1. Midsommar 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 414868, ID: 8772262 Photo by cheapbutdelicious.tistory.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Midsommar is a haunting film that takes you deep into a Swedish midsummer festival that spirals into a nightmarish experience, featuring unsettling moments like Dani’s eerie smile as she watches a temple ablaze. This captivating film is lauded for its deep exploration of themes such as female empowerment and American entitlement, resonating with audiences, including those like me who enjoy informative cultural narratives and the fascinating impact of Swedish folklore on its characters’ psyche.
2. The Gravedancers 2006，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 10076, ID: 0435653 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Gravedancers (2006) is a hidden gem in the horror genre, with its unique premise of vengeful spirits haunting those who dance on their graves. The film’s creepy smiles, particularly from the malevolent ghosts, add to its eerie atmosphere. While the film’s low budget is evident in its special effects, the strong performances and creative storyline make it an engaging watch. The Gravedancers is a testament to the power of a well-executed horror concept, even with limited resources.
3. The Exorcist 1973，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 460021, ID: 0070047 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Exorcist (1973) remains a classic in the horror genre, with its terrifying depiction of demonic possession. Linda Blair’s portrayal of the possessed Regan, with her unsettling smiles and disturbing behavior, continues to haunt audiences. The film’s strength lies in its ability to evoke genuine fear through its masterful direction and groundbreaking special effects. Despite its age, The Exorcist remains a powerful and influential film that continues to set the standard for horror movies.
4. Inland Empire 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 63030, ID: 0460829 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Inland Empire (2006) serves as a surreal and deeply disturbing dive into David Lynch’s mind, where Laura Dern’s mesmerizing performance as Nikki Grace includes unsettling smiles that amplify the film’s nightmarish ambiance. With its challenging non-linear narrative and abstract visuals, this film becomes a rewarding experience for fans of experimental cinema, showcasing Lynch’s unparalleled ability to craft deeply unsettling narratives that linger long after the credits roll.
5. It 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 614826, ID: 1396484 Photo by satyanash.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 It (2017), a masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s beloved novel, features Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Pennywise the Clown, whose creepy smiles play a crucial role in amplifying the film’s horror. The film successfully balances spine-tingling moments with heartfelt sequences, drawing viewers into a compelling experience that is a must-watch for horror aficionados and Stephen King loyalists alike, solidifying its place among the creepiest smiles in cinema.
6. Get Out 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 714577, ID: 5052448 Photo by usso.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Get Out’, the most disturbing smile is arguably that of Georgina, the housekeeper, whose smile juxtaposed with tears streaming down her face creates an eerie contrast of her internal struggle against the persona imposed on her. This unsettling expression, paired with the film’s profound themes of racism and manipulation, transforms ‘Get Out’ into a thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers in the viewer’s mind long after watching.
7. The Shining 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1119291, ID: 0081505 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Shining presents an array of creepy smiles, although none is as iconic as Jack Nicholson’s sinister grin captured in an old photograph from 1921. This chilling smile, combined with the film’s examination of madness triggered by isolation, cultivates a deeply unsettling atmosphere that has solidified ‘The Shining’ as a timeless classic in the horror realm, resonating with fans for generations.
8. Black Swan 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 833017, ID: 0947798 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘Black Swan’, the most disturbing smile might be the one Natalie Portman’s character, Nina, gives at the very end of the movie. This smile, a symbol of her descent into madness in her pursuit of perfection, adds a chilling layer to this psychological thriller.
9. The Dark Knight 2008，IMDB Rating: 9.0, IMDB Votes: 2902534, ID: 0468569 Photo by kartjeeva.deviantart.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘The Dark Knight’, the Joker’s carved smile epitomizes creepiness, enhancing his character’s menacing unpredictability through ever-changing tales of his scars. Coupled with Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance, this portrayal stands out not only as a thrilling superhero film but also as a chilling exploration of evil, making it a remarkable entry in the genre.
10. A Clockwork Orange 1971，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 887858, ID: 0066921 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘A Clockwork Orange’, Alex’s wide-eyed, mischievous smile at the end of the film is deeply unsettling. This smile, along with the film’s exploration of free will and social responsibility, makes ‘A Clockwork Orange’ a disturbing yet thought-provoking watch.
11. Psycho 1960，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 725366, ID: 0054215 Photo by caitlinduffy.hcommons.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ remains a cornerstone of horror, with Norman Bates’s understated yet chilling smile, portrayed by Anthony Perkins, leaving an enduring impact on audiences. This detached and malicious grin emits an unsettling, haunting quality that has maintained its power over the decades, encapsulating true evil and monstrosity that continues to send chills down our spines.
12. The Silence of the Lambs 1991，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1565991, ID: 0102926 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, Anthony Hopkins shines as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, whose impish, amused eyes create an unsettling contrast with his rapid dialogue, evoking a deep sense of discomfort. The most disturbing aspect of his character is not merely his cannibalism but his unexpected ability to mock Jodie Foster’s accent, eliciting genuine reactions that enhance the film’s tension and terror.
13. American Psycho 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 729587, ID: 0144084 Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman in ‘American Psycho’ is both chilling and captivating. His character’s murderous inclinations are disturbing, but it’s his smile that truly unnerves the audience. Whether he’s dancing around or swinging a bloodied ax, Bateman’s smile makes the act of smiling seem dangerous and sinister.
14. The VVitch: A New-England Folktale 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 306652, ID: 4263482 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The VVitch: A New-England Folktale’ is a well-crafted horror film set in the 1600s. The film doesn’t feature any notable creepy smiles. However, it does contain some of the most seemingly benign yet creepy moments, such as the sequence where the young twin siblings taunt one of the family goats.
15. Hereditary 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 388035, ID: 7784604 Photo by cinematicrandomness.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 While ‘Hereditary’ may not feature a specific smile that sends shivers down your spine, it captivates the audience with a barrage of shocking moments and supernatural occurrences that create a profound sense of unease. Director Ari Aster’s meticulous craftsmanship and the intense family drama underpinning the film contribute to its insidious nature, leaving viewers questioning the reality they witness.
16. Smile 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 172327, ID: 15474916 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Smile (2022) is a chilling take on trauma and mental illness, with Sosie Bacon delivering a compelling performance as Dr. Rose Cotter, who navigates a world filled with unsettling smiles from the possessed. The film’s eerie atmosphere promotes a blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements, generating an unsettling experience that leaves a lasting mark, even if its reliance on familiar horror tropes may slightly diminish its originality. Overall, Smile offers a haunting and thought-provoking experience that resonates deeply with its audience.
16 Bone-Chilling Smiles from Horror Films That Will Haunt Your Dreams
