What was the first Scooby-Doo direct-to-video film?

Scooby-Doo has become a cultural icon and that’s why we’re here to celebrate Scoobtober.

The whole month is about celebrating the cartoon, its character, and its general impact on pop culture. I mean, we’re still talking about it now even though the original series premiered back in 1969.

Honestly, it’s rare to see a character continue its popularity as much as Scooby has but the Scooby Gang don’t seem like they’re slowing down at all. If anything, there are no doubt so many great projects in the pipeline that we don’t even know about.

Whether you’ve been a long-time fan of Scooby-Doo