Is When a Killer Calls Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, When a Killer Calls is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
When a Killer Calls Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2006, When a Killer Calls enters the Horror genre with a narrative focused on A babysitter begins receiving threatening phone calls from a man who has just killed an entire family. Under the direction of Peter Mervis, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Rebekah Kochan. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, When a Killer Calls offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, When a Killer Calls resonates with current cultural themes in the Horror space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, When a Killer Calls is available for streaming on Troma NOW. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Fandango At Home roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of When a Killer Calls centers on a unique premise within the Horror landscape. A babysitter begins receiving threatening phone calls from a man who has just killed an entire family. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2006 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of When a Killer Calls has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a When a Killer Calls sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for When a Killer Calls (2006): with an audience rating of 3.4/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Horror, Crime, Mystery cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch When a Killer Calls Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Troma NOW🎟️ Rent on
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Fandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
When a Killer Calls is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.4/10, and global collection metrics, When a Killer Calls stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When a Killer Calls movie hit or flop?
When a Killer Calls is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.4/10 and lower collections.
Is When a Killer Calls worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.4/10, When a Killer Calls may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch When a Killer Calls online?
When a Killer Calls is currently available for streaming on Troma NOW. You can also check for it on platforms like Troma NOW depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is When a Killer Calls movie hit or flop?
When a Killer Calls is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.4/10 and lower collections.
Is When a Killer Calls worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.4/10, When a Killer Calls may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch When a Killer Calls online?
When a Killer Calls is currently available for streaming on Troma NOW. You can also check for it on platforms like Troma NOW depending on your region.
What is the story of When a Killer Calls?
When a Killer Calls is a Horror, Crime, Mystery movie that follows: A babysitter begins receiving threatening phone calls from a man who has just killed an entire family....
Is When a Killer Calls family friendly?
When a Killer Calls falls under Horror, Crime, Mystery, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is When a Killer Calls available in?
When a Killer Calls is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A babysitter begins receiving threatening phone calls from a man who has just killed an entire family.
Critic Reviews
**_A female alone in a house at night, targeted by a madman_** On a stormy night, a babysitter (Rebekah Kochan) starts her gig with a new family in SoCal, but finds herself harassed by phone calls from an unidentified man, whom she suspects is her boyfriend (Robert Buckley). When the latter & friends stop by (Sarah Hall), she knows the caller is someone else. Havoc ensues. "When a Killer Calls" (2006) is a traditional slasher in the mold of 70’s movies “Home for the Holidays,” “Black Christmas,” “Savage Weekend,” “Halloween” and, of course, “When a Stranger Calls.” Practically every one of these involve a young female or three stuck in a house during a storm, staving off a psycho killer. Armchair critics naturally have a low opinion of it because it was produced by The Asylum as a knockoff of the 2006 remake of “When a Stranger Calls” (they have the same plot), which turned out to be a hit at the box office. The theatrical film is more artistic and unsurprisingly so since it cost $15 million, while this one cost a fraction of that and yet delivers the goods for the genre and is quite brutal. You have to remember that all of those 70’s slashers were low-budget affairs. “When a Stranger Calls” had a larger budget, $1.5 million, while “Halloween” only cost $325,000 and “Savage Weekend” a mere $58,000. Meanwhile “Home for the Holidays” had a TV budget. I point this out because competent filmmakers can make a quality slasher without a huge budget. Mockbuster or not, “When a Killer Calls” does this. True, the story is unoriginal, but so is the story in the remake of “When a Stranger Calls.” Speaking of which, the idea of a babysitter being harassed by a psycho man is an urban legend, yet it’s based on real-life accounts, such as the 1950 case of Janett Christman from Columbia, Missouri, and the 1953 case of Evelyn Hartley in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. The first girl was found raped & murdered while the body of the second was never found. Both crimes remain unsolved. The movie runs 1 hour, 31 minutes, and was shot at Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino National Forest, California. GRADE: B-/C+