I’ve noticed something funny – people sometimes use ‘gone a bit Scooby-Doo‘ as a dig, meaning something’s become predictable and a little cheesy. It’s a bit awkward to say, but it got me thinking… I genuinely believe the kids who loved Scooby-Doo as children grow up to be the ones who adore slasher films like Scream. And it’s not a backhanded enjoyment, either! They truly love them, and they should – I know I do!
I realize comparing these two might seem odd. Scooby-Doo and Scream are very different – one’s about a talking dog, the other features a masked killer who prefers landlines. However, they’re connected in a surprising way, going beyond the fact that Matthew Lillard played roles in both. The original Scooby-Doo series from 1969 is a perfect example of how to create fun, not-too-scary mysteries.
The show definitely has its familiar patterns. The gang always breaks up, Velma constantly misplaces her glasses when it matters most, and Scooby and Shaggy are always running from the villain. There are also random, unexplained moments – like when they magically appear as French waiters, complete with silver dome covers! But beyond the silliness, there’s a surprising amount of learning happening.
Scooby-Doo is surprisingly educational! It subtly teaches us that everyone is a suspect, what seems scary is often a disguise, and a little humor can defuse any tense situation. Paying close attention helps solve mysteries, and the best part is always discovering who was behind the mask all along.
When you frame it that way, the connection to the movie Scream becomes clear. Ghostface is essentially a creepy, eccentric killer who happened to take film classes and armed himself with knives.
What really grabbed me about this film was the unmasking – not just physically, but of character. It’s that precise moment everything flips, when someone you thought was an ally, or at least harmless, is revealed as the source of the trouble. It’s genuinely shocking to see that kindness turn into something truly sinister, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. Ultimately, the movie offers a hopeful message: even the deepest fears can be overcome with a little critical thinking.
The best stories engage us on multiple levels – they make us feel something, challenge our minds, and deliver a compelling drama. Once you experience that kind of satisfaction, you naturally crave it again. For some, this journey starts with lighthearted mysteries like Scooby-Doo and progresses to more complex detectives like Nancy Drew or Agatha Christie. Others find it through darker, more thrilling tales, like Goosebumps or Stephen King. But the core appeal is consistent: seeing intelligence and determination triumph over disorder. The villain is defeated, balance is restored, and hopefully, everyone gets a reward – maybe even a milkshake!
As we grow older, horror movies become more impactful. With Scooby-Doo, the suspense starts to build. Then, the movies get more complex and frightening. By the time you watch something like Scream, your experience is shaped by years of watching the genre. At that point, understanding horror tropes isn’t just helpful—it could actually be key to enjoying (or even ‘surviving’) the experience.
As a huge horror fan, one thing that’s always struck me about the Scream movies is how survival often comes down to being smart. Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott keeps making it through because she doesn’t just blindly follow the rules – she questions everything. And Jamie Kennedy’s Randy? He lives as long as he does because he’s basically studied every horror trope in the book. It’s great that his niece, Mindy, picks up on that same need to know how these things usually play out. It’s almost like Fred always sending Scooby and Shaggy ahead – it’s risky, sure, but it’s based on understanding what generally happens in these situations. In Scream, being aware of the rules is your best weapon.
Despite all the playful references to horror tropes, Scream still works as a genuinely good mystery. Unlike unstoppable killers like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, Ghostface is a person – and therefore makes mistakes. This means he might be motivated by things like wanting fame, getting revenge, or even something as simple as being offered food. The way the mystery is solved isn’t quite like a cartoon trap, though; it usually involves more violent confrontations with guns and knives. It’s essentially a grown-up version of Scooby-Doo.
Hollywood loves to scare us with stories that make us question what’s real. Movies like ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’ ‘Urban Legend,’ and ‘Happy Death Day’ all follow a similar pattern. While ‘Scream’ is often praised for being smart, people don’t often recognize the earlier film crew in the flower-covered van who first popularized this type of thriller.
It’s funny, actually. Long before Ghostface started making calls, Scooby-Doo taught us that monsters are usually just people in disguise. The show also showed us that if you stay calm, don’t jump to conclusions, and follow the evidence, you can usually solve the mystery. And even if you don’t, the reveal is always exciting!
Scream 7 is released in cinemas on Friday 27 February in the UK.
Authors
David Brown is the Deputy Previews Editor at TopMob, where he focuses on crime dramas and fantasy TV shows. He’s a frequent media commentator, having appeared on BBC News, Sky News, and Radio 4’s Front Row. His writing has been featured in publications like the Guardian, the Sunday Times, and the i newspaper. Beyond journalism, David has also worked as a writer and editor for the National Television Awards and on documentaries about prominent figures such as Lenny Henry, Billy Connolly, and the band Take That.
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2026-02-25 17:35