Every month, Netflix releases new original and licensed content. But this May, things are taking a dark turn as one of the most unnerving psychological horror films in recent years makes its way to the platform. This movie was easily one of the best horror flicks of 2022 and has been available to stream elsewhere. But now, it's finally making its Netflix debut, giving a new wave of horror fans the chance to experience its relentless tension, disturbing visuals, and all the unforgettable spine-chilling moments.
Remember that creepy movie about the eerie, unsettling smiles? That’s Smile, and it's headed to Netflix on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Netflix typically releases new content on its platform at 12:00 a.m. PT/3:00 a.m. ET on their release dates. So, Smile will most likely drop at this time on May 14. Keep in mind that this is a film that Netflix licensed, meaning that it won't remain on the platform forever. Now that you know the release date, be sure to catch it while you can. We'll be sure to share its removal date once it's announced.
Smile is actually a mixture of supernatural and psychological horror. It was written and directed by Parker Finn, who adapted it from a short film he made earlier titled Laura Hasn't Slept. The movie explores the protagonist's terrifying psychological breakdown, triggered by a traumatic event that leads to a cascade of disturbing events. It stars Susie Bacon as Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist who is traumatized after witnessing the suicide of a patient. This disturbing event triggers a series of bizarre supernatural happenings, convincing her that she is being pursued by a sinister force. Also in the cast are other talented actors, including Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Kal Penn, Rob Morgan, Caitlin Stasey, and Judy Reyes.
In my opinion, what makes Smile a must-watch horror movie is how it goes beyond the typical supernatural tropes and taps into deeper psychological fears. Rather than relying on jump scares or unsettling visuals, the film focuses on the harrowing effects of trauma and the breakdown of the human psyche. This adds a distinct and profoundly disturbing emotional depth to the film, making it more than just a typical horror experience. It's the type of horror movie that leaves you with a sense of unease that doesn’t easily fade away, and that's what makes it so haunting and unforgettable.
Check out Smile's super creepy trailer below!
After you finish watching this film on Netflix, make sure to head on over to Paramount+ to stream its sequel, Smile 2. Now that movie is just as, if not more, terrifying, taking the unsettling psychological horror to even darker and more twisted depths. Remember, Smile is set to land on Netflix on May 14.