Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Halloween-themed mystery has scythe-wielding monster.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow
What's the Story?
In SCOOBY-DOO! AND THE SPOOKY SCARECROW, a town's legend comes to life and wreaks havoc on the Halloween celebrations. Is it really the scary Cornfield Clem (voiced by Steve Blum) or might there be another explanation? Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker) and pals investigate.
Is It Any Good?
Halloween is a natural home for a Scooby-Doo mystery. So it's no surprise that Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow fully embraces the opportunity and goes all-in. A town is covered in jack-o-lanterns and decorations, and the autumnal thrill radiates from the screen. Throwing in the spooky local legend of Cornfield Clem livens up proceedings, and the array of characters we meet in the short runtime is diverse and intriguing, from the grave digger to the stern cop. The mystery of who is under the mask will keep you guessing too and is just the right side of spooky for young kids to still be able to enjoy. To top it off, the explanation and reveal is entirely satisfying and logical.
A portion of the story takes place in a maize maze, which is being set up at the start. Putting the climactic chase in the maze lets us enjoy the scares set up at the beginning and is another well-thought out aspect to this excellent addition to the Scooby-Doo franchise. The art department clearly reveled in the Halloween setting, a highlight being the chase around a fairground in which Clem scales a Ferris wheel. The image of a scythe-wielding monster silhouette against the moon on top of a fairground ride is just brilliant and a triumph for a top quality Scooby-Doo adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the scares in Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow. Did you find any parts of the movie scary? Which scenes in particular? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How did the Mystery Gang show teamwork and curiosity? Why are these such good character strengths to have? Can you think of any examples in real life when you've shown these traits?
Do you celebrate Halloween? Why do you think some people like to dress up as spooky things? Do you enjoy it?
Cornfield Clem is a local legend in the town Scooby-Doo visits. Have you heard of folklore before? Do you know any other legends? How do you think these stories get started?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 9, 2013
- Cast : Frank Welker , Mindy Cohn , Grey Griffin
- Director : Michael Goguen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Teamwork
- Run time : 22 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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