If you loved the chilling suspense of 'When a Stranger Calls' (1979), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same heart-pounding tension, psychological thrills, and eerie atmosphere. Whether you're a fan of classic horror or modern thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Black Christmas (1974)
Description: A chilling slasher film that revolves around a group of sorority sisters receiving threatening phone calls from an unknown stalker, creating an atmosphere of suspense and terror.
Fact: Considered one of the earliest slasher films, it predates many of the genre's tropes and was initially controversial for its graphic content.


Halloween (1978)
Description: A suspenseful horror film featuring a relentless killer stalking babysitters, with a focus on tension and psychological terror rather than gore.
Fact: The film was made on a very low budget and became one of the most profitable independent movies ever, spawning a long-running franchise.


Scream (1996)
Description: A meta-horror film that plays with slasher tropes while delivering genuine scares, particularly through its use of threatening phone calls and a masked killer.
Fact: The film revitalized the slasher genre in the 90s and was notable for its self-aware humor combined with genuine suspense.


I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Description: A teen slasher that builds tension through the threat of a mysterious figure seeking revenge, with a focus on psychological terror and guilt.
Fact: Based on a novel by Lois Duncan, the film became a cultural phenomenon and helped launch the careers of several young actors.


Urban Legend (1998)
Description: A horror film that plays on modern myths and urban legends, featuring a killer who uses these stories as inspiration for their murders, creating a sense of paranoia.
Fact: The film features several cameos from horror icons and was part of the late 90s slasher revival alongside films like Scream.


What Lies Beneath (2000)
Description: A psychological thriller with supernatural elements, focusing on a woman who begins to suspect that her home is haunted, leading to a tense and unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The film was a departure for director Robert Zemeckis, known for his work on family-friendly films like Back to the Future.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension, with a story that unfolds slowly to reveal terrifying truths.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on location in Spain and used natural light to enhance its eerie, claustrophobic feel.


One Hour Photo (2002)
Description: A psychological thriller about a photo lab employee who becomes obsessed with a family, blurring the lines between observer and stalker.
Fact: Robin Williams' dramatic performance was a stark contrast to his usual comedic roles and received critical acclaim.


The Call (2013)
Description: A thriller centered around a 911 operator who receives a call from a kidnapped girl, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game with a killer.
Fact: The film's climax was shot in a single take to heighten the intensity and realism of the scene.


The Babysitter (1995)
Description: A thriller centered around a babysitter who becomes the target of a mysterious and dangerous caller, playing on fears of vulnerability and isolation.
Fact: This TV movie was part of a wave of 90s thrillers that capitalized on suburban paranoia and the dangers lurking in everyday situations.
