The Black Phone (2022)

Kernel Score: 87% · 5,697 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror, Thriller

Released: 2022-06-16

Runtime: 103 minutes

Is The Black Phone worth watching?

Worth watching. A grim, effective thriller about a boy held in a basement by a masked killer. It builds real tension and the child actors are good. It's disturbing but not over-the-top gory.

Watch it if you

  • like creepy, supernatural thrillers
  • want horror built on atmosphere
  • enjoy 70s-set suburban dread

Skip it if you

  • can't handle scary stories about kidnapped children
  • want non-stop gore

Best for: Spooky night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Black Phone

  • Stream: Netflix
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

Finney Blake, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.

The Black Phone parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that The Black Phone involves the kidnapping and abuse of children by a sadistic serial killer.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Depicts child abduction, imprisonment, and a sadistic killer's violence toward children, plus intense frightening scenes.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: None — No significant sexual content is indicated by the signals.
  • Language: Moderate — Strong language consistent with its R rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Black Phone

If you liked The Black Phone, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Well-made supernatural horror with real scares.
  • Sinners (2025) — 97%: Highly rated horror that blends atmosphere and fear.
  • Get Out (2017) — 88%: Smart, tense horror with real social bite.
  • The Shining (1980) — 95%: Classic slow-building horror about a haunted place.
  • Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: Classic horror of creeping dread.
  • 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) — 77%: Tight thriller about being held captive.

Director

Scott Derrickson

Cast

  • Mason Thames as Finney
  • Madeleine McGraw as Gwen
  • Ethan Hawke as The Grabber
  • Jeremy Davies as Terrence
  • E. Roger Mitchell as Detective Wright
  • Troy Rudeseal as Detective Miller
  • James Ransone as Max
  • Miguel Mora as Robin
  • Rebecca Clarke as Donna
  • J. Gaven Wilde as Moose

The Black Phone FAQ

Is The Black Phone worth watching?

Worth watching. A grim, effective thriller about a boy held in a basement by a masked killer. It builds real tension and the child actors are good. It's disturbing but not over-the-top gory.

Where can I watch The Black Phone?

In the US you can stream The Black Phone on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Black Phone OK for kids?

The Black Phone is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Black Phone involves the kidnapping and abuse of children by a sadistic serial killer.

What movies are like The Black Phone?

If you liked The Black Phone, try The Conjuring, Sinners, Get Out and The Shining.