As a huge horror fan, I’ve noticed Hollywood just *loves* revisiting old classics with remakes – for better or worse! We’ve seen new versions of films like *Nosferatu*, *Wolf Man*, and *Suspiria* in just the last few years, and they’ve definitely sparked a lot of debate. Now that it’s spooky season, Netflix has added some chills to its lineup, including a remake from the mid-2000s of a ’70s horror movie. It wasn’t a hit with critics, but surprisingly, it actually improved on a major problem the original film had.
As a big movie fan, I was excited to see that Netflix recently added the 2006 remake of *When a Stranger Calls*. It’s directed by Simon West and written by Jake Wade Wall, and it’s a pretty tense thriller! The story follows a teenager, Jill, who takes a babysitting job that quickly turns scary when she starts getting creepy phone calls…and then realizes the danger is already *inside* the house with her. Camilla Belle does a great job in the lead role, taking over from Carol Kane who played the babysitter in the original – which, by the way, you can find on Shudder this month if you want to compare the two!
When a Stranger Calls Remake Succeeds Where the Original Faltered
While not considered one of the best horror remakes, the 2006 film *When a Stranger Calls* tried to fix a key problem with the original 1979 movie. The original’s opening – a brilliantly suspenseful sequence focusing on a babysitter receiving threatening phone calls from inside the house – was incredibly effective, but the film lost momentum as it shifted to a detective’s investigation. The remake attempts to recapture that initial tension and extend it throughout the entire movie, essentially turning those first 20 minutes into a full 90-minute feature.
The remake of *When a Stranger Calls* is a significant improvement over the original, offering a faster-paced and more thrilling experience. By concentrating solely on the terrifying game between the babysitter and her stalker, the film builds constant suspense and psychological tension. The large, isolated house amplifies this feeling, making the babysitter—and the audience—feel vulnerable and constantly wonder what dangers might be hidden nearby.
While not a standout remake, *When a Stranger Calls* does improve upon the original. It’s been criticized for toning down the horror to achieve a PG-13 rating and for a disappointing reveal after a long build-up of suspense, but it ultimately manages to be more effective than the first film.
Other Horror Movies Now on Netflix
Fans of scary movies now have more options on Netflix! Along with classics like *I Still Know What You Did Last Summer*, *Sinister 2*, *The Strangers*, and *Night of the Living Dead*, the streaming service recently added *When a Stranger Calls*. And on October 23rd, Netflix will release a new zombie film from Indonesia called *The Elixir*.
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2025-10-15 19:43