Released just a few weeks ago, Smile 2 has quickly become a major success story at the global box office. Despite facing stiff competition from films with much higher production budgets, the supernatural horror sequel is proving that a smaller budget can still lead to big returns. With its worldwide earnings now exceeding $120 million, Smile 2 is continuing to defy expectations, securing a strong spot in the domestic top five.
Made for a relatively modest $28 million, the film, which stars Naomi Scott, has already surpassed its production budget by a massive 341.96%. Its remarkable performance at the box office demonstrates the growing strength of mid-range budget films in an industry increasingly dominated by big-budget blockbusters. Directed by Parker Finn, the sequel to 2022’s Smile follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, which also performed well at the box office, earning $217.4 million globally.
Solid Weekend Performance Propels Smile 2 Forward
This past weekend, Smile 2 pulled in an additional $5.11 million at the domestic box office, pushing its total domestic gross to $60.65 million. The film’s strong performance was spread across three days, earning $1.42 million on Friday, $2.17 million on Saturday, and $1.5 million on Sunday. As of now, the movie is playing in 2,822 theaters across North America, where it’s continuing to perform well despite the presence of high-budget contenders.
Thanks to its steady performance, Smile 2 has earned a spot in the domestic top five, sitting comfortably at the fifth position for the weekend. Internationally, the film is also showing strong numbers, with a cumulative total of $63.1 million from overseas markets. Combining the domestic and international totals, Smile 2 has crossed the $120 million mark globally, with a total of $123.75 million as of this weekend.
A Thrilling Sequel to a Hit Horror Franchise
Smile 2 continues the story established in its predecessor, with Naomi Scott leading the cast as a troubled individual battling supernatural forces. While the horror genre is crowded, Smile 2 has managed to carve out its own space, benefiting from a dedicated fanbase and positive word-of-mouth.
The film’s success at the box office can be attributed to several factors. First, it builds on the foundation laid by Smile, which earned over $217 million worldwide in 2022, and benefited from similar supernatural horror tropes that resonate with audiences looking for a thrill. In addition, the growing popularity of Naomi Scott, who garnered attention for her role in Aladdin and other projects, has helped attract viewers to the sequel.
Looking Ahead: Streaming Release and Future Prospects
After its solid run in theaters, Smile 2 is set to make its debut on streaming platforms on November 19. However, it will first be available as part of the Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) service, allowing viewers to watch it at home for a premium price before it becomes available on subscription-based services.
This move marks the next phase of the film’s release strategy, tapping into the growing demand for films that offer flexibility in viewing options, particularly in the wake of the pandemic-era changes to movie consumption habits. Given the film’s strong box office showing, it is expected to continue to perform well on digital platforms, further expanding its audience.
In conclusion, Smile 2 has proven itself to be a major box office success, earning more than four times its budget and continuing to deliver strong returns in both domestic and international markets. With its streaming release just around the corner, this horror sequel is far from done making waves, solidifying its place as one of the surprise hits of the year.
