Is When a Stranger Calls scary?

MyCinema has not rated When a Stranger Calls for scares yet. TMDB lists it as a horror and thriller film. It is rated R in the United States.

Where can I watch When a Stranger Calls in the US?

When a Stranger Calls streams on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Shudder, and 3 more, is free on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, and 9 more, and can be rented from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home in the US. Listings come from JustWatch and can change, so check the service before paying.

How long is When a Stranger Calls?

When a Stranger Calls runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

Is When a Stranger Calls suitable for kids?

When a Stranger Calls is rated R in the United States, which means viewers under 17 need an adult with them. No, it is not suitable for children.

TMDB19791h 37mHorror / Thriller

When a Stranger Calls

Name: When a Stranger Calls
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Released: 1979-08-24
Duration: 97 min

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.

TMDB audience score

Based on 311 votes

Saved only on this device unless you sign in.

Availability in the US

Where the story is waiting

Provider listings are supplied by JustWatch through TMDB. Verify pricing and availability before renting or subscribing.

Show availability for

Amazon Prime Videosubscription Philosubscription Shuddersubscription Screambox Amazon Channelsubscription Amazon Prime Video with Adssubscription Shout! Factory Amazon Channelsubscription Kanopyfree Hooplafree Fawesomefree Philoads YouTube Freeads Plexads Plex Channelads Amazon Prime Video Free with Adsads Cineverseads Xumo Playads Tubi TVads Amazon MX Playerads Amazon Videorent Fandango At Homerent Amazon Videobuy Fandango At Homebuy

United States listings · Refreshed 12 Oct 2026. More horror to watch in the US

MyCinema quick facts

When a Stranger Calls at a glance

Worked out from the film's TMDB record and its United States provider listings. These are facts about the data, not a review.

Runtime

Standard length · 1h 37m

At 1h 37m it sits between 90 minutes and two hours.

Genres

Horror · Thriller

TMDB files it under horror and thriller.

US availability

6 subscriptions · 12 free · 2 to rent · 2 to buy

Included with 6 subscription services: Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Shudder, and 3 more. Free or ad-supported on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, and 9 more. Listed to rent from 2 stores. Listed to buy from 2 stores.

TMDB audience score

6.2 / 10 on TMDB

TMDB users rate it 6.2 out of 10 across 311 votes, a positive audience score. That is a moderate sample of voters.

Why watch When a Stranger Calls tonight

It is a regular evening's length at 1h 37m.
It is included with Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Shudder, and 3 more in the US, so there is no rental fee if you already subscribe.
TMDB users rate it 6.2 out of 10 across 311 votes.
There is a trailer on this page if you want a look first.

How scary is When a Stranger Calls?

The scare meter is MyCinema's own rating, given by a person who has watched the film. It is not a TMDB score.

Not rated yet, vote below.

Did When a Stranger Calls scare you?

No votes yet. Be the first.

Questions about When a Stranger Calls

Is When a Stranger Calls scary?: MyCinema has not rated When a Stranger Calls for scares yet. TMDB lists it as a horror and thriller film. It is rated R in the United States.
Where can I watch When a Stranger Calls in the US?: When a Stranger Calls streams on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Shudder, and 3 more, is free on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, and 9 more, and can be rented from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home in the US. Listings come from JustWatch and can change, so check the service before paying.
How long is When a Stranger Calls?: When a Stranger Calls runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).
Is When a Stranger Calls suitable for kids?: When a Stranger Calls is rated R in the United States, which means viewers under 17 need an adult with them. No, it is not suitable for children.