How Smile Movie Moving to Hulu Changes Your Streaming Options

The 2022 horror film Smile has moved to the Hulu streaming platform, marking a shift in how audiences can access this specific franchise. Originally a small project, the movie became a major success for Paramount, earning high marks from both critics and viewers. The film is known for its use of mental health themes and its jump-scare style. As the series grows, its presence on different streaming services has created a split for fans trying to watch the entire story in one place.

The Path From Short Film to Cinema Hit

The history of the film shows a quick rise from a small idea to a large studio production.

• Parker Finn, the director, first created an 11-minute short film titled Laura Hasn't Slept.

• Paramount originally planned to release the full-length movie only on their streaming service, Paramount+.

• Due to strong reactions from test audiences, the studio changed its plan and released the film in theaters first.

• The movie features Sosie Bacon as Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist who witnesses a strange event involving a patient and then experiences a series of scary encounters.

"Paramount's original plan was to send the movie to Paramount+ for a streaming release… [but its] phenomenal box office performance was striking enough to start a franchise." — MovieWeb

Data on Reception and Availability

The following table compares how the film was received and where it is currently placed in the market.

The core signal is that "Smile" has transitioned from a streaming-only prospect to a theatrical success that now sits on a major rival platform (Hulu).

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Mental Health and Trauma as Story Tools

The film is often discussed for how it uses psychological issues to drive its plot. The story follows a psychiatrist, Dr. Rose Cotter, who deals with her own past trauma while helping patients.

• The movie uses a "smiling" curse as a metaphor for how trauma can follow a person.

• Reviews from Polygon and Decider suggest the film combines "elevated horror" with "crowd-pleasing kills."

• The protagonist acts as an "unreliable narrator," meaning the audience must decide what is real and what is happening only in her head.

• Some viewers find the movie’s ending to be "meaner" or more negative than typical Hollywood horror films.

The Problem of Platform Splitting

While the first movie is now available on Hulu, evidence shows that the full franchise is not found in one location. This creates a "catch" for viewers who want to watch both the original and its sequel.

• Smile 2 was released in theaters in October 2024 and had a successful run.

• Reports from ComicBook.com indicate that while the first film is on Hulu, the sequel and other parts of the franchise are often kept on Paramount+.

• Some records suggest the film will have another major streaming release date on Hulu in February 2026, though it is already appearing for some users now.

• Viewers can also buy the movie on physical formats like DVD and Blu-ray through stores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Production Limits and Future Steps

There is an ongoing question about how long this success can last. While the first two films did well, a third movie has not yet been officially started.

• Critics from Polygon point out that "unrealistic stretches" in the plot show the limits of the story's world.

• The production team has managed to turn a short film into a "studio juggernaut," but they now face the challenge of keeping the story fresh.

• Is the "Smile" formula strong enough to support a third movie, or has the premise reached its natural end? This remains a point of investigation for industry experts.

Expert Analysis

Analysts observe that the success of the film comes from its timing and its marketing. By focusing on a simple visual—a creepy smile—the movie became a "breakout nightmare" that was easy for audiences to recognize.

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Expert Insights:

• Genre Blending: Experts note the film blends "classic horror" with "contemporary" mental health topics to appeal to "savvy" modern audiences.

• Financial Strategy: Moving the film to Hulu is seen as a way to reach more viewers who do not subscribe to Paramount+, increasing the fan base before any future releases.

• Critical Consensus: With an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is ranked alongside other modern horror hits like Barbarian and Longlegs.

Final Investigative Findings

The investigation into the streaming status and history of Smile reveals a film that exceeded its original goals. It successfully moved from a streaming-only plan to a theatrical hit and has now become a staple on Hulu.

• The movie is currently available on Hulu, Paramount+, and via digital purchase.

• The story is praised for its look at trauma but faces questions about its long-term future.

• Fans must navigate multiple streaming services if they wish to follow the entire franchise.

• Next steps for the franchise remain unconfirmed, as no production dates for a third film are currently public.

Sources and Context

• Polygon: One of the best horror franchise-launchers of the 2020s is on Hulu - Analysis of the film's quality and franchise potential.

• MovieWeb: One of the Decade’s Best Horror Films Hits Streaming - Focus on the box office shift from streaming to theaters.

• ScorpioLikeYou: Brace Yourself: Horror Phenomenon Smile Is Now Streaming - Details on the short film "Laura Hasn't Slept."

• ComicBook: A Creepy, Franchise Starting 2022 Horror Blockbuster Is Headed to Hulu - Information on the "catch" regarding multiple platforms.

• ComingSoon: 1 of 2020s' Creepiest Horror Movies Is Coming To Hulu Soon - Reporting on the 80% Rotten Tomatoes score and specific plot points.

• JustWatch: Smile streaming: where to watch movie online? - Current availability across different digital platforms.

• Collider: Stream This Disturbing 80% Rotten Tomatoes Horror Movie - Context on the sequel and the protagonist's journey.

• Decider: Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Smile’ on Hulu - Critical review focusing on the trauma and mental illness themes.