Top 10 Scooby-Doo Films: Ranking the Ultimate Mystery Adventures

With numerous movies in the Scooby-Doo franchise, it can be challenging to distinguish the good ones from the ones you'd rather avoid, just like when Shaggy flees upon spotting a ghost. The Mystery Inc. gang has embarked on countless feature-length adventures, ranging from direct-to-video releases to big-budget Hollywood treatments. They have tackled crooked businessmen seeking to gain an advantage and genuine supernatural threats that haunt unsuspecting townsfolk. Throughout the years, Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the gang have faced various adversaries, delivering truly spooky adventures.

In the early days of Scooby-Doo feature-length adventures, made-for-TV movies served as spin-offs to ongoing television series. These were later replaced by intentional direct-to-video releases featuring enhanced animation, engaging stories, and even celebrity voice actors. Additionally, the big-budget live-action Scooby-Doo movie, though initially receiving negative reviews, has garnered a cult following over the past two decades. With a plethora of fantastic Scooby-Doo movies catering to comedy, horror, and kids' animation enthusiasts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988)

Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School a made-for-TV movie

Shaggy and Scooby with a cauldron in Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School - Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School a made-for-TV movie - Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988)

In the made-for-TV movie Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School, Shaggy, Scooby, and Scrappy-Doo found themselves in a spooky mystery. They ended up becoming gym teachers at a school for the daughters of paranormal creatures like Dracula and Frankenstein. The movie was a fun tribute to classic monsters from the 1930s. While it was a light and funny horror adventure, some fans missed the other members of the Mystery Inc. gang. Overall, it was an entertaining standalone film.

Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (2009)

Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins was a live-action made-for-TV movie

Younger versions of the Scooby gang are scared in Scooby-Doo: The Mystery Begins - Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins was a live-action made-for-TV movie - Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (2009)

Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins was a live-action movie that served as a reboot for the Scooby-Doo franchise. It depicted how the Mystery Inc. gang first met and solved their inaugural case. Although the star power in this TV movie was not as strong as the theatrical releases, The Mystery Begins was made with a lot of heart and captured the humor of the original series. It was a delightful origin story that outshined its 2010 sequel, Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster, which featured the same cast.

Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost (2019)

Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost was a direct-to-video movie

Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost (2019) - Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost was a direct-to-video movie

The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo initially aired in 1985 as a 13-episode miniseries. However, it left fans disappointed as the 13th ghost was never revealed, leaving the story incomplete. Fortunately, after almost 35 years, Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost was released. This long-awaited follow-up finally provided closure to the supernatural tale. While it may not have been as captivating as the best Scooby-Doo movies, it was commendable for filling in the missing pieces of the narrative and offering a resolution that fans had been eagerly awaiting for decades.

Scooby-Doo! in Where's My Mummy? (2005)

Scooby-Doo! in Where's My Mummy? was a direct-to-video movie

Scooby-Doo! in Where's My Mummy? (2005) - Scooby-Doo! in Where's My Mummy? was a direct-to-video movie

Scooby-Doo! in Where’s My Mummy? was a direct-to-video release that had the gang solving a supernatural mystery in Egypt. The story revolved around buried treasure from Cleopatra's time, guarded by an undead army. This action-packed adventure included scorpion fights in the depths of the Sphinx and had many unexpected twists. Where’s My Mummy? was considered the strongest Scooby-Doo movie in years when it was released, as it skillfully combined mystery and history in a way that appealed to kids of all ages.

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed was a live-action theatrical release

Scooby carries Shaggy in front of the rest of Mystery Inc in Scooby Doo Monsters Unleashed - Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed was a live-action theatrical release - Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed improved on its predecessor with better special effects and exciting action scenes. However, the storyline felt lazy, as it relied heavily on past monsters for nostalgia. Despite this, Matthew Lillard's return as Shaggy Rogers was a standout performance, making the movie enjoyable for its escapism.

