Poster for When a Stranger Calls

When a Stranger Calls (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Far away from the site of a gruesome murder, a teenager named Jill Johnson arrives at a luxurious home for a baby-sitting job. With the children fast asleep, she settles in for what she expects to be an ordinary evening. Soon, the ringing of a phone and the frightening words of a sadistic caller turn Jill's routine experience into a night of terror.

Rated PG-13 • 2006 • 1h 27m

5.7
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Age
13+

When a Stranger Calls is a psychological thriller that follows Jill, a teenage babysitter terrorized by a mysterious caller in an isolated mansion. Rated PG-13 for intense terror and violence, the film focuses on high-stakes cat-and-mouse suspense rather than gore. While there is no sexual content, the film is dominated by themes of stalking, home invasion, and mortal peril. It is recommended for mature teens only, as the sustained… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Camilla Belle
Camilla Belle
Katie Cassidy
Katie Cassidy
Tommy Flanagan
Tommy Flanagan
Brian Geraghty
Brian Geraghty
Clark Gregg
Clark Gregg
Derek de Lint
Derek de Lint
Kate Jennings Grant
Kate Jennings Grant
Steve Eastin
Steve Eastin
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson
Karina Logue
Karina Logue
Dianna Agron
Dianna Agron
David Denman
David Denman
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Is When a Stranger Calls appropriate for kids?

When a Stranger Calls is a psychological thriller that follows Jill, a teenage babysitter terrorized by a mysterious caller in an isolated mansion. Rated PG-13 for intense terror and violence, the film focuses on high-stakes cat-and-mouse suspense rather than gore. While there… Read more — free account

Content severity in When a Stranger Calls

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in When a Stranger Calls, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
  2. 0:12 💬 Language 2/10
  3. 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Unlock all 8 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in When a Stranger Calls

There is no sexual content or nudity in this film.

Violence and gore in When a Stranger Calls

Violence is moderate and centers on stalking, struggle, and an aggressive climactic battle. A character is found dead, and the protagonist physically defends herself using household items, including a fireplace poker, which results in a brief but explicit close-up of a hand being pinned to a floor. There are no scenes of graphic gore.

Language in When a Stranger Calls

Language is mild, consisting mostly of panicked outbursts and common expletives such as "hell" or "damn" used during moments of extreme stress.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in When a Stranger Calls

There is a brief mention of past excessive drinking, and a bottle of tequila is brought out as a prop, though it is not consumed during the film.

Mature themes in When a Stranger Calls

The film explores themes of parental abandonment, stalking, and extreme emotional trauma following a life-threatening encounter. The concept of a "stranger" manipulating a vulnerable person is the central theme.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is When a Stranger Calls appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests When a Stranger Calls is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. When a Stranger Calls is a psychological thriller that follows Jill, a teenage babysitter terrorized by a mysterious caller in an isolated mansion. Rated PG-13 for intense terror and violence, the film focuses on…

What age rating does When a Stranger Calls have?

When a Stranger Calls is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is When a Stranger Calls about?

When a Stranger Calls is a psychological thriller that follows Jill, a teenage babysitter terrorized by a mysterious caller in an isolated mansion. Rated PG-13 for intense terror and violence, the film focuses on high-stakes cat-and-mouse suspense rather than gore. While there is no sexual content, the film is…

Is there sex or nudity in When a Stranger Calls?

There is no sexual content or nudity in this film.

How violent is When a Stranger Calls?

Violence is moderate and centers on stalking, struggle, and an aggressive climactic battle. A character is found dead, and the protagonist physically defends herself using household items, including a fireplace poker, which results in a brief but explicit…

Is the language in When a Stranger Calls appropriate for kids?

Language is mild, consisting mostly of panicked outbursts and common expletives such as "hell" or "damn" used during moments of extreme stress.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in When a Stranger Calls?

There is a brief mention of past excessive drinking, and a bottle of tequila is brought out as a prop, though it is not consumed during the film.

What mature themes appear in When a Stranger Calls?

The film explores themes of parental abandonment, stalking, and extreme emotional trauma following a life-threatening encounter. The concept of a "stranger" manipulating a vulnerable person is the central theme.

How long is When a Stranger Calls?

When a Stranger Calls runs 87 minutes, directed by Simon West, released in 2006.

Where can I read the full When a Stranger Calls parent guide?

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