Freaky Tales (2025)
Four wild Oakland stories, one unforgettable night — Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's genre-blending anthology arrives in 1987 with attitude to spare.
Freaky Tales - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Korean
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 4, 2025 (Canada - 14A), April 4, 2025 (United States - R), April 18, 2025 (United Kingdom - 15), June 26, 2025 (Germany - 18), June 26, 2025 (Spain - 18)
- Production Companies: MACRO, Entertainment One, Gowanus Projections
- Production Countries: Canada, United States of America
Freaky Tales - Plot
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.
Freaky Tales - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Oakland's wildest night come to life:
In 1987, Oakland was hella freaky.
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Freaky Tales - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Anna Boden
- Ryan Fleck
Main Cast
- Jay Ellis
- Pedro Pascal
- Ben Mendelsohn
- Normani
- Dominique Thorne
- Jack Champion
- Ji-young Yoo
- Angus Cloud
- Keir Gilchrist
- Michelle Farrah Huang
Writers
- Anna Boden
- Ryan Fleck
Producers
- Anna Boden
- Ryan Fleck
- Poppy Hanks
- Jelani Johnson
Freaky Tales - FAQs
What is Freaky Tales about?
Freaky Tales is a vibrant anthology set in 1987 Oakland, weaving together four wild stories: teen punks squaring off against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo chasing hip-hop glory, a henchman seeking redemption, and an NBA All-Star out for revenge. A mysterious force ties them all together.
Are the four stories in Freaky Tales connected?
Yes, all four tales are set in the same 1987 Oakland world and linked by a mysterious guiding force. Characters and events ripple across stories, creating a tapestry where each underdog's journey echoes the others — much in the spirit of classic anthology films like Pulp Fiction.
Where can you stream Freaky Tales?
You can stream Freaky Tales on HBO Max. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. HBO Max Amazon Channel subscribers can access it as well, and Plex offers it as a rental option.
Is Freaky Tales based on a true story?
Freaky Tales is a fictional anthology, but it's deeply rooted in real Oakland culture and history. The 1987 setting draws on authentic Bay Area hip-hop, punk, and basketball scenes of the era. Real-life NBA player Sleepy Floyd even appears, lending the film a genuine sense of time and place.
Who are the main actors in Freaky Tales?
The cast is stacked — Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Ben Mendelsohn, Normani, and Dominique Thorne all lead different story threads. You'll also spot Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, Keir Gilchrist, and Michelle Farrah Huang, plus a fun cameo from Marshawn Lynch as a bus driver.
What is the age rating for Freaky Tales?
Freaky Tales is rated R in the United States, so it's strictly for adults. The film earns that rating with its gritty violence, strong language, and mature themes woven throughout its four Oakland-set stories. In the UK it carries a 15 certificate, and an 18 rating in Germany and Spain.
Who directed Freaky Tales and what else have they made?
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck co-directed Freaky Tales. The duo are best known for helming Marvel's Captain Marvel (2019) and the acclaimed indie Half Nelson (2006). Freaky Tales marks a bold creative swing for them — a stylized, genre-blending love letter to Oakland's underground culture.
Does Freaky Tales feature real Oakland cultural references?
Absolutely. The film is packed with authentic 1987 Bay Area flavor — from Too $hort narrating and appearing on screen, to NBA legend Sleepy Floyd portrayed by Jay Ellis. Rapper-turned-actor Too $hort's presence and the hip-hop storyline give the film genuine Oakland street credibility.
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