Freaky Tales explores themes such as community resistance against hate (neo-Nazi attacks on punk fans), the struggle and empowerment of aspiring female rappers facing misogyny, the emotional stakes of a debt collector trying to settle down, and vengeance against corruption and violence, all set in 1987 Oakland.

The four stories are loosely interconnected by their setting in 1987 Oakland, California, and by overlapping events such as the neo-Nazi harassment at the Grand Lake Theatre and the local music scenes, including punk rock and rap. Characters and locations appear across the segments, creating a mosaic of Oakland's subcultures and social tensions.

Music is central to Freaky Tales, with the punk rock scene depicted in the first story, including a show at 924 Gilman Street, and the rap scene in the second story featuring aspiring rappers Barbie and Entice performing alongside Too $hort. Music scenes serve as both cultural backdrops and battlegrounds for the characters' struggles and expressions of identity.

Violence in Freaky Tales is graphic and stylized, particularly in the confrontations with neo-Nazi skinheads who attack punk fans and music venues. The punk community organizes armed resistance, resulting in over-the-top fight scenes with exaggerated blood and gore. Later, a character named Sleepy Floyd unleashes brutal vengeance with swords and knives, emphasizing a hyper-violent tone.

The magical green light appears as a symbolic or supernatural element during moments of empowerment. For example, Tina's spiked bracelet emits a green light when fighting Nazis, and Barbie and Entice's microphone glows green during their rap performance, highlighting their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.