In horror movies, characters often find themselves in dire situations where making or receiving phone calls becomes a matter of utmost urgency. This trope, which originated in the era of landlines, has continued to evolve and thrive even in the age of smartphones. Let’s delve into the various types of phone-call terrors that horror movies have to offer.

The Scary Call (Non-Supernatural)

Imagine being home alone when the phone rings, and on the other end, there’s a stranger who might be a wrong number or someone with sinister intentions. This type of scary call has been a staple in horror movies since the early days of the genre, with films like When a Stranger Calls (1979) and Black Christmas (1974) exploiting the urban legend of a killer dialing from inside the house. The latter’s use of an obscene phone caller remains one of the most unsettling auditory creations in horror.

Years later, Scream (1996) took this idea and ran with it, featuring a killer who taunts his victims over the phone before striking. The film cleverly subverts the cliché by making the killer a fan of horror movies, adding a layer of meta commentary to the genre.

The Scary Call (Supernatural)

The concept of supernatural phone calls is a common plot device in horror movies. A recent example is The Black Phone, where a teenager uses a mysterious phone to communicate with the deceased victims of a serial killer. This idea of the dead calling the living is a favorite trope in horror, with the 1961 Twilight Zone episode “Long Distance Call” serving as an early template.

Another notable example is The Ring franchise, where watching a cursed video tape triggers a phone call from an entity that warns the viewer of their impending doom. Supernatural phone calls can also involve time travel, as seen in One Missed Call‘s use of voice mails that predict the future.

In some cases, the phone call can be a catalyst for a nightmare scenario, as seen in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, where the phone receiver transforms into a grotesque tongue. Additionally, the use of outdated technology, such as dial-up connections, can lead to ominous and supernatural consequences, as depicted in the 2001 film Pulse.

Scary texts are also a thing, and they can be just as unsettling as phone calls. Sometimes, these texts can even come from beyond the grave, as seen in Mr. Harrigan’s Phone.

The Weaponized Device

In horror movies, phones can also be used as a weapon. A classic example is the 1978 film Halloween, where Michael Myers uses a phone cord to strangle one of his victims. This scene is a gruesome mirroring of an earlier, more playful moment in the film.

The Misdirect

Horror movies often use phones to create misdirection and false scares. In Halloween, Laurie Strode is briefly terrified by a mysterious noise on the other end of the line, only to discover that it’s just her friend Annie eating while talking. This type of misdirection is a common tactic used to heighten tension and create jump scares.

Another example is the use of a phone ring or buzz to create a sudden, startling noise. This can be an effective way to increase the mood of fear and unease in a horror movie.

NO SERVICE

In modern horror movies, the lack of phone service is often used as a plot device to isolate characters and increase tension. Whether it’s a landline with a cut cord or a cell phone with no signal, the inability to call for help can be a terrifying prospect.

This trope has become a cliché in horror movies, but it remains effective in creating a sense of vulnerability and despair. Even in the age of smartphones, the lack of service can be a powerful tool for building tension and fear.

What are your favorite horror movie phone moments? Share your own “call of fame” scenes in the comments below. 976-EVIL arrives on Shudder on March 15.

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