A Creepy, Franchise Starting 2022 Horror Blockbuster Is Headed to Hulu (But There’s a Catch)

Horror movies are consistently popular, so each year brings a wave of new releases in theaters and on streaming services. These include sequels, remakes, and completely original stories, all aiming to entertain and frighten viewers. Occasionally, a film emerges as exceptional, launching a new series and promising continued scares. One such movie is currently available on Hulu, though there’s a slight complication.

The critically acclaimed horror film Smile, released in 2022, is now available on Hulu starting February 16th. Directed and written by Parker Finn, the movie centers on Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon), a therapist whose life unravels after a disturbing session with a patient, Laura Weaver (Caitlin Stasey), who commits suicide with a chilling smile. Rose soon experiences frightening visions and believes she’s being pursued by a supernatural force. Smile was initially based on Finn’s earlier short film, Laura Hasn’t Slept (also starring Stasey), and its success has led to a sequel, Smile 2 (released in 2024), with a third film already planned.

Both Smile and Smile 2 Were Huge Hits — But You Can’t Watch Them on the Same Platform

When Smile came out, it was a big hit with both critics and audiences. Reviewers liked the acting and how the movie dealt with difficult themes like trauma and mental health, building on the ideas from the original short film. Financially, it did incredibly well, earning over $217 million despite only costing $17 million to make. The success wasn’t a fluke, either – Smile 2 also received positive reviews and performed well in theaters, securing the future of the franchise. However, viewers hoping to watch both movies may face some difficulty finding them.

You can stream the first Smile movie on Hulu, but the sequel, Smile 2, isn’t available there. You’ll find Smile 2 on Paramount+, or you can rent or buy it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. You don’t need to watch the first Smile to enjoy the second, and vice versa, though watching the original will definitely enhance your experience with the sequel. If you’re a horror fan and haven’t seen Smile yet, it’s a movie you should check out.

What makes Smile stand out, both as a horror film and as a movie overall, is how well-developed its characters are. While it delivers the expected scares and gore, Smile goes deeper, exploring trauma in a way that feels original and moves the plot forward. This adds surprising depth and makes the story more engaging. It also keeps the idea of the supernatural entity feeling new, even as it affects different people, which allows for potential sequels to be just as meaningful without relying on the same old tropes.

Smile is now streaming on Hulu.

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2026-02-17 00:11

Both Smile and Smile 2 Were Huge Hits — But You Can’t Watch Them on the Same Platform

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