Quick Summary
Smile 2 has emerged as a major box office success, crossing significant global milestones within just three weeks of its release. The horror sequel, which follows Naomi Scott’s character Skye Riley as she grapples with the Smile Curse, has earned over $110 million worldwide, nearly quadrupling its $28 million budget. While it hasn’t surpassed the original film’s record-breaking performance, Smile 2 has solidified its place as one of the top horror films of 2024. With strong performances in both domestic and international markets, the film’s success hints at a bright future for the franchise. Fans of the genre and the Smile series can expect more thrilling installments ahead.
Introduction: The 2024 Horror Movie Phenomenon
2024 has been a year of surprises and standout moments in the horror genre. Among the top performers, Smile 2 has emerged as one of the most successful films of the year. The horror sequel, released in October 2024, has quickly become a box office powerhouse, crossing major milestones in just a few weeks. But what exactly makes Smile 2 so special?
For those who enjoyed the original Smile in 2022, the sequel brings even more thrills and terror to the screen. What started as a modestly-budgeted horror movie turned into a massive global hit, inspiring both excitement and curiosity for its follow-up. With its clever mix of psychological horror, an intriguing premise, and a memorable cast, Smile 2 has cemented its place in the 2024 horror movie phenomenon.
Smile 2’s performance at the global box office has been nothing short of impressive, surpassing $110 million in just three weeks. While this number is impressive, it’s still a bit behind the success of its predecessor, which topped $217 million. The Collider article highlights the current standings of Smile 2 in comparison to the original film and explores what this means for the future of the franchise. With the movie continuing to perform well, it seems likely that Smile 2 could be the start of a successful new chapter, leading to upcoming Smile movies.
The success of Smile 2 is a testament to the power of both strong storytelling and audience engagement. But beyond its gripping narrative, the film has made a significant impact on the global box office—taking audiences worldwide by storm.
The Global Success of Smile 2: A Box Office Milestone
Smile 2 Breaks New Records
In just three weeks, Smile 2 has already crossed the impressive milestone of $110 million globally, nearly quadrupling its production budget of $28 million. This rapid success is a reflection of the film’s strong appeal, both domestically and internationally. With $53 million earned in North America and $57 million from international markets, the film is quickly climbing up the ranks of 2024’s top horror releases.
For comparison, the original Smile (2022) was a box office sensation, grossing a total of $217 million worldwide against a budget of just $17 million. The sequel had big shoes to fill, but it’s clear that Smile 2 is on track to achieve similar success. It’s now officially one of the top 5 highest-grossing horror films of 2024, sitting comfortably behind A Quiet Place: Day One and Beetlejuice.
Why Smile 2 Is One of the Best-Rated Horror Movies of 2024
Smile 2 has received glowing reviews from both critics and fans alike. Its fresh take on psychological horror, coupled with its well-paced scares and compelling characters, has made it a standout film of the year. Unlike many horror movies that rely on gore and jump scares, Smile 2 opts for a more subtle, atmospheric approach, which has resonated with viewers looking for a deeper, more thought-provoking experience.
With Naomi Scott’s stellar performance as Skye Riley, a pop star who becomes infected by the Smile Curse, the film adds a level of character-driven depth that elevates it beyond the typical horror sequel. The twist on the original’s premise—exploring the curse through a new set of eyes—adds intrigue, while the unsettling atmosphere keeps audiences on edge.
For those curious about the competition, Smile 2 debuted on the heels of the brutal Terrifier 3, which also made a significant mark at the box office. However, Smile 2 was able to snatch the top spot in its opening weekend, setting it up as one of the top horror releases of the year. Despite its strong showing, it’s still worth noting that the positive reviews for Smile 2 were not the only thing driving its success — its compelling character-driven narrative has also helped differentiate it from other horror sequels.
The film’s box office performance is a clear indicator of its widespread popularity and positive reception.
Smile 2 vs. Smile: A Look at the Franchise’s Growth
How Smile 2 Compares to the Original Smile Movie
It’s no secret that Smile (2022) was a sleeper hit that exceeded all expectations. It not only grossed over $217 million globally but also earned a spot as the highest-grossing horror movie of 2022. The film’s success paved the way for the Smile franchise to expand, and thus, Smile 2 was born.
