Freaky Tales
Directed by Anna Boden, Ryan FleckIn 1987 Oakland, a mysterious force guides The Town's underdogs in four interconnected tales: teen punks defend their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo battles for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman gets a shot at redemption, and an NBA All-Star settles the score.
Cast of Freaky Tales
Freaky Tales Ratings & Reviews
- Spawn_ImpalerJuly 16, 2025Wow what a great movie, The total Sleeper of the year too good not to miss many will but if you loved Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill and The Warriors This is for you Loved it!
- tim.hobbsJuly 8, 2025A "hidden" gem. Especially cool if you grew up in the Bay Area. Look for a couple of quick cameos as well.
- reelstateJune 19, 2025The underdog movie was Breaking Away (1979)
- Scott SmithJune 8, 2025Nazis, racists, and dirty cops getting sliced and diced...what's not to like? The 80's grindhouse style worked for me, it was a fun watch.
- Splitvision89April 27, 2025This movie kicks ass.
- holland68April 27, 2025Fun & captivating movie with a great 80's themed masterpiece!
- parktool69June 5, 2025Confusing
- xboxferretMay 1, 2025I had fairly low expectations based on the cover art but this was quite fun to watch.
- Jeffrey TennantJune 3, 2025Had an absolute blast with this.
- jackmeatApril 29, 2025My quick rating - 7.3/10. Freaky Tales is a strange, vibrant love letter to 1987 Oakland — a year I remember well as it marked the start of my own high school journey. Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck weave together four interconnected stories, each soaked in nostalgia, wild energy, and a touch of the supernatural, guided by a mysterious unseen force pulling the strings behind the chaos. The first chapter throws us straight into the madness, with teen punks battling Nazi skinheads in a turf war that feels ripped straight from a graphic novel. The fight scenes are delightfully over-the-top, with texted reactions — “POWWW!” — flashing across the screen, a clear and loving homage to the classic Batman TV series with Adam West. CGI blood splatters even push beyond the 4:3 frame, breaking the visual boundaries in a way that's both playful and visceral. The second chapter shifts gears (and screen ratio) into the underground hip-hop scene, where a rap duo fights for their shot at immortality. The rap battle here is electric — funny, fast, and a bit raunchy — making it one of the film's most purely entertaining moments. It captures that scrappy, creative spirit that was alive and well back in the day. Chapter three hits particularly close to home, taking place inside a video store that feels like a portal to the past. Anyone who remembers backroom sections behind a curtain at places like West Coast Video will grin knowingly, although here, they crank up the fantasy by hiding an underground poker game behind a secret door. It’s a clever wink to the kind of under-the-table dealings that were part of that era (my stories are for another time!). The final chapter brings it all together, culminating in a basketball showdown that cleverly uses animation to enhance the action. It’s a stylistic choice that fits right into the film’s playful, anything-goes energy. The choice of Metallica’s For Whom the Bell Tolls to score this climactic moment is pitch-perfect, blending Bruce Lee-inspired fight choreography with heavy metal attitude. The use of The Order of Death by Public Image Ltd. during the closing moments — a fantastic track from a criminally underrated film, Hardware — seals the film’s commitment to its retro roots. Each story connects just enough, with characters occasionally crossing paths without ever feeling forced. Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis headline a fantastic ensemble, both bringing serious presence to the screen. While it’s unclear if Freaky Tales had a wide U.S. theatrical release, this feels destined for cult classic status. There’s a little bit of everything here: comedy, supernatural touches, street-level adventure, and maybe an exploding body, all wrapped up in a well-made, joyously weird package. Freaky Tales might be a love-it-or-hate-it experience, but for those who dig its vibe, it’s a trip worth taking. Support this one if you can — it’s gems like these that keep the spirit of creative filmmaking alive.
- Mr CthulhuMay 7, 2025Freaky Tales is a bold, inventive ride through 1980s Oakland that blends gritty realism with surreal twists & comedic beats. Its strength lies in its anthology-style storytelling, where each tale is packed with energy, eccentric characters, and a strong sense of place. The film’s unique vibe and genre-blurring style make it a standout — part street drama, part comic book fever dream.
- StreamSniperMay 5, 2025I don't even know where to start. Let me tell you what ever you do don't start this movie. I rarely say something is awful but this takes the cake. From the moment I turned it on I wanted to turn it off.
- Tyler SApril 26, 2025👍👍 8/10
