Finding exactly where to stream a specific horror flick shouldn't feel like solving a cold case, but here we are. If you're currently staring at your remote wondering where can I watch the movie Smile, the short answer is usually Paramount+. But it's actually more complicated than that. Since the movie first dropped in 2022, and with the massive 2024 sequel now in the mix, the rights have shifted around just enough to be annoying.
Honestly, the original Smile—directed by Parker Finn—was never even supposed to be in theaters. It was built for a straight-to-streaming release. Then, some executives saw the test screening scores and realized they had a gold mine. Now, in early 2026, it's a foundational piece of the Paramount library. If you have a subscription there, you're basically set.
The Streaming Situation Right Now
You've probably noticed that Netflix is usually the first place people check. Save yourself the search time: Smile isn't on Netflix in the US. It’s also not on Disney+, for obvious "don't-traumatize-the-kids" reasons.
Right now, Paramount+ is the official home for both the original Smile and the 2024 sequel, Smile 2.
But what if you don't want another monthly bill?
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- Paramount+ (Essential or With Showtime): This is the most direct path. If you’re a student, you can usually snag this for about $4.50 a month, which is cheaper than a mediocre latte.
- The Walmart+ Loophole: If you pay for Walmart+, you get Paramount+ for free. A lot of people forget they even have this. Check your account settings; you might already be paying for the movie without realizing it.
- Prime Video Channels: You can technically watch it on Amazon, but they’ll usually just prompt you to sign up for a Paramount+ "channel" trial.
Can You Watch Smile for Free?
"Free" is a relative term in 2026. You won't find Smile on Tubi or Pluto TV yet. Those "free with ads" services usually get mid-tier horror, and Smile is still too much of a heavy hitter for them.
The only real way to watch it without a permanent subscription is to exploit the 7-day free trial on Paramount+. Just make sure you cancel it before the week is up, or you’ll be out eight bucks.
There's also the library. Seriously. Most local libraries now use an app called Hoopla or Kanopy. While Smile is rarely on Kanopy (which leans more toward A24-style "art" horror), it occasionally pops up on Hoopla if your local library system has a digital deal with Paramount. It’s worth the 30 seconds it takes to check.
Buying vs. Renting: Which is the Better Move?
Sometimes you just want to own the thing so you don't have to track it down across five different platforms every October.
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If you're looking to buy, Apple TV (formerly iTunes) and Fandango at Home (Vudu) are the most reliable. They often bundle the first and second movies together for about $15 to $20. Buying a digital copy is honestly the "cleanest" way to do it because you get the 4K Dolby Vision treatment, which actually matters for a movie this dark.
Renting is usually $3.99. If you rent it on a Friday night, you have 48 hours to finish it once you hit play.
Why the Platform Matters
Streaming quality isn't equal. If you watch Smile on a basic Paramount+ Essential plan, you're getting ads and 1080p. If you're a bit of a nerd about cinematography, the shadows in this movie can look "blocky" or pixelated on low-bandwidth streams. If you have a decent OLED TV, it’s genuinely worth the extra few dollars to rent the 4K version on Apple or Amazon to see the actual detail in the "smiles."
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What About Smile 2?
If you’re actually looking for the sequel starring Naomi Scott, the rules are basically the same. It hit Paramount+ in December 2024. As of today, it’s still parked there. Most people who search for "where can I watch the movie Smile" are actually looking for a double feature.
The sequel is much "bigger"—it’s about a pop star rather than a therapist—so the audio mix is way more aggressive. If you're watching on a laptop, use headphones. The jump scares in the sequel are specifically designed to mess with your spatial awareness.
Common Misconceptions About Where to Watch
Don't fall for the "Watch Smile Free" links on shady websites. It sounds like a lecture, but those sites are mostly just malware delivery systems now. Plus, the video quality is usually a grainy mess recorded in a theater in 2022.
Also, keep in mind that streaming rights are regional. If you’re traveling outside the US, Smile might be on Netflix or Binge in Australia, or maybe Crave in Canada. If you're using a VPN, switching your server to the US will almost always bring you back to Paramount+.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night
- Check your existing memberships: See if you have Walmart+ or an active Amazon Prime trial before paying for a new service.
- Verify the version: If you're sensitive to gore, the "Unrated" versions aren't really a thing for this franchise—what you see in theaters is what you get on streaming.
- Prepare your audio: Both films rely heavily on "low-frequency" tension, so if you have a soundbar, make sure the "night mode" is off so you get the full effect of the score.
Download the Paramount+ app or head to the Prime Video store, search for "Smile 2022," and you're good to go.