From the director who bent Marvel’s reality comes a nightmare headed straight for your Netflix queue. The question isn’t if it will ring, but whether you should answer.
February gets a jolt of dread as Scott Derrickson’s 2021 chiller The Black Phone rings on Netflix on February 12, 2026, with Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames leading the cast. Kidnapped teen Finney Shaw finds a chilling lifeline in a dead line, taking calls from the Grabber’s past victims on a disconnected phone. With an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score, a $161 million global haul, and a Blumhouse sequel already in motion, its streaming debut arrives with momentum.
A chilling addition to Netflix in February
February 2026 just got more exciting for fans of supernatural thrills. Netflix is gearing up to bring Scott Derrickson’s acclaimed horror film, The Black Phone, to its platform on February 12. For those craving a spine-tingling experience, this 2021 release promises an unsettling psychological ride. Already a hit with audiences and critics alike, its arrival is eagerly anticipated.
The haunting story of The Black Phone
The film, clocking in at 103 minutes, tells the story of Finney Shaw, a 13-year-old boy abducted by a notorious masked killer, known as The Grabber. Trapped in a soundproof basement, Finney stumbles upon an old disconnected phone. Yet, when it starts ringing, things take an unexpected turn. On the other end are the voices of The Grabber’s past victims, who guide and encourage him to fight back. Suspenseful and deeply atmospheric, the film lingers on themes of trauma, survival, and the supernatural.
A powerhouse cast behind the terror
Ethan Hawke delivers a chilling performance as The Grabber, veering into villainous territory with terrifying ease. Mason Thames, in his breakout role as Finney, impressively carries the emotional weight of the film. Supporting performances by Madeleine McGraw (as Finney’s sharp-witted sister) and Jeremy Davies (portraying their troubled father) add depth to the story. Together, their characters create a world that feels disturbingly real, amplifying the tension in every scene.
Critical acclaim and commercial success
The Black Phone earned high praise upon its release, boasting a solid 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics highlighted Derrickson’s expert direction and the unsettling atmosphere that permeates the film. Beyond critical success, it was a financial triumph, earning over $161 million globally, a remarkable feat for a horror movie. Its success has already sparked a sequel announcement from Blumhouse Productions, further cementing its place in the genre’s modern classics.
What does Netflix have in store?
Adding The Black Phone to its February lineup is a smart move for Netflix, especially with fans eager for more Derrickson-led projects after his work on Doctor Strange. Horror fans streaming the film will revisit (or encounter for the first time) its mix of supernatural thrills and gritty storytelling. As the countdown to February 12 begins, one thing is certain: this is a movie that will leave an impression.