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When a Stranger Calls

1979·Movie
1h 37min·R
IMDb6.4Metacritic585.9

Where to watch

PrimePhiloKanopyHooplaShudder

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

When a Stranger Calls fingerprint

Relentless energy, striking style, emotionally cool.

Energy

Nerve-racking and scary

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension10
  • Scare8
  • Adrenaline6

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Catharsis5
  • Melancholy4
  • Pathos3

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Dark Humor2
  • Cringe Humor1

World

The mind, everyday modern life, and crime

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Novelty7

Craft

Standout direction

  • Direction8
  • Intrigue8
  • Acting7

Style

Standout cinematography and sound design

  • Cinematography8
  • Sound Centrality8
  • Editing7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want something to laugh atYou want fast pacingYou scare easily

Find more like it

Scary movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Every babysitter's nightmare becomes real...

A student babysitter has her evening disturbed when the phone rings. So begins a series of increasingly terrifying and threatening calls that lead to a shocking revelation.
Classic HorrorPsychological ThrillerHome InvasionIntense SuspenseStalker StoryDisturbing & UnsettlingSlow Burn DreadIconic Opening SceneUrban Legend Horror

Crew

Directed by:
Fred Walton, Edward Ledding, Lynn M. Morgan
Written by:
Fred Walton, Steve Feke
Produced by:
Penny Perry, Steve Feke, Doug Chapin
Composed by:
Dana Kaproff

Sequels and Prequels

GoodWatch59
Poster for When a Stranger Calls

Media

Questions about When a Stranger Calls

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream When a Stranger Calls legally?

PrimePhiloKanopyHooplaShudderScreamboxPlexAmazon Prime Video Free with Ads

When a Stranger Calls is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Shudder, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, and YouTube Free. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is When a Stranger Calls worth watching?

59
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 6.4 and Metacritic 58). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is When a Stranger Calls rated?

RViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.

How long is When a Stranger Calls?

1 h 37 min

When a Stranger Calls runs 1 h 37 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on When a Stranger Calls?

Critics58
Audiences62

Yes. Critics average 58 and audiences 62 out of 100, so both groups see When a Stranger Calls much the same way.

Was When a Stranger Calls a box office hit?

Budget$2 million
Box office$25 million

Yes, a big one. It cost about $2 million to make and earned $25 million worldwide, 16.7 times its budget.

What language is When a Stranger Calls in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch When a Stranger Calls?

45BBBEBHBMBSCACIDODZEGESFRGBGF+31

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for When a Stranger Calls in 45 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does When a Stranger Calls use?

ExpyNightmare SequenceWhat Happened to the Mouse?Trailers Always SpoilNamed by the AdaptationMirror ScareSerial KillerBittersweet EndingImpaled PalmStalker Without a CrushShort-Distance Phone CallMonster Misogynyand 63 more

TV Tropes lists 75 storytelling tropes for When a Stranger Calls, including Expy, Nightmare Sequence, What Happened to the Mouse?.