When a Stranger Calls
Seen it?1979 | 97 min | Horror, Thriller
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
It made about 17 times its budget, but middling reviews (41% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.2 out of 10 from audiences held it back. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and horror fans. If you loved Barbarian, start here.
- The mood
- Scary.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
41% on Rotten Tomatoes, 58 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.2 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$25 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 140K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Fred Walton
- Carol KaneJill Johnson
- Charles DurningJohn Clifford
- Colleen DewhurstTracy
- Tony BeckleyCurt Duncan
- Rutanya AldaMrs. Mandrakis
- Carmen ArgenzianoDr. Mandrakis
- Kirsten LarkinNancy
- Ron O'NealLt. Charlie Garber
- HeetuHouseboy
- Rachel RobertsDr. Monk