When a Stranger Calls_
"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.
Starring
Carol Kane, Charles Durning, Colleen Dewhurst
Box Office
$25.0M
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Box office
When a Stranger Calls earned $25.0M worldwide on a $1.5M budget — a 1,567% return on investment.
Year context
When a Stranger Calls was released 47 years ago in 1979.
When a Stranger Calls is a Horror, Thriller film with a runtime of 1h 37m.
CAST (20)
Carol Kane
Jill Johnson
Charles Durning
John Clifford
Colleen Dewhurst
Tracy
Tony Beckley
Curt Duncan
Rutanya Alda
Mrs. Mandrakis
Carmen Argenziano
Dr. Mandrakis
KL
Kirsten Larkin
Nancy
Ron O'Neal
Lt. Charlie Garber
H
Heetu
Houseboy
Rachel Roberts
Dr. Monk
Michael Champion
Bill
William Boyett
Sgt. Sacker (as Bill Boyett)
JR
Joseph Reale
Bartender
EW
Ed Wright
Retired Man
LW
Louise Wright
Retired Woman
CT
Carol Tillery Banks
Mrs. Garber
DM
Dennis McMullen
Maintenance Man
Wally Taylor
Cheater
JT
John Tobyansen
Bar Customer
SD
Sarah Dammann
Bianca Lockart
BOX OFFICE
$1.5M
Budget
$25.0M
Revenue
+1567%
ROI
MASSIVE HIT
Verdict
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
97 min (1h 37m)
Country
Rating
6.2/10 (294 votes)
Budget
$1,500,000
Box Office
$25,000,000
Profit
+$23,500,000
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is When a Stranger Calls about?
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 long is When a Stranger Calls?
When a Stranger Calls has a runtime of 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Who stars in When a Stranger Calls?
The cast of When a Stranger Calls includes Carol Kane, Charles Durning, Colleen Dewhurst, Tony Beckley, Rutanya Alda.
How much did When a Stranger Calls make at the box office?
When a Stranger Calls earned $25,000,000 worldwide at the box office. The production budget was $1,500,000.
What is the rating of When a Stranger Calls?
When a Stranger Calls has a rating of 6.2 out of 10 based on 294 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (2)
Horror
Thriller
