As a longtime fan of the Scooby-Doo franchise, I can confidently say that the best Scooby-Doo movie is none other than “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” (1998). Growing up, this film was a game-changer for me; it felt like a breath of fresh air in an era where reruns were the norm. The intricate art style and animation, combined with the complex characters and truly terrifying mystery, set a new standard for Scooby-Doo entertainment that still holds up today.
Since 1969, Scooby-Doo and his Mystery Incorporated group have been busy cracking cases and revealing villains across various locations. From the early days of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” to more recent iterations like “Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who?”, these detective kids and their vocal canine companion have captured the affection of countless fans throughout the years. However, beyond their regular Saturday morning cartoon escapades, did you realize that about 50 Scooby-Doo movies have been produced since the 1980s? These extended stories span animation to live-action and have been distributed in various formats such as made-for-TV specials, direct-to-video productions, and even cinematic releases.
Speaking figuratively, it’s not just a lot, it’s an overflow of Scooby-Doo content that’s available. Among numerous fantastic options (regrettably, we can’t showcase them all), we’ve carefully selected the cream of the crop when it comes to Scooby’s standout adventures. Of course, there are common elements in every Scooby-Doo film, but these are Mystery Inc.’s most outstanding feature-length mysteries. If your preferred adventure doesn’t appear on this list, don’t worry, there’s more than enough Scooby-Doo content where those came from!
10. Scooby-Doo! and the Goblin King (2008)
2008’s “Scooby-Doo! and the Goblin King” was a groundbreaking production, seamlessly combining humor, horror, and music into a unified storyline. This movie marked the first Scooby production not overseen by either William Hanna or Joseph Barbera. Tied to the ongoing “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” series, “Goblin King” sees our beloved gang visiting Coolsville’s Halloween carnival, which turns out to be more magical than they expected. As Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne (Grey DeLisle), and Velma (Mindy Cohn) are occupied elsewhere, Shaggy (Casey Kasem) and Scooby (also Welker) embark on a supernatural quest, an adventure only they will recall.
In certain aspects, the title “Goblin King” seems reminiscent of the lighter, ’80s-style Scooby-Doo movies that followed Scooby, Shaggy, and even Scrappy-Doo as they frequently encountered the supernatural. Direct-to-video Scooby-Doo movies had mostly abandoned supernatural occurrences since adopting the “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” aesthetic. However, “Goblin King” appears to be a fitting revival of the spooky essence, perhaps causing some debate but definitely an adventure worth experiencing.
9. Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase (2001)
In October 2001, the spooky season saw the arrival of “Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase”. This time, the gang stepped into the digital era as they visited a friend at a nearby university. Not long after, they were transported into a video game he created, featuring their outrageous exploits. The villain behind this high-tech mystery was a mysterious Phantom Virus, which had managed to move from the virtual world into reality, much like in “Tron”. When it followed them back into cyberspace, Mystery Inc. found themselves playing every level and encountering digital versions of themselves, along with avatars of their classic foes, including Old Iron Face, the Tar Monster, and the infamous Creeper.
The animated series “Cyber Chase” was a fantastic addition to the Scooby-Doo franchise, marking a significant step forward as the brand prepared for the digital era. Given the arrival of the digital age, it seemed only fitting that this installment would follow. Notably, “Cyber Chase” marked Grey DeLisle’s debut as Daphne Blake, and was also the final film featuring Scott Innes as Scooby-Doo and Shaggy Rogers, as well as B.J. Ward as Velma Dinkley.
8. Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon (2013)
At Mega Mondo Pop! Comic ConApalooza, akin to San Diego Comic-Con, the animated series “Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon” unfolds. Here, Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and Scooby (Frank Welker), eager as ever, persuade their friends to join them in meeting their idol, Owen Garrison, who is famously known as the Blue Falcon (Jeff Bennett). However, Garrison is displeased with the reboot of his character in Hollywood. This new version aims to give the Blue Falcon a more sinister, modernized look that strays significantly from the original comic book depiction. The comparisons between this new Blue Falcon and Batman are quite entertaining, given that the gang has had several joint adventures with the Dark Knight as well.
Besides offering insightful observations about Hollywood’s frequent rebooting of their franchises, the 2013 film “Mask of the Blue Falcon” is brimming with humor reminiscent of Hanna-Barbara classics. It not only references “Dynomutt, the Dog Wonder,” but also series like “Super Friends,” “Frankenstein Jr. and the Impossibles,” “Adam Ant,” “The Herculoids,” and even “Space Ghost.” If you’re a fan of vintage cartoons, it’s a delightful watch as it offers a fresh perspective on Scooby and Shaggy.
7. Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare (2010)
“Scooby-Doo! Camp Fright
For younger audiences, “Camp Scare” might be a tad scary due to its eerie villains, but the summer camp setting combined with the humorous elements reminiscent of Scooby-Doo helps make it less intimidating. The movie’s clever use of traditional horror motifs is exceptionally fitting for a Scooby-Doo film, and it leaves us hoping that the brand delves into this genre more frequently.
6. Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988)
In the 1980s, Scooby-Doo introduced a twist in its storyline by suggesting that some of the monstrous creatures encountered by Scooby, Shaggy, and their gang were genuine entities. This concept was particularly prominent in the TV movies produced during that era. One standout among these is the 1988 feature film titled “Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School.” In this production, Shaggy (voiced by Casey Kasem), Scooby, and Scrappy (both voiced by Don Messick) assume roles as gym teachers at Miss Grimwood’s Finishing School for ghouls. Immersed in a realm of monsters, the trio must adapt to cope with terrifying witches, mirror monsters, and even the boys from the neighboring military academy. All while ensuring the safety of these ghoulish students.
