The bone-chilling success of “Smile” left horror fans craving more, and now “Smile 2” promises to deliver another round of psychological terror. As theaters showcase this haunting sequel, many viewers eagerly await its arrival on Netflix. The streaming giant’s massive horror collection makes it a natural home for this anticipated release, though the path from theatrical debut to Netflix availability follows specific patterns and timelines.
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This comprehensive guide maps out everything you need to know about watching “Smile 2” on Netflix, from expected release windows to current viewing alternatives. Whether you’re planning to catch it as soon as possible or waiting for its streaming debut, we’ll explore all available options and help you make informed viewing decisions.
Netflix Release Timeline
For viewers eagerly awaiting “Smile 2” on Netflix, there’s important news regarding the film’s streaming future. The horror sequel will not be available on Netflix in the immediate future, as it falls under Paramount Pictures’ distribution rights.
Expected Netflix availability window
Due to Paramount’s established streaming strategy, “Smile 2” is set to follow a specific release pattern. The film will first make its streaming debut on Paramount+, approximately 50-60 days after its theatrical release. Based on recent Paramount releases, viewers can expect the film to arrive on Paramount+ around Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Before the streaming release, the film will be available through Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) starting November 19, 2024. Digital purchase options include:
- Prime Video ($24.99)
- AppleTV ($24.99)
- VUDU ($24.99)
Digital rentals are expected to be priced at $19.99 for a 48-hour viewing period.
Regional release differences
The streaming release pattern for “Smile 2” follows Paramount’s standard distribution model across regions. Recent examples of Paramount’s release timeline include:
| Movie | Theatrical Release | Paramount+ Debut | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Girls | January 12 | March 5 | 52 days |
| Bob Marley: One Love | February 14 | April 12 | 57 days |
| IF | May 17 | July 9 | 54 days |
Streaming rights and agreements
Starting in 2024, all Paramount Pictures movies are contractually bound to stream exclusively on Paramount+. This agreement means “Smile 2” will not appear on other streaming platforms like Netflix during its initial streaming window. The studio typically maintains a consistent window of approximately two months between theatrical release and streaming availability, as demonstrated by recent releases like “A Quiet Place: Day One,” which arrived on Paramount+ 60 days after its theatrical debut.
This streaming strategy aligns with Paramount’s broader digital distribution approach, which includes a structured release pattern: theatrical run, followed by PVOD availability, and finally, streaming access through Paramount+.
Current Streaming Options
Currently, “Smile 2” is making waves in theaters worldwide, with impressive box office earnings of $47.80 million domestically and $49.20 million internationally. While audiences await its digital release, several viewing options are on the horizon.
Digital purchase platforms
Pre-orders for “Smile 2” are now available on major digital platforms. The film is listed at $24.99 for purchase on:
- Prime Video
- AppleTV
- VUDU
These digital purchase options will become active starting November 19, 2024, allowing viewers to own the film permanently in their digital libraries.
PVOD rental services
For those preferring a rental option, “Smile 2” will be available through Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) services. The rental pricing structure reflects industry standards:
| Platform | Rental Price | Viewing Window |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video | $19.99 | 48 hours |
| AppleTV | $19.99 | 48 hours |
| VUDU | $19.99 | 48 hours |
Theater-to-streaming timeline
Paramount Pictures follows a structured release pattern for their theatrical releases. Key dates in “Smile 2’s” release schedule:
Theatrical Release: October 18, 2024 Digital Purchase/PVOD: November 19, 2024 Paramount+ Streaming: Early December 2024
This timeline aligns with Paramount’s typical 50-day window between theatrical and streaming releases. The studio’s recent success with similar release patterns for films like “A Quiet Place: Day One” suggests this schedule will remain consistent, though box office performance could influence the exact streaming date.
The film’s theatrical performance, with a production budget of $28.00 million, has already demonstrated strong market demand, potentially affecting its digital release strategy. While waiting for the streaming release, viewers can purchase tickets through AMC Theaters and Fandango in the US, or Vue, Cineworld, and Odeon in the UK.
