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I’m a child of the ‘80s who grew up on a steady diet of Hanna-Barbera cartoons. I love The Jetsons, The Flintstones, The Snorks, Jonny Quest, The Smurfs, and of course, Scooby-Doo. The original incarnation, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, featured a simple setup that recycled the same basic plot for each episode. But I first experienced the show at the right age to see past its flaws. The overly simplistic original series has spawned multiple sequel series and spin-offs (the best of which is surely 2010’s Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated). Not to mention the cannon contains nearly 50 feature films in total. Jinkies!
Like the numerous television series featuring the notoriously cowardly dog at the forefront, the associated movies are also of varying quality. Some adhere to the very same formula as Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! and some manage to diversify and make a strong case for their existence.
With so many films of varying quality to choose from, it can be overwhelming to separate the trash from the treasure. Because I want to make life easier, I previously compiled a list of five Scooby-Doo films that are surprisingly enjoyable. If you missed it, you can scope that right here. Since there are more than five animated outings featuring the perpetually spooked Great Dane that are worth the time investment, I am back with another round of recommendations.
Read on for five more animated Scooby-Doo films that are enjoyable no matter how old you are.
Scooby-Doo! and the Hesitant Werewolf
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I rank this one on roughly the same level as Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School and Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers, all of which came out in the late ‘80s. Each features Shaggy, Scooby, and Scrappy on an adventure without the rest of the gang.
This comical outing sees Shaggy turned into a werewolf at the behest of Dracula. The film eschews a central mystery in favor of Shaggy fighting to regain his humanity. We get to meet his girlfriend, Googie, and we’re also treated to some reasonably entertaining racing sequences. In one particularly memorable scene, Shaggy begins to fluctuate between human and werewolf when he hiccups.
It's a delight to witness the iconic Universal Monsters reimagined in the Hanna-Barbera style. Additionally, it's refreshing to encounter Shaggy's romantic interest. Plus, Dracula's minions, the Hunch Bunch, provide a noteworthy enhancement to the storyline.
Scooby-Doo and the Legend of Loch Ness
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This animated outing doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a fun diversion nonetheless. The film is somewhat predictable and follows the standard template established by the earliest incarnation of the TV series. However, the flick concludes by leaving the existence of the Loch Ness monster open-ended, which is a rarity for the Scooby-Doo franchise. Scooby-Doo and the Legend of Loch Ness also introduces some memorable supporting characters, like Daphne’s cousin, Shannon. Additionally, we get the chance to experience the atmospheric Blake family estate in Scotland.
This film isn’t the strongest series installment, but it’s still worth watching. The amusing characters, Scottish setting, and the inclusion of a legendary cryptid whose existence isn’t debunked make this one worth seeking out.
Scooby-Doo and the Myth of the Vampire
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Most contemporary Scooby-Doo films give the crew an updated look, with slightly more modern duds. I definitely see the case for that. The producers likely wanted to modernize the characters for contemporary audiences and bring them into the 21st century. However, there’s something to be said for playing to the nostalgia set. And that’s precisely what Scooby-Doo and the Myth of the Vampire does. This film actually gives us the best of both worlds. The central mystery is more complex and less predictable than those featured in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! But this incarnation delivers the gang in their original outfits with plenty of nods to the classic cartoon that started it all. For instance, Velma loses her glasses, Shaggy jumps into Scooby’s arms, and the gang even forms a band called Those Meddling Kids.
If you're still on the fence, let me highlight that the beloved The Hex Girls will be making a special appearance at a music festival known for its peculiar habit of having performers vanish without a trace. To top it off, The Hex Girls will team up with Those Meddling Kids to wrap up the festival in style!
Scooby-Doo! Theatrical Terror
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This campy effort capitalizes on the popularity of shows like American Idol and The Voice circa 2013 when it was released straight to DVD via the now-defunct Warner Premiere label. The characters within are often hilarious. The gang meets domineering stage parents, a seemingly dangerous diva, and a collection of other colorful contestants and crew members. One of the film’s most memorable sequences sees a young singer belting out a wildly inappropriate song.
The mystery is intricately crafted and full of surprises. While you may anticipate some aspects before the final twist, the sheer volume of plot points makes it challenging to piece everything together. Additionally, the intentionally intricate setup means that you might not recall all the subtle nuances during a second viewing, adding to its replay appeal.
The film features an exceptional cast of guest voice actors, including Vivica A. Fox, Wayne Brady, Modern Family’s Ariel Winter, and more.
Scooby-Doo and the Extraterrestrial Intruders
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This title marks the fourth installment produced by Mook Animation. The other three are Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost, and Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase (all three of which appear on the previous list).
Alien Invaders sees the gang crashing the Mystery Machine in a desert town that happens to be home to a variety of spooky alien beings. The film features a couple of unexpected twists along the way to an exciting conclusion and great animation. I love the look of the alien beings. They’re straight out of a B-grade monster movie. This installment also sees Shaggy falling in love with a groovy gal named Crystal and Scoob taking an interest in her canine companion, Amber. The romance aspect could have easily been forgettable, but it’s well-handled. This becomes especially apparent when the viewer learns more about Crystal and Amber’s origin story.
Tags: Scooby Doo
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