Man:
- Stream The Invisible Man on Freevee through Amazon
- Buy The Invisible Man on Blu-ray on Amazon
Malignant (2021)
Director: James Wan
Starring: Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson
The story revolves around a woman who starts experiencing chilling visions, which unfortunately bear a striking resemblance to real-life murder scenes.
You might find James Wan’s homage to Giallo slashers, titled “Malignant,” intriguing if you enjoyed the movie “Smile.” Both films share similarities, such as dealing with themes like gaslighting and abuse, featuring a protagonist confronting her past in the midst of a sequence of mysterious, lethal events, and possessing an exhilarating climax.
How to watch Malignant:
- Stream Malignant on Max
- Stream Malignant on Peacock
- Rent or buy Malignant on Amazon
- Buy Malignant on Blu-ray on Amazon
Hopefully, these horror movie recommendations put a smile on your face and a chill down your spine.
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2024-10-14 21:07