In a world where Scooby and Shaggy are usually running away from monsters, “Ghoul School” stands out as exceptional. Here, they’re not just scaredy-cats, they’re learning to conquer their fear of the macabre, transforming into unexpected heroes by the end. It might seem unusual that Fred, Daphne, and Velma are absent (they’ve taken a backseat in this era), but “Ghoul School” is still packed with all the spooky fun you could ask for. Even Scrappy, known for his overzealous puppy antics, manages to keep things under control most of the time, despite his “Puppy Power.
5. Scooby-Doo (2002) / Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
The first two live-action Scooby movies, released in 2002 as “Scooby-Doo” and its sequel “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,” are seen differently by various viewers. Some view them as playful deconstructions of the original content, while others regard them as faithful adaptations. Regardless of the perspective, these movies are undeniably humorous, each with its unique elements that pay homage to the classic cartoons.
Furthermore, these movies stand out due to the debut of Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, a role he later became known for voiceover work. The brilliant choices of Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar from “Buffy” as Daphne, and Linda Cardellini as Velma make these live-action movies popular among Scooby-Doo fans, and rightfully so. Although later live-action adaptations had varying success, these initial two were exceptional.
4. Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (2000)
In the 1990s, the television series “The X-Files” sparked an interest in extraterrestrial life, and this trend eventually reached Scooby-Doo and his friends. The most notable instance of UFO sightings in the cartoon occurred in 2001’s “Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders”. The group finds themselves in the American Southwest, where they encounter an alien-themed mystery in a small desert town. This leads to a series of events that unfold naturally. Scooby and Shaggy, both voiced by Scott Innes, cross paths with new characters Crystal and her dog Amber (played by Candi Milo). These two have some hidden truths up their sleeves. Smitten by his “groovy” love interest, Shaggy serenades Crystal with a heartfelt love song that leaves an indelible impression. It’s quite remarkable!
Unlike the past two Scooby-Doo movies that had real monsters, this one presents fictional creatures but suggests there might be a role for actual aliens. This movie seems to revive the original theme of greedy land developers, while incorporating contemporary elements such as real animals. The film “Alien Invaders” was the last Scooby production starring Mary Kay Bergman as Daphne before her death; it is dedicated in her honor.
3. Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers (1987)
In the 1980s series of TV movies based on Scooby-Doo, the first one, titled “Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers”, was a thrilling adventure for any fan. This movie was initially released in 1987 and marked the beginning of full-length films in the Scooby-Doo franchise, lasting approximately 90 minutes. When Shaggy (voiced by Casey Kasem) inherits a Southern plantation from his late uncle (a common occurrence in Scooby-Doo), he, Scooby, and Scrappy (Don Messick) find themselves besieged by a variety of ghosts, including the Headless Horseman. In an attempt to eliminate this menace, they employ the Boo Brothers, a trio of ghosts modeled after the Three Stooges, as their security, which predictably doesn’t go smoothly.
In terms of Scooby-Doo movies, “Boo Brothers” packs quite a punch with its mix of treasure hunts and supernatural mysteries, making it an enjoyable ride. It initiated a wave of Scooby TV films towards the end of the decade, expanding the Scooby-Doo movie universe as we know it today. Plus, Sorrell Booke, known for his role in “Dukes of Hazzard,” lends his voice to Sheriff Rufus Buzby, a fitting choice that enhances the film’s overall appeal.
2. Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)
1999’s “Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost” is the second direct-to-video Scooby-Doo adventure, and it embodies everything we adore about this beloved franchise. It offers a traditional small-town mystery, lots of fun antics from Scooby, Shaggy (Scott Innes), and their gang, supernatural elements, and an unexpected plot twist that catches us off guard. This movie is the ideal choice for watching around Halloween, and it continues to be a strong addition to the series. When horror author Ben Ravencroft (Tim Curry) invites Mystery Inc. to his hometown of Oakhaven for their annual harvest festival, they soon uncover that the spirit of an ancestor accused of being a witch may be causing chaos in the town. However, is it truly a ghost or just a clever hoax?
Even today, numerous fans consider “Witch’s Ghost” as the most outstanding Scooby-Doo feature due to its appealing animation style, intricate character development, and chilling atmosphere. What sets it apart is the debut of recurring characters, the Hex Girls, who remain popular after nearly three decades. The mature portrayal of Mystery Inc. team members adds an interesting twist, even though Scooby and Shaggy continue to stay as we know them.
1. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
Is there any argument against the fact that the best Scooby-Doo film is 1998’s “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island”? Known for resurrecting the Scooby brand and launching a nearly three-decade-long series of direct-to-video animated films, “Zombie Island” stands out as the scariest Scooby-Doo movie. After a year apart from their mystery-solving adventures, the Mystery Inc. gang reunites on Moonscar Island, a place shrouded in eeriness due to the haunting of undead pirate spirits who once caused fear among its inhabitants. As the film’s slogan goes, “this time, the monsters are real,” placing our heroes in a perilous situation that poses an immortal danger they have never faced before.
Initiating the first Scooby-Doo series by Mook Animation, “Zombie Island” significantly enhanced the level of enjoyment in Scooby-Doo entertainment. The artwork and animation are exceptionally detailed, while the characters exhibit a depth not previously seen. The mystery unfolds gradually, becoming increasingly terrifying as the story progresses (parental guidance advised for younger viewers). During a period when the Scooby-Doo franchise was largely relying on reruns and nostalgia, this movie breathed new vigor into the talking dog character, leaving an indelible impression on us ever since.
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2024-10-28 17:00