Scooby-Doo! and the Cyber Chase (2001)

Scooby-Doo! and the Cyber Chase was direct-to-video movie

Scooby-Doo! and the Cyber Chase (2001) cover - Scooby-Doo! and the Cyber Chase was direct-to-video movie

In Scooby-Doo! and the Cyber Chase, the Mystery Inc. gang find themselves stuck in a video game where they have to take on the Phantom Virus. This direct-to-video movie gives a modern twist to the traditional Scooby-Doo story. Using computer-generated imagery, the film combines elements of Lovecraftian horror with the 1980s style seen in Tron and The Terminator. It's a fresh addition to the Scooby-Doo series that explores new ideas while honoring the classic adventures of the past.

The Mystery Inc. gang gets trapped in a video game and must fight against the Phantom Virus in Scooby-Doo! and the Cyber Chase

Scooby-Doo: The Movie (2002)

Scooby-Doo: The Movie was a live-action theatrical release

Scooby-Doo 2002 Movie Poster - Scooby-Doo: The Movie was a live-action theatrical release - Scooby-Doo: The Movie (2002)

In 2002, the beloved Scooby-Doo series received a big-budget Hollywood adaptation for a live-action movie. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Freddy Prinze Jr. as Fred, and the perfectly cast Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, the film didn't impress critics initially. However, over the years, its campy and over-the-top style has gained it a quiet cult following. Screenwriter James Gunn even mentioned an R-rated version of Scooby-Doo, which, if released, would only add to its cult status.

Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy! (2006)

Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy! was a direct-to-video movie

Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy! Shaggy and Scooby dressed a pirates with a ghost pirate - Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy! was a direct-to-video movie - Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy! (2006)

In 1999, Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost was released as a direct-to-video movie. This installment followed the Mystery Inc. gang as they faced a new mystery involving a witch and her ghostly accomplice. The movie brought back the sense of fun and adventure that fans had been missing from previous releases. All the character interactions and scenes were important to the overall story. With spooky supernatural elements and real stakes, Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost showcased the best of the beloved series in the late 20th century.

Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost was a direct-to-video movie

Dusk, Thorn and Luna standing together in Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost - Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost was a direct-to-video movie - Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost (1999)

Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost introduced the rock group the Hex Girls, who became some of Scooby's most beloved supporting characters. The movie also featured incredible music from the goth girl group. The Witch’s Ghost, released as a follow-up to Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, included a character named Ben Ravenscroft, who bore a striking resemblance to the famous writer Stephen King. This spooky tale delved into modern Wiccan practices, the history of witches being burnt at the stake, and had a voice cast that included the talented Tim Curry. Overall, The Witch’s Ghost was a classic adventure with top-notch animation.

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island was a direct-to-video movie

The gang has flashlights and looks scared in Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island. - Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island was a direct-to-video movie - Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island was a game-changer for the Mystery Inc. gang's feature-length films. It was the first direct-to-video release that truly captured a spooky and essential vibe. The animation quality was top-notch, showcasing some of the best visuals in the series. The shift to a darker tone raised the stakes as the gang faced real monsters on the island. This fast-paced and ambitious adventure highlighted the modern potential of Scooby-Doo, skillfully blending comedy and horror for kids.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the Scooby-Doo franchise's feature-length films, showcasing a wide range of styles and quality. While some movies, like "Scooby-Doo: The Movie" and "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed," relied on nostalgia and camp, others, such as "Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost" and "Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island," embraced a darker, more supernatural tone. The article effectively highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each film, offering insights into their unique contributions to the Scooby-Doo legacy.

Overall, the article demonstrates the versatility and enduring appeal of the Scooby-Doo franchise. From lighthearted adventures to genuinely spooky mysteries, there is something for every fan to enjoy. The article serves as a valuable guide for anyone looking to explore the vast and entertaining world of Scooby-Doo.