Common Sense Media Review
Too scary for most kids, too dumb for most teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Scooby-Doo
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 24 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is a mix of funny moments and some concerning imagery, leading to mixed opinions about its suitability for children; while many enjoy its humor and character portrayal, others express concerns over innuendos and some creepy scenes that may not be appropriate for young viewers. Overall, it seems to resonate well with nostalgic fans and offers a comedic break for adults watching alongside kids, though it may not be entirely suitable for the youngest audience members.
- humor appeal
- mixed suitability
- nostalgic enjoyment
- mild creepiness
- adult references
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 54 kid reviews
Kids say this movie combines nostalgia with inappropriate humor, making it a mixed bag for families; while younger children may find some scenes scary and the humor unsuitable, older viewers tend to enjoy its playful nods to the original series. The film's campy style and character portrayals elicit both fond memories and critiques, especially concerning its content, which includes crude jokes and mild horror elements not typically aimed at younger audiences.
- childhood nostalgia
- inappropriate humor
- scary for kids
- mixed reviews
- character portrayals
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The Mystery Machine crew has just discovered the secret of the ghost who captured Daphne (it's a man in a mask!), when their egos collide and they decide to go their separate ways. Two years later, they find out that each of them has been hired by Mr. Mondavarious (Rowan Atkinson), whose Spooky Island theme park is a little spookier than he had in mind. Fred, Velma, and Daphne try to solve the mystery on their own, but find that they have to work together to find…well, this time it's not a man in a mask, exactly.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is somewhere between a live-action cartoon that's much too scary for most kids and a Saturday Night Live sketch that goes on too long for most teens. That's what you get when you try to reach both younger and older audiences.
The young stars have the voices down perfectly and do the best they can to bring the characters to life, but that only emphasizes how sketchy and shallow the cartoon characterization really is. Freddie Prinze, Jr., who will hopefully someday find a movie that will show off his considerable talent, has his best moments when Fred becomes something like a hip-hop zombie. And as Shaggy, Matthew Lillard is at his best anytime he isn't challenging Scooby to a flatulence and burping contest.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the friends broke up and why they got back together.
They might also want to talk about what has made Scooby and his pals so enduringly popular over the years. Which version of the show do you like best?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 14, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : October 11, 2002
- Cast : Freddie Prinze Jr. , Linda Cardellini , Sarah Michelle Gellar
- Director : Raja Gosnell
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Fantasy
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude humor, language and some scary action.
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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