Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Witty crossover adventure has comic book violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold
What's the Story?
In SCOOBY-DOO & BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, Batman's (voiced by Diedrich Bader) past comes back to haunt him when he encounters the Crimson Cloak (John DiMaggio). Linked to the only unsolved crime in Batman's file, Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker) and Mystery Inc. are invited to join forces with Mystery Analysis of Gotham to help take down the Cloak, along with some other of Gotham's best known villains.
Is It Any Good?
The sheer joy that comes through in this Scooby-Doo and DC Universe crossover makes for a fun feature length adventure. Frequently hilarious, Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold's witty script draws on both Scooby-Doo and Batman's 1960s heydays. Batman talks with all the alliteration of Adam West's campy portrayal in the '60s TV series -- a far cry from recent brooding versions. This decision suits the Scooby-Doo pairing perfectly. Mystery Inc. are constantly called hippies for the first time in 50 years and the groovy intro is a nod to the decade in which both camps first ruled TV. The dialogue zings and Aquaman (Dimaggio) especially delivers some laugh out loud lines. Scooby-Doo's crew have a self awareness but it hits the right tone. It's all celebratory rather than cynical.
The movie is action packed and animated beautifully, letting the weird and wonderful comic book heroes and villains shine in their unique ways. The slight creepiness associated with both franchises is present, too. Arkham Cemetery's red sky and creepy dead trees in silhouette is a particular highlight. On top of this, there are some thoughtful character moments. Batman is troubled by an unsolved case, racked with guilt about the only innocent person he ever lost. Meanwhile Velma (Kate Micucci) and Detective Chimp (Kevin Michael Richardson) are locked in a battle of oneupmanship. Light relief is always around the corner, though. Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and Scooby's joy at finding the Arkham Asylum cafeteria is pure glee. And the ensuing food fight that follows is a hoot. This team-up was crafted with love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the cartoon violence and peril in Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
What character strengths did Batman and Scooby-Doo show when uncovering the mysteries and bringing the criminals to justice? Can you think of when you've shown these traits in your own life?
What did you think about the crossover of Scooby-Doo and the DC Universe? Why do you think movies and TV shows do this?
If you could choose a super power, what would it be?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 9, 2018
- Cast : Frank Welker , Grey Griffin , Matthew Lillard
- Director : Jake Castorena
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Warner Home Video , Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures , Animals , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate