There are many important questions in horror like, “Truth or dare?” or, “Would you rather?” Those questions have kicked off some truly grotesque scenes in horror films. Undoubtedly, the most important question ever asked in the genre is, “Scooby Dooby Doo where are you?” That question has been the precursor for some of the greatest moments in [comedy]horror. When the idea of gateway horror came up, I couldn’t help but think of the film that started it all for me. Well, it was a mixture of this and another one, but we’ll get there.
After a series of events that split up Mystery Incorporated, they are brought back together once again. The gang assembles for a trip to Moonscar Island and is promised a haunting like they’ve never seen before. Once there, things quickly go awry. With ghosts, zombies, werewolves, gumbo, and spicy peppers, the gang is in for quite the surprise on this secluded island.
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island breaks the mold of the typical Scooby-Doo story. Nearly every Scooby-Doo is just a man in a mask, causing havoc that may or may not be legal. Up to this point, the only derivation we’ve really seen from this mold is in some animated specials like Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers and Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School. Though in these two examples, we only get Scooby and Shaggy rather than the whole gang, so for the sake of our arguments, we’ll consider Zombie Island the first full-cast Scooby movie where there is actual danger.
It wasn’t until a six-year-old me watched Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island that I realized just how fun this concept of horror was. Seeing Mystery Incorporated thrust into legitimate danger terrified me. Scooby-Doo was a comfort to me. I’d watch it whenever I got the chance. When it became clear Mystery Incorporated was in danger, my heart raced. When the zombie gets decapitated, and the gang tosses it around like a hot potato, I was aghast. Whether or not the zombie was real or a man in a mask, they were playing with a head. A real head. Add on top of that the intrigue of an undercover detective searching for a truth of some sort and actual werewolves? Nightmare fuel.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention just how scrumptious the food looks.
What this film did for me is immeasurable. It opened up my eyes to not just what other tricks Scooby-Doo could pull off, but what the idea of horror really was. How could I have so much fun with something that scared me that much? Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island blends comedy, horror, and a rip-roaring good time into one extremely fun package. It opens up the doors to what cartoon horror can be.
A watch in 2024, double featured with Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders, was just as enjoyable and frightening as it was when I was a child. There’s just something about Zombie Island that sustains its enjoyment factor. With an excellent soundtrack, a terrifyingly wonderful script, and, again, the best-looking food of any Scooby-Doo entry, Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a film for all ages. It stands the test of time. I can’t think of a better child-centric cartoon to introduce the concept of horror to kids. I would also recommend watching it on a weekend movie night with friends and a 12-pack.
