Don't Answer the Phone!

  • 1980
  • R
  • 95m
movieMx RATING
4.5/10$51.0
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Don't Answer the Phone! Review

Last updated: January 23, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 23, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Don't Answer the Phone! (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Don't Answer the Phone! features a noteworthy lineup led by James Westmoreland . Supported by the likes of Ben Frank and Flo Lawrence , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Don't Answer the Phone! (1980) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Story & Plot Summary: Don't Answer the Phone!

Quick Plot Summary: Don't Answer the Phone! is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Don't Answer the Phone!

Ending Breakdown: Don't Answer the Phone! attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Don't Answer the Phone! reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Don't Answer the Phone!?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: Don't Answer the Phone!

All Cast & Crew →
James Westmoreland
James WestmorelandLt. Chris McCabe
Ben Frank
Ben FrankSgt. Hatcher
Flo Lawrence
Flo LawrenceDr. Lindsay Gale
Nicholas Worth
Nicholas WorthKirk Smith
Stan Haze
Stan HazeAdkins
Gary Allen
Gary AllenJohn Feldon
Ted Chapman
Ted ChapmanMan in Bar
Chris Wallace
Chris WallacePsychic Von Hammensveld
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Where to Watch Don't Answer the Phone! Online?

Streaming Hub

Don't Answer the Phone! Parents Guide & Age Rating

1980 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Don't Answer the Phone! age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Don't Answer the Phone! is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Don't Answer the Phone! is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.5/10, and global collection metrics, Don't Answer the Phone! stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1980 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Don't Answer the Phone! worth watching?

Don't Answer the Phone! is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 4.5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Don't Answer the Phone! parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Don't Answer the Phone! identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Don't Answer the Phone!?

The total duration of Don't Answer the Phone! is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.

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Critic Reviews for Don't Answer the Phone!

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.5
Don't Answer the Phone!
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