Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a direct-to-video Scooby-Doo movie from 2019 that even die-hard fans didn't love. The audience score is a dismal 42% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb's 6.3 is generous.

It's perfectly safe—no question there. Your kid won't see anything inappropriate. But will they actually enjoy it? That's the real question. This is nostalgia bait for parents who remember the 1980s '13 Ghosts' series, wrapped in a movie that feels like it was assembled from a Scooby-Doo Mad Libs template.

If your kid is going through a Scooby phase and has already watched all the good stuff, sure, throw this on. But don't expect them to ask for a rewatch. There are better Scooby movies out there (try 'Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island' if you want something with actual stakes), and there are definitely better ways to spend 80 minutes of family movie time.

The WISE score reflects the reality: it's wholesome and safe, but creatively bankrupt and barely enriching. It won't hurt your kid, but it probably won't delight them either.

Age Fit

Best for kids 6-10 who are already into Scooby-Doo and want more of the exact same formula. Older kids will find it boring, and younger kids might find the ghost stuff a bit much. Common Sense Media's age 7 recommendation is spot-on.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Classic Scooby-Doo formula with teamwork, problem-solving, and friendship at its core. The gang works together to solve a mystery involving a past case, modeling cooperation and perseverance. Age-appropriate humor and no mean-spirited content. Pacing is typical for direct-to-video Scooby fare—not overly chaotic but also not particularly sophisticated. Deducted points because it's formulaic and doesn't push any boundaries in terms of emotional depth or character growth.

Imaginative

52

This is a direct sequel/callback to the 1980s '13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo' series, which means it's heavily nostalgic rather than genuinely original. The premise of catching escaped ghosts has some supernatural mystery elements, but it's all very paint-by-numbers Scooby-Doo. No real creative spark or invitation to build/explore beyond passive viewing. It's competent but uninspired—fans of the franchise will recognize every beat before it happens.

Safe

88

Extremely safe for the target demographic. Scooby-Doo has always been about 'scary' content that's actually quite mild—ghosts that turn out to be people in masks (mostly). This one does involve actual supernatural elements, but they're handled in the typical cartoon fashion with no gore, violence, or genuinely frightening content. Common Sense Media rates it for age 7, which tracks. No inappropriate content, no surprise disturbing scenes. Minor deduction only because some younger kids might find the ghost imagery slightly spooky, but that's the whole point of Scooby-Doo.

Enriching

48

Limited enrichment value beyond basic entertainment. There's problem-solving and mystery elements, but they're superficial. The movie does show the gang dealing with an unfinished task from their past, which could prompt discussions about responsibility and follow-through. However, the execution is formulaic and doesn't offer much in terms of cognitive challenge, ethical dilemmas, or meaningful character development. It's comfort food—fine for a rainy afternoon, but not exactly expanding horizons.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Perfectly safe introduction to mild 'scary' content for younger kids who are Scooby-curious
Classic gang dynamics with teamwork and problem-solving (even if it's all predictable)
Callbacks to the 1980s series might give nostalgic parents something to chat about with their kids
Short runtime means it won't overstay its welcome on a lazy Sunday

⚠

What to Watch For

This is aggressively mediocre—42% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells you everything
Some younger kids (under 6) might find the ghost imagery mildly spooky, though it's all very cartoonish
If your kid isn't already a Scooby fan, this won't convert them—it's franchise filler

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the gang decided to stop solving mysteries at the beginning? Have you ever wanted to quit something?"
"If you had to catch 13 ghosts, which one do you think would be the hardest to find?"
"The gang had to finish something they started a long time ago. Is there anything you've left unfinished that you want to go back to?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost