Freaky Tales (releasing April 4th, 2025) promises a dark, chaotic journey back to 1987 Oakland through interwoven stories that showcase a talented ensemble cast navigating violent and frenetic narratives. Imagine a world where an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a killer female rap duo, some teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector all collide – that’s Freaky Tales.
Directors Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck (Mississippi Grind, Captain Marvel) have assembled a knockout cast, including Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani (in her film debut), Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, and Tom Hanks and this star power, combined with the film’s premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, has generated huge anticipation.
If you’re excited about this film and want more of the same heart-racing, genre-blending, and character-driven anthology style, then you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best anthology films that pack just as much punch, featuring multiple storylines, top-tier ensemble casts, and the kind of fast-paced storytelling that will leave you at the edge of your seat.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
One of the most iconic anthology films ever made, Pulp Fiction is a masterclass in storytelling, featuring intertwining narratives with a killer cast. The film’s structure, which connects seemingly disconnected stories involving gangsters, hitmen, and fast-food enthusiasts, creates a chaotic yet captivating tapestry. Tarantino’s signature blend of violence, dark humor, and intense character moments makes Pulp Fiction the ultimate example of an anthology that never slows down.
Why it’s similar to Freaky Tales:
- Unconventional narrative structure with interconnected stories.
- Violence and dark humor are central to its tone.
- Ensemble cast includes John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, and Samuel L. Jackson.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen
This Coen Brothers film offers a collection of six unique stories, each set in the American West. From a singing cowboy to a gold rush prospector, the film blends comedy, tragedy, and violence seamlessly. The Coens’ darkly comic sensibility, combined with their knack for capturing the absurdity of life, makes this anthology an unforgettable ride.
Why it’s similar to Freaky Tales:
- Darkly comedic tales with unexpected twists.
- Frequent violence and intense moments.
- Multiple stories interwoven in a way that keeps the pace frenetic.
V/H/S (2012)
Directors: Various (Including Adam Wingard, Ti West, David Bruckner)
V/H/S is a found-footage anthology horror film that consists of multiple short stories connected by a central narrative. Each segment features its own brand of horror, from creepy supernatural occurrences to home invasion terror. The violent and gory tales make for a thrilling and disturbing viewing experience.
Why it’s similar to Freaky Tales:
- Anthology format with distinct stories, each having its own unique style.
- Fast-paced, violent, and often shocking.
- A mix of horror, thrill, and madness.
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Directors: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Cloud Atlas is an ambitious, mind-bending film that spans six different stories across multiple timelines. Each story is interconnected, and the themes of fate, choice, and consequence play a crucial role. While the film isn’t violent in the traditional sense, the frenetic energy and emotional intensity of each storyline make it a thrilling experience.
Why it’s similar to Freaky Tales:
- Multiple interconnected stories with different tones, much like Freaky Tales.
- A talented ensemble cast, including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Hugh Grant.
- Themes of chaos, fate, and interconnectedness.
Sin City (2005)
Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller
Sin City is an adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel series, and it brings a gritty, violent, and visually striking narrative to life. Featuring multiple stories about flawed characters in a corrupt city, the film thrives on its noir atmosphere, brutal action sequences, and unforgettable characters. Each segment is a pulpy, action-packed ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Why it’s similar to Freaky Tales:
- A chaotic, violent narrative that ties together different characters and stories.
- Frenetic pacing with visually striking action.
- Ensemble cast featuring Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, and more.
Love, Death & Robots (2019 – Present)
Creators: Tim Miller, David Fincher
Though technically a series, Love, Death & Robots functions as an anthology of animated shorts, each exploring a different story across various genres—science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The episodes are diverse in tone, from mind-bending, action-heavy stories to dark, tragic tales. The series thrives on experimentation with animation and the use of intense, often violent storytelling.
Why it’s similar to Freaky Tales:
- Anthology format with different stories packed into one collection.
- Each episode has its own tone, ranging from violent to thought-provoking.
- Fast-paced with intense, graphic storytelling.
The ABCs of Death (2012)
Directors: Various (Including Ti West, Ben Wheatley, Xavier Gens)
This anthology horror film features 26 segments, each directed by a different filmmaker, with each story revolving around a death that corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. The film is as chaotic and violent as it sounds, with each short story pushing the boundaries of horror and gore in unique and unexpected ways.
Why it’s similar to Freaky Tales:
- Each segment is a short, violent narrative, creating an intense experience.
- A diverse range of directors and styles contribute to the chaotic nature.
- Dark humor, shock, and visceral storytelling throughout.
If Freaky Tales has you excited for a wild ride through violent, frantic, and interconnected stories, then these anthology films will surely satisfy your craving for high-energy narratives and ensemble casts. Whether you’re in the mood for dark humor, thrilling action, or unsettling horror, these films have it all—just like Freaky Tales is set to deliver.
Freaky Tales, presented by Entertainment One, a Macro Media production, and a Gowanus Projection movie, is written and directed by Boden and Fleck. Audiences can look forward to a collision of worlds and storylines when the film is released in theaters this coming April 4th, 2025.