Alternative Viewing Methods
While theaters remain the primary venue for experiencing “Smile 2,” Paramount Pictures has developed several alternative viewing options for audiences worldwide. A unique promotional opportunity allows fans to watch the first seven minutes of the film for free through the official “Smile 2” website, provided they maintain a smile during viewing—an innovative feature that uses responsive technology to pause playback when viewers stop smiling.
Paramount+ availability
As Paramount Pictures’ dedicated streaming platform, Paramount+ offers multiple subscription tiers for accessing their content library:
- Paramount+ Essential: $7.99/month or $59.99/year (40% savings)
- Ad-supported streaming
- Access to 40,000+ episodes and movies
- Simultaneous streaming on three devices
- Paramount+ with Showtime: $12.99/month or $119.99/year (37% savings)
- Ad-free viewing experience
- Showtime Originals access
- Offline download capability
- Live CBS streaming
International streaming options
International viewers can access “Smile 2” through various regional Paramount+ partnerships. Prime Video subscribers in select countries can add Paramount+ as a premium channel, starting with a seven-day free trial. The service maintains consistent pricing and features across regions, though availability dates may vary based on local distribution agreements.
Digital rental vs. purchase comparison
When choosing between rental and purchase options, consider the following comparison:
| Option | Price | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Purchase | $24.99 | Permanent access, Multiple viewings | Higher upfront cost |
| Digital Rental | $19.99 | Lower initial cost | 48-hour viewing window |
| Paramount+ | $7.99-$12.99/month | Additional content library, Regular new releases | Requires subscription |
For cost-conscious viewers, Paramount+ offers the most economical option, especially when considering the platform’s extensive content library. New subscribers can take advantage of the seven-day free trial to explore the service before committing to a subscription. The platform also hosts the original “Smile” film, allowing viewers to catch up on the franchise before watching the sequel.
Streaming Requirements
Understanding the technical requirements for streaming services is crucial as viewers await “Smile 2’s” digital release. While the film will initially stream on Paramount+, knowing Netflix’s capabilities ensures you’re prepared for future viewing options.
Netflix subscription tiers
Netflix offers three distinct subscription plans to accommodate different viewing preferences:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard with ads | $6.99 | 1080p quality, 2 devices, ad-supported |
| Standard | $15.49 | 1080p quality, 2 devices, ad-free, extra member option |
| Premium | $22.99 | 4K+HDR quality, 4 devices, spatial audio |
Each tier includes access to Netflix’s complete movie library, with the Premium plan offering enhanced features like spatial audio and the ability to add up to two extra members for $7.99 each per month.
Device compatibility
Netflix’s streaming platform supports a wide range of devices, ensuring flexible viewing options:
- Smart TVs and Media Players
- Pre-installed on most modern smart TVs
- Compatible with popular streaming devices
- Accessible through cable and pay TV providers
- Mobile and Computing Devices
- Smartphones and tablets
- Mac and Windows computers
- Chromebook compatibility
- Gaming consoles and AR/VR devices
The Netflix app comes pre-installed on many devices, while others require a simple download from respective app stores. Users can access content through netflix.com using supported web browsers or the dedicated Windows app.
Streaming quality options
Streaming quality varies based on your subscription tier and internet connection. The Standard with ads and Standard plans support Full HD (1080p) streaming on two devices simultaneously. Premium subscribers enjoy Ultra HD (4K) content with HDR support on up to four devices, plus Netflix spatial audio for compatible content.
Download capabilities also differ by tier:
- Standard with ads: 2 supported devices
- Standard: 2 supported devices
- Premium: 6 supported devices
For optimal streaming performance, Netflix recommends:
- Standard Definition: 3 Mbps internet connection
- High Definition: 5 Mbps internet connection
- 4K Ultra HD: 15 Mbps internet connection
While “Smile 2” will debut on Paramount+, understanding these requirements ensures you’re prepared for any future availability on Netflix’s platform. The service’s flexible subscription options and broad device compatibility make it a convenient choice for horror fans awaiting the film’s potential addition to their streaming library.