However, despite Smile 2’s impressive earnings, it is still behind the original film in terms of overall box office performance. While Smile 2 is on track to reach new heights, it may not surpass the massive impact of the first movie. The original Smile struck a chord with audiences worldwide due to its original premise and unique blend of psychological horror. It had the perfect combination of a low-budget production and a gripping narrative, which made it a huge success for its genre.
The Sequel’s Potential: Can Smile 2 Surpass the Original’s Success?
While Smile 2’s box office performance is nothing short of remarkable, the film is unlikely to surpass the record-breaking numbers set by its predecessor. This is due to several factors, including the uniqueness of the original Smile movie and the way it captivated audiences with its fresh concept. Nevertheless, Smile 2 is still in theaters and continues to perform well, so there’s always potential for further earnings.
Despite the challenges, the success of Smile 2 is significant on its own. The film has already reached milestones that would be considered impressive for many films in the horror genre, and its ability to maintain interest long after its release is a testament to its broad appeal.
The Making of Smile 2: Budget, Production, and Storyline
Behind the Scenes of Smile 2‘s Creation
One of the most notable aspects of Smile 2’s success is its modest budget of $28 million. For comparison, many major blockbuster horror films are often produced with much larger budgets, but Smile 2 has proven that you don’t need a huge budget to create an impactful horror experience.
The production team made some smart choices, prioritizing effective storytelling, atmosphere, and strong performances over excessive special effects. The director, Parker Finn, who also helmed the original film, brought his signature style back to the sequel, ensuring that Smile 2 remained true to the formula that worked so well the first time. The movie’s eerie atmosphere and psychological thrills are built on tension rather than visual gore, which sets it apart from other horror films.
The Plot of Smile 2: What to Expect from the Sequel
Smile 2 picks up where the first movie left off, but this time, the story centers on Skye Riley (played by Naomi Scott), a pop star who becomes entangled with the Smile Curse. The film explores how Skye deals with the curse’s growing grip on her life, leading her down a terrifying and unsettling path. The sequel doesn’t simply rely on rehashing the original story but instead brings new twists and depth, exploring different facets of the Smile Entity and its effect on the characters.
The plot takes the curse to new places, building on the original movie’s premise while expanding on the mythology and adding new elements to keep audiences engaged. The personal stakes are higher in Smile 2, with the character-driven storylines allowing for a more intimate and emotional connection to the horror.
Milestones and Box Office Numbers: How Smile 2 Is Performing Worldwide
Global Box Office Numbers: A Rapid Climb
Smile 2 has proven to be a global box office juggernaut. In just three weeks since its release, it has grossed an impressive $110 million worldwide. With $53 million from domestic (North American) markets and another $57 million from international territories, the film is on track to become one of the highest-grossing horror films of 2024.
What’s particularly remarkable is the sequel’s rapid growth, nearly quadrupling its $28 million production budget in such a short time. This quick success demonstrates that Smile 2 resonates with horror fans everywhere, continuing the legacy of the original film. The first movie, which was made on a budget of $17 million, grossed over $217 million, setting a high bar. While Smile 2 hasn’t yet overtaken the original’s overall earnings, its impressive early performance indicates a bright future for the franchise.
Here’s a look at how Smile 2’s earnings break down:
| Region | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Domestic | $53 million |
| International | $57 million |
| Total Worldwide | $110 million |
This milestone positions Smile 2 as the 4th highest-grossing horror film of 2024, surpassing many expectations. But it’s important to note that its journey isn’t over, and more earnings are likely as it continues to dominate theaters across the globe.
The Horror Movie Race of 2024
While Smile 2 may not have the same massive box office haul as other high-budget horror films like Beetlejuice or Alien: Romulus, its performance is significant for a low-budget sequel. It’s outperformed expectations and secured a spot in the top 100 highest-grossing horror films domestically, sitting just $5 million shy of reaching that milestone.
Despite facing tough competition from other major horror releases, Smile 2 has shown that strong storytelling and a fresh approach to the horror genre can go a long way. The film’s domestic earnings are poised to continue growing, and with its international success, it’s clear that Smile 2 is becoming a fan favorite.
