When a Stranger Calls
1979, English. Directed by Fred Walton.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.2/10 from 312 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch When a Stranger Calls
When a Stranger Calls is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Screambox, and Shout! Factory in India.
Stream
Amazon Prime Video
Screambox Amazon Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon ChannelFree
Kanopy
Hoopla
Fawesome
Philo
YouTube Free
Plex
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads
Cineverse
Xumo Play
Tubi TV
Amazon MX Player
Amazon Video
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 6 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
When a Stranger Calls: watch order
Cast & crew
- Fred WaltonDirector
- 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
- Michael ChampionBill
- William BoyettSgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett)
Details
- Released
- 24 August 1979
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Fred Walton, Steve Feke
- Budget
- $1.5M
- Box office
- $25M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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When a Stranger Calls: quick answers
Is When a Stranger Calls worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.2/10 from 312 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is When a Stranger Calls?
When a Stranger Calls runs 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Does When a Stranger Calls have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for When a Stranger Calls. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
When a Stranger Calls parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
When a Stranger Calls is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is When a Stranger Calls on?
When a Stranger Calls is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Screambox, and Shout! Factory in India. (Checked 6 November 2026.)
What movies are like When a Stranger Calls?
If you liked When a Stranger Calls, try Barbarian, Night of the Reaper, When a Stranger Calls Back.
Who directed When a Stranger Calls?
When a Stranger Calls (1979) was directed by Fred Walton and stars Carol Kane, Charles Durning, Colleen Dewhurst.