Best Psychological Horror Films to Watch Before 'Smile 2'

The psychological horror genre has gained immense popularity in recent years. And with the much-anticipated sequel "smile 2" set to hit theaters on October 18th, 2024, fans are eager for their thrilling fix of fear! If you need to find the perfect movie marathon before diving into "Smile 2", look no further. There is a selection of superb psychological horrors that are guaranteed to set the scene, give you chills and get you pumped for "Smile 2"!

Why Watch These Movies Before Smile 2:

It is no secret that the horror world has many fans, and you're in for a great ride! "Smile 2" looks to be full of suspenseful scares! It is no surprise that the audience is anticipating a continuation of "Smile's" incredible, chilling style! If you are new to "Smile," you are not alone as a massive fan base grew quickly, and if you haven't seen this movie yet, be sure to catch it! However, fans of "Smile," are expecting the "smile entity" to be featured again and give viewers another chance to go through some real frightening and unsettling events. As "Smile 2" continues with its new character "Skye Riley," who is "Pop" star played by Naomi Scott! What happens when this new story begins, audiences are curious to see if the movie's events bring viewers into this chilling horror!

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10 Must-See Psychological Horror Films To Watch Before Smile 2:

Here's a list of some movies, to check out while you wait for "Smile 2!" You can add to your queue for your big halloween season!

Also Read: John Carpenter: Iconic Movie Scenes That Deserve a Hollywood Star!

1. Possessor:

The Thing Kurt Russell as RJ MacReady with 1958 The Blob in the background Image

You know what will really stand out? Well, there's a sense of how creepy and terrifying this film really is! The plot revolves around a killer who uses their superpowers to jump into the bodies of people they wish to eliminate. That's only a small part.

Fans will see a truly unique side to how a character battles an amazing sense of how she becomes "someone else," while still holding on to the fact that she is someone special with a wife and family.

It's also a film that goes beyond all expectations! You've got "Possessor" is also about those real world anxieties that make this psychological thriller, full of suspense! This genre comes into play in an incredibly violent fashion and looks like something for viewers who appreciate a film with high intensity!

2. The Strangers:

Naomi Scott's Skye sits on the ground cradling her head in Smile 2 trailer Image

What makes it interesting? Well, the story is super realistic! The movie, takes on an aspect that people are truly afraid of- random, unexpected events!

What's great about it? Well, it takes an iconic, well known horror theme. Liv Tyler in the series gives this incredible character the ability to show fans how dangerous those random acts of violence truly are! A big fan favorite.

3. The Lighthouse:

If you're looking for a show that is super unique. Then this may just be for you! A lighthouse? You don't really think of these settings as scary places! This is also a dark, atmospheric thriller with two characters stuck alone, who must face the challenge of their sanity.

What makes this more unique, is that it's all in black and white and truly dives into these men who may be at the edge of losing their grip! It is definitely a film with intense psychological elements.

This was a unique decision! The director who also created the classic horror genre "The Fly." - and a super talented filmmaker- had his son, Brandon Cronenberg, step into his shoes to give audiences something totally amazing!

4. Get Out:

This film takes the scary and powerful moment to bring forth a serious story with one big twist. The main element of this movie! You've got Jordan Peele - The king of scary! This super famous director created one of those films that will make you really think about a scary topic, but in such an emotional, complex way.

The heart of the film is the horror aspect. While many fans really enjoy the film and find it scary, Peele's use of the genre really makes you consider an even darker reality: Racism. This makes the whole movie an incredible and remarkable experience that has impacted film ever since.

5. Black Swan:

The ballet world isn't what everyone expects in horror and this film really highlights an incredible performance from Natalie Portman as a woman trying to perform the iconic "Swan Lake!" This really goes beyond just what the performance itself could bring forth! This ballet takes an iconic tale and creates a real sense of darkness!

The mental strain of performing under such tremendous pressure, could push a person beyond their limits!

6. Talk to Me:

If you want some great scary events with a supernatural element, get ready for this! This supernatural thriller, brings us into a world where friends use "a severed hand to commune with the dead! The premise sounds so fun, yet it's truly so chilling to watch.

Fans have been left excited! They're praising how terrifyingly this film really gets into all of the chaos, mayhem, and destruction. But what will keep you guessing for hours on end is the unique story that comes out from a house party with the most intriguing turns of events! What you will realize quickly is what's real and what's a haunting element that can’t be escaped!

7. Perfect Blue:

There are lots of horror movies, that might leave you a little rattled, but "Perfect Blue" looks to do that in ways no one saw coming! A pop singer named "Mima", is transitioning to acting.

This chilling story gets so powerful with its depiction of those obsessed fans that truly make it unforgettable! What adds to the whole movie?

We get this idea, where fantasy and reality start blending! What starts off as Mima's big chance turns into something terrifying, a stalker, a real-world threat that she needs to figure out!

The film makes fans want more because of what Madonna had to say about it! Madonna loved it! It even made an impact on director, Darron Aronofsky!

8. The Thing:

What could be more frightening than creatures from space?

It's more than just sci-fi, but something to be truly frightened about.

What is really striking about the film The Thing! Fans get a real-life sense of isolation. Set in the Antarctic, it will surely make fans ponder! In 1982 this chilling thriller will take you on a suspenseful ride!

There is a super creepy story in this film! What is the best part of "The Thing" is this sense that you can't truly tell what's human and what is this amazing, creepy creature who transforms. It takes over others.
It really does give the world the creepiest effects.

Fans have a great amount of praise. It will certainly bring you back to those 80s horror days! In fact, there were several amazing aspects! One of them was the way they used some special effects! For a film at that time, they had a visionary approach that gave audiences a realistic world and the right mood to experience an alien, terrifying creature!

9. Hereditary:

What really gets you into the real horrors of "Hereditary" is a movie that feels all too real! And you can expect to feel a sense of disturbing moments! What starts out with some heavy elements. The main focus of the story, and the trauma of dealing with loss. The story does some extraordinary things and turns those moments into an amazing spectacle! You might not expect something so strange. This family begins to feel like there is something supernatural, almost magical that they cannot escape. There's some super disturbing events in the movie, including gore, however, the truly scariest moments come from those slow build-up moments.

You get that haunting sense of reality that keeps viewers invested!

10. Smile:

It all comes together. The big inspiration, and reason you should give this a chance before "Smile 2!" This really shows just how talented the team who brought it to life. "Smile," is an unforgettable horror film with one truly important twist.

The main character has such a haunting experience, going through the emotions of grief and trauma.

Fans are really going to enjoy what "Smile 2" might have in store as this previous film sets up such a unique story about "The Smile Entity!"

What you will get with the next movie, could give you those twists and turns that "Smile," has, while bringing a unique perspective of a world that looks so terrifying and so compelling, so if you have seen "Smile," the next movie is surely something to check out!

What's more amazing? There is a real fear, the unknown as well! We still don't really know all that "Smile 2" is about to give! For those who haven't checked out the earlier version! Do so now! Because you'll definitely be caught up in the big twists and turns of the "Smile," story and what could be more intense in its sequel. It's an exciting, terrifying and moving horror film. So if you are looking to scare yourself while celebrating Halloween this year! "Smile 2" is your best bet and so much more to look out for, along with some incredibly suspenseful stories.

For sure this movie marathon will keep you entertained throughout the spooky season! Don't miss these 10 awesome psychological horrors before the latest, big, Hollywood horror flick releases this year!