What Does Smile 2‘s Success Mean for the Future of the Franchise?
Setting the Stage for Smile 3 and Beyond
With Smile 2’s impressive earnings, fans are already speculating about the future of the franchise. It’s clear that the Smile series has the potential to keep growing. Despite the fact that Smile 2 might not reach the original’s monumental box office heights, it has certainly carved its own niche in the horror genre.
Director Parker Finn, who helmed both Smile and its sequel, has hinted that there are more stories to tell within the Smile universe. Smile 2 introduces new elements and explores the curse’s impact on different characters, so there’s still plenty of room for new twists and turns. Many are excited to see how the series will evolve, with new characters, locations, and possibly even deeper dives into the Smile Entity‘s origins.
While there’s no official confirmation yet, the success of Smile 2 suggests that Smile 3 could very well be in the works. As long as the franchise continues to innovate and push the boundaries of horror, there’s no reason why the Smile brand can’t become a long-lasting horror staple.
Expanding the Mythos
One of the most compelling aspects of Smile 2 is how it builds upon the original film’s mythos. While Smile introduced us to the Smile Curse, Smile 2 expands on it by focusing on new characters and delving deeper into the entity’s origins. This type of narrative expansion leaves fans wondering how future installments could further develop this unique and unsettling world.
Whether it’s diving into the psychological horror or exploring new twists in the curse’s evolution, there’s potential for even more compelling and terrifying stories. The success of Smile 2 provides a solid foundation for more films to come—if the creative team can maintain the fresh and eerie energy that made both films so engaging.
Is Smile 2 the Best Horror Movie of 2024?
Evaluating Smile 2 Against Other Horror Films of the Year
Smile 2 has undoubtedly made waves in the horror genre, but is it the best horror movie of 2024? With films like A Quiet Place: Day One and Beetlejuice dominating the scene, there’s plenty of competition for the title of top horror movie. However, Smile 2 holds its own by offering something different from the typical horror fare.
What sets Smile 2 apart is its psychological depth and character-driven narrative. While many horror films of 2024 rely heavily on scares or gory spectacles, Smile 2 leans into its atmosphere and intriguing storyline. Its mix of suspense and emotional tension makes it stand out in a crowded field. But whether it’s the best of the year is subjective, and fans of different subgenres will naturally have their favorites.
What Critics Are Saying
Critics have praised Smile 2 for its strong performances, particularly from Naomi Scott, who delivers a standout performance as Skye Riley. The film’s careful blend of terror and psychological exploration is another element that has earned it a place among the best-reviewed horror films of 2024. However, opinions vary, and some critics still favor other entries, like A Quiet Place: Day One, for their more traditional horror elements.
In any case, Smile 2 is certainly in the conversation when it comes to the best horror films of 2024.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Smile 2 and Its Impact on the Horror Genre
A Franchise with Staying Power
Smile 2 may not surpass its predecessor in every area, but it has certainly carved out its own legacy. The film has proven that the Smile franchise has staying power, thanks to its innovative storytelling, compelling characters, and unique approach to psychological horror. It’s clear that the Smile brand has a bright future ahead of it, and fans can expect more thrilling installments in the coming years.
The Impact on the Horror Genre
Smile 2’s success is a reflection of what audiences are craving in the horror genre—fresh, character-driven stories that focus on atmosphere and psychological depth, rather than relying solely on jump scares or gore. As the film continues to perform well at the box office, it’s likely that other horror films will take notice and follow suit, creating a new wave of intelligent horror films that focus on emotional and psychological tension.
The legacy of Smile 2 is not only one of box office success but also a testament to the changing landscape of modern horror. It’s a reminder that the genre doesn’t need to rely on cheap thrills to succeed. Instead, it can thrive by exploring the deeper, more unsettling aspects of the human psyche. As the film continues to impact both audiences and critics alike, its influence will likely be felt for years to come.
