In 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.
Where to Watch Freaky Tales
- JSBFebruary 8, 2026If I could give it less stars I would. You should take movie recommendations from ppl who rated this movie highly with a grain of salt because they more than likely have missing brain cells or extra chromosomes. Many streamers and reviewers are outright lying and saying that this straight to streaming turd was the best movie of 2024. If that's the case, why didnt it get a cinematic release despite having Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks? It's like if someone blackmailed these two actors telling them that if they weren't in the movie, they'd tell the public what they did on Jeffrey's Island.
- crazykavJanuary 26, 2026Had this one for quite some time on my list. Finally gave it a tey and boy did this flick deliver. Definitely now what you expecr, definitely weird but it's called freaky tales, so that's that. If you like the 80s and can live with that overall design, yiu might be in for a treat. Would watch again
- Doc WormDecember 30, 2025A fun throwback anthology flick. Such high billings for some bit roles in a lionsgate indie flick is very strange but welcomed. Loses its pace a little bit towards the end but a blast nonetheless. Surprised this went under the radar as much as it did. Will surely be a cult classic.
- 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.
- Cineit.blogOctober 14, 2025This movie desperately tries to be an '80s throwback but misses the mark completely. It feels painfully modern and inauthentic, with unconvincing punk rock scenes and gimmicky effects that scream 'we're trying too hard to be cool.' While a rapping duo and a brief appearance by Pedro Pascal provide some relief, the villain is forgettable and the plot devolves into brainless, childish violence that makes no sense. It feels like it was written by teenagers. A totally forgettable and skippable movie.
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Freaky Tales was released on April 4, 2025.
Freaky Tales was directed by Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck.
Freaky Tales has a runtime of 1h 47m.
Freaky Tales was produced by Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden, Poppy Hanks, Jelani Johnson.
In 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.
The key characters in Freaky Tales are Sleepy Floyd (Jay Ellis), Clint (Pedro Pascal), The Guy (Ben Mendelsohn).
Freaky Tales is rated R.
Freaky Tales is a Comedy, Action, Adventure film.
Freaky Tales has an audience rating of 8.8 out of 10.
Freaky Tales has made $400K at the box office.