The Smile Movie Series Set to Become the Next Major Horror Franchise

Note from the Editor: This article contains spoilers regarding the conclusion of Smile 2.

Essential Insights

Smile 2 has successfully positioned itself alongside iconic horror franchises by reinventing its antagonist and crafting surprising endings.
Legendary horror series thrive on unexpected twists and memorable villains, as seen in Scream, Halloween, and Smile.
The twist of a victorious villain at the end, contrasting with the losing heroes, distinguishes Smile, compelling audiences to support the protagonists.

Despite the plethora of horror films released annually, only a select few attain the status of “classic.” The Smile franchise appears to have achieved this distinction, with its sequel becoming one of the most acclaimed and lucrative horror films in recent memory. The original film gained significant popularity by introducing a unique monster that intrigued audiences. However, Smile 2 elevated the franchise even further. To establish a lasting franchise, it requires more than just multiple entries; it necessitates the elements that can elevate it to classic status.

Franchises like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Scream are incredibly few and far between in the horror genre. Numerous factors have contributed to their standing as legendary series. Smile 2 has managed to carve its niche in the Horror Hall of Fame for various compelling reasons, beyond just the favorable reactions from fans and critics.

The Rarity of Iconic Franchises

Defining a classic horror franchise goes beyond mere longevity or the number of films produced. It encompasses a variety of elements that contribute to its esteemed status. For instance, Scream is often hailed as one of the top franchises due to its innovative approach—turning conventions of the slasher genre on their head. Characters within the film often reference other horror classics while existing in their own slasher narrative. Additionally, the unpredictability of the “bad guy”reemerging adds to the tension, much like Michael Myers did in Halloween.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU_bAopCcSE

SMILE 2 | Final Trailer (2024) – Naomi Scott, Lukas Gage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU_bAopCcSE)

Scream effectively illustrates this by revealing the killers’ identities just when the protagonists believe they have vanquished the threat. Likewise, in Halloween, Michael Myers stealthily appears behind unsuspecting victims, delivering his fatal blow before they grasp the danger they’re in. Despite his imposing presence, the suspense of whether and when he will strike keeps audiences on edge. Jason Voorhees shares a similar trait, stepping out from the shadows to ensnare his victims.

Smile 2
Directed By	Parker Finn
Starring	Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Dylan Gelula, Lukas Gage, Kyle Gallner, Peter Jacobson, Miles Gutierrez-Riley
Runtime	2 Hours, 7 Minutes
Release Date	October 18, 2024

In both Smile and its sequel, the demon stalking its prey operates differently compared to horror legends like Jason and Michael, though there are noteworthy similarities. The terror victims face from this creature often catches them off guard; they might think they’ve escaped or are temporarily safe before the demon reappears. Unlike classic jump scares, this entity presents itself directly in front of the victim, but it carefully hides its true nature until the perfect moment to strike. This method of toying with its victims aligns the creature more closely with Freddy from Nightmare on Elm Street or the assassins in Scream.

The element of unpredictability is crucial in these films, playing a significant role in their acclaim. It’s this element that has contributed to the impressive box office performance of Smile 2, even outpacing its predecessor financially. Critically, it has also received favorable nods, boasting an 83 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Achieving such high praise is a challenge for even the most beloved horror films.

The Villain’s Triumph

An essential characteristic of a compelling horror franchise is the genuine possibility that the protagonists may not prevail against the overarching evil. This aspect is particularly pronounced in the Smile films. In other series, such as Nightmare on Elm Street, the antagonist faces defeat in every film, yet there’s an implicit understanding that he could return in some form.

**Spoilers Ahead for Smile 2**

Within the narrative of Smile and Smile 2, audiences often find themselves misled into believing the demon’s defeat is imminent. Just as the protagonists seem on the verge of a happy ending, the film turns the tables, revealing that the uplifting moment was merely a cruel trick—a delusion designed to instill false hope in its victims. This moment usually coincides with the demon’s final, devastating psychological grip taking hold over its target.

Such unexpected conclusions are precisely what makes the Smile series exceptional, securing its status as a classic franchise. This narrative device encourages viewers to return, eager to see if the villain can be challenged successfully. Moreover, the stakes feel authentically high for the characters involved.

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