A modern horror movie has become a hit on streaming a few years after its release, which is good news for the next sequel that is already in development. Horror has always been one of the most popular genres in film history, and each new generation produces a ton of memorable chillers that reflect that era’s biggest fears. Horror also has the added benefit of being a low-risk-high-reward genre, and Hollywood is able to pump out dozens of low-budget horror films that can turn big profits at the box office.

With the rise of streaming, horror has found a new way to grab its audience, and movies that made a splash in theaters can continue to enthrall viewers at home as well. Consistently, horror has been a major draw across nearly every streaming platform, and even as more and more services flood the market, horror is still something that gets audience members to tune in regularly. Streaming also introduces a new layer to a movie’s lifespan, and studios can look to a film’s continued success online as proof that a sequel is in demand.

Smile (2022) Has Entered Netflix’s Top 10 Streaming Charts

The Memorable Horror Flick Still Has Plenty Of Fans

Around six months after the sequel was a box office smash in October 2024, the original Smile film has entered Netflix’s top 10 charts. As reported by Flix Patrol, the high-concept horror film has landed at the sixth spot on the list for May 15, jumping over other established hits like Twilight and Despicable Me 4. The movie is only outranked by three brand-new Netflix originals, the 2015 children’s film Home, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. May 15 was Smile‘s first day on the chart, meaning it could still move up or down the ranking in the coming days.

What This Means For The Future Of The Smile Series

Developing A Third Film Was A Smart Idea

With Smile 2 grossing over $130 million in late 2024 (via Box Office Mojo), and the original film continuing to be a hit on streaming, it’s a good thing that Smile 3 is confirmed. The series has the potential to become a long-running success, and a third film is an absolute necessity. The fact that fans are still seeking out the original after three years proves that Smile hasn’t run its course yet. The money alone is usually enough to get films green-lit, but Smile‘s streaming success is just additional evidence that Smile 3 is needed sooner rather than later.

Our Take On Smile’s Streaming Success

Smile’s Netflix Ranking Is Anything But Surprising

Horror films are almost always popular, and Smile managed to grab the attention of moviegoers in a way that most mainstream hits can’t. It mixed a convoluted concept with simple horror storytelling to deliver more than a few jump-worthy scares. Also, the less-than-subtle messaging concerning trauma is about as deep as a mainstream horror movie dares to go without alienating viewers. While I saw the original concept as somewhat derivative of films like It Follows, its continued success has allowed the basic idea behind the Smile monster to blossom into something original.