What to Watch While Waiting
Horror enthusiasts anticipating “Smile 2” can explore a curated selection of similarly haunting films across various streaming platforms. From psychological terrors to supernatural threats, these recommendations will help bridge the wait until the sequel’s release.
Similar horror movies on Netflix
For fans of psychological horror, several films share thematic elements with the “Smile” franchise. “It Follows” stands out as a particularly relevant watch, featuring an entity that stalks its victims while hiding in plain sight. The film’s exploration of an unstoppable force that can appear as anyone creates the same unsettling atmosphere that made “Smile” so effective.
Another standout recommendation is “The Ring”, which shares key mythological components with the “Smile” series. Both films feature a supernatural curse with a specific countdown to death, though their methods of transmission differ. The psychological tension and inevitable doom that permeates both stories create similarly haunting viewing experiences.
Original Smile streaming locations
The original “Smile” is currently available through multiple streaming options:
| Platform | Subscription Cost | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | $7.99/month | 7 days |
| Hulu | $9.99/month | 30 days |
| Amazon Rental | $3.99 (one-time) | N/A |
| Digital Purchase | $7.99 | N/A |
Both Paramount+ and Hulu subscribers can access the film immediately through their respective platforms. New users can take advantage of free trials to watch the original before the sequel’s release.
Recommended horror alternatives
While waiting for “Smile 2”, these critically acclaimed horror films share similar themes and psychological elements:
- “The Babadook” (2014)
- Explores trauma and grief through supernatural horror
- Features a mysterious entity that feeds on emotional pain
- Available on multiple streaming platforms
- “Black Swan” (2010)
- Psychological thriller focusing on performance pressure
- Shares themes with “Smile 2’s” exploration of fame
- Features a protagonist questioning their reality
- “Fallen” (1998)
- Centers on an entity that passes between hosts
- Combines supernatural elements with psychological horror
- Features a unique take on demonic possession
These alternatives maintain the psychological horror elements that made “Smile” successful while offering their own unique perspectives on supernatural threats and personal trauma. “Strange Darling” (2023) provides another option for fans of Kyle Gallner’s performance in the “Smile” franchise, showcasing the actor in a leading role within a twisted narrative.
For international viewers, many of these films are available across different streaming platforms, with availability varying by region. Some services offer free trials or rental options, making it easier to explore these recommendations while awaiting “Smile 2’s” streaming debut.
The original “Smile” movie’s plot, which follows Dr. Rose Cotter’s encounter with a supernatural entity after witnessing a traumatic incident, sets the foundation for these recommendations. Each suggested film shares elements of psychological horror, trauma exploration, or supernatural threats that will appeal to fans of the franchise.
Conclusion
“Smile 2” stands ready to deliver another round of psychological horror to eager fans, though its path to streaming follows Paramount’s established release strategy. Paramount+ remains the primary destination for the film’s streaming debut, expected in December 2024, with digital purchase and rental options available starting November 19, 2024.
Horror enthusiasts can prepare for the sequel by exploring the original “Smile” on Paramount+ or catching recommended psychological thrillers like “It Follows” and “The Babadook.” These alternatives share similar themes of supernatural entities and psychological terror, making them perfect companions while awaiting “Smile 2’s” digital release.
Viewers should consider their preferred viewing method, whether through Paramount+’s subscription service starting at $7.99 monthly or digital purchase options at $24.99. Each choice offers unique benefits, from access to extensive content libraries to permanent ownership rights. The film’s successful theatrical run suggests “Smile 2” will continue the franchise’s tradition of delivering bone-chilling entertainment, making it worth the wait for horror fans worldwide.
