Haunting the Dreams: 16 Creepiest Smiles in Horror Movies

1. Midsommar 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 414868, ID: 8772262
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Midsommar, a film that takes you on a journey through a Swedish midsummer festival that turns into a nightmare. The film is filled with unsettling scenes, one of which includes a creepy smile from the protagonist, Dani, as she watches a temple burn. The film is praised for its exploration of themes like female empowerment and American entitlement. As a retired engineer who appreciates informative and cultural content, I found the film’s exploration of Swedish folklore and its impact on the characters’ psyche intriguing.
2. The Gravedancers 2006，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 10076, ID: 0435653
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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
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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
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Inland Empire (2006) is a surreal and disturbing journey into the mind of David Lynch. Laura Dern’s performance as Nikki Grace is both mesmerizing and unsettling, with her character’s eerie smiles adding to the film’s nightmarish atmosphere. The film’s non-linear narrative and abstract imagery make it a challenging but rewarding watch for fans of experimental cinema. Inland Empire is a testament to Lynch’s unique vision and ability to create deeply unsettling experiences.
5. It 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 614826, ID: 1396484
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It (2017) is a masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, with Bill Skarsgård delivering a chilling performance as Pennywise the Clown. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance horror with heartfelt moments, creating a deeply engaging experience. Pennywise’s creepy smiles are a central element of the film’s horror, making it a perfect fit for the topic of creepiest smiles in movies. It is a must-watch for fans of horror and Stephen King.
6. Get Out 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 714577, ID: 5052448
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In ‘Get Out’, the creepiest smile is arguably that of Georgina, the housekeeper. Her smile, while tears stream down her face, is a chilling display of the internal struggle between her true self and the persona forced upon her. This unsettling smile, coupled with the film’s exploration of racism and manipulation, makes ‘Get Out’ a thought-provoking watch.
7. The Shining 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1119291, ID: 0081505
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‘The Shining’ offers a plethora of creepy smiles, but the most iconic one is Jack Nicholson’s wide grin in the old photograph from 1921. This smile, combined with the film’s exploration of isolation-induced madness, creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere that has made ‘The Shining’ a classic in the horror genre.
8. Black Swan 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 833017, ID: 0947798
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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
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In ‘The Dark Knight’, the Joker’s carved smile is the epitome of creepiness. His ever-changing stories about how he got his scars add to the character’s unpredictability and menace. This, along with Heath Ledger’s unforgettable performance, makes the film a standout in the superhero genre.
10. A Clockwork Orange 1971，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 887858, ID: 0066921
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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
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Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ is a classic that has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. The most chilling moment in the film is the understated smile of Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins. This smile, detached and malicious, emits a disturbing, haunting, and psychotic aura that has not lost its power over the decades. It’s a portrayal of true evil and monstrosity that sends shivers down the spine.
12. The Silence of the Lambs 1991，IMDB Rating: 8.6, IMDB Votes: 1565991, ID: 0102926
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In ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, Anthony Hopkins delivers a stellar performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. His eyes, impish and amused, contrast with his rapid-fire hushed dialogue, creating an unsettling effect. The most disturbing aspect is not his cannibalistic tendencies, but his ability to mock Jodie Foster’s accent, which was so unexpected that it elicited a genuine reaction from Foster.
13. American Psycho 2000，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 729587, ID: 0144084
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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
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‘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
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‘Hereditary’ is a horror film that leaves a lasting impression with its shocking moments and supernatural elements. The film doesn’t have a specific creepy smile scene, but it does have a series of unsettling events that leave the audience feeling uncomfortable and disturbed. The meticulous craftsmanship of writer/director Ari Aster and the intense family drama serve as the foundation of the film’s insidious nature.
16. Smile 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 172327, ID: 15474916
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Smile (2022) is a chilling exploration of trauma and mental illness, with Sosie Bacon delivering a standout performance as Dr. Rose Cotter. The film’s eerie atmosphere is heightened by the unsettling smiles of the possessed characters, making it a perfect fit for the topic of creepiest smiles in movies. The film’s strength lies in its ability to blend psychological horror with supernatural elements, creating a deeply unsettling experience. However, its reliance on familiar horror tropes may detract from its originality. Overall, Smile is a haunting and thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impression.