Smile 2
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Parker Finn
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Raul Castillo , Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Kyle Gallner , Naomi Scott , Lukas Gage , Rosemarie DeWitt , Dylan Gelula , Peter Jacobson
Prequel: Smile
Synopsis: A sequel to the 2022 psychological horror film, Smile 2 follows the aftermath of a therapist witnessing a patient’s suicide, unleashing a wave of supernatural terror.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smile 2
1. What is Smile 2 about?
Smile 2 follows the story of Skye Riley, a pop star who becomes cursed after a terrifying encounter with the Smile Entity. As she grapples with the horrors of this curse, she tries to unravel the mystery behind the sinister force that haunts her. The film builds upon the original Smile, expanding on the mythology of the Smile Entity while delving into more character-driven horror.
2. How much did Smile 2 make at the box office?
As of its third week in theaters, Smile 2 has grossed an impressive $110 million worldwide. This includes $53 million from domestic (North American) earnings and $57 million from international markets. Given its $28 million production budget, this success has nearly quadrupled its cost and solidified its position as a major 2024 horror hit.
3. How does Smile 2 compare to the original movie?
Smile 2 has not yet surpassed the original film’s box office numbers, but it’s still performing admirably. While Smile made over $217 million, Smile 2 is quickly gaining ground with its $110 million earnings. Both films share similar themes and elements, but Smile 2 introduces new characters and expands the lore, making it a unique addition to the franchise.
4. Is there going to be a Smile 3?
While there hasn’t been any official confirmation about a third installment, the success of Smile 2 strongly indicates that Smile 3 could be on the horizon. Director Parker Finn has expressed interest in continuing the franchise, and fans are excited about the possibility of exploring more stories tied to the Smile Entity. With the current success and ongoing box office performance, it’s highly likely that we’ll see more of the Smile universe.
5. Who are the main characters in Smile 2?
The main character in Smile 2 is Skye Riley, portrayed by Naomi Scott, a pop star who becomes cursed by the Smile Entity. Other significant characters include Joel, played by Kyle Gallner, who has a much smaller role than in the original film. The film also introduces new characters, each of whom is affected by the curse in different ways.
6. What makes Smile 2 different from other horror films?
Smile 2 stands out from other 2024 horror films by focusing on psychological horror and character-driven narratives. While many horror movies rely heavily on jump scares and gore, Smile 2 creates a slow-burning atmosphere that builds tension and explores deeper emotional themes. This unique approach to horror is one of the reasons the film has been so well-received by critics and audiences alike.
7. Is Smile 2 worth watching?
If you enjoyed the original Smile or are a fan of psychological horror films, then Smile 2 is absolutely worth watching. The film offers a fresh perspective on the Smile Curse and features strong performances, particularly from Naomi Scott. The eerie atmosphere and character-driven plot make it an engaging and unsettling experience that fans of horror won’t want to miss.
8. What are the future plans for the Smile franchise?
Given the success of Smile 2 and the growing fanbase, there’s a strong chance that the Smile franchise will continue to evolve. The filmmakers have hinted at future installments that could explore different aspects of the Smile Entity and expand the mythology even further. Whether through direct sequels or spin-offs, the future of the Smile franchise looks promising.
Author’s Note
Thank you for taking the time to explore this deep dive into Smile 2 and its remarkable success in the horror genre. As someone who’s followed this film’s journey from its inception to its current box office triumph, I’ve been genuinely excited to see how it’s resonated with audiences around the world. While Smile 2 may not have surpassed the original in terms of box office, its own achievements are noteworthy, especially given its ambitious storytelling and character-driven approach to horror.
As the film industry evolves, it’s always fascinating to watch how certain franchises take shape and grow over time. The Smile series has already made a significant impact, and I’m eager to see where it goes from here. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer to the Smile universe, there’s no denying that this franchise is creating a lasting legacy in the horror genre.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you think about the future of the Smile franchise and whether you believe Smile 2 is a worthy follow-up to the original.
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more updates as Smile 2 continues to make its mark on the global stage!
Mary Linda
Mary Linda is the lead author at Celebrity To People, where she brings her expertise and passion for celebrity journalism to the forefront. With a distinguished career spanning five years in the writing industry, Mary has contributed to numerous reputable publications before finding her niche in the world of celebrity news and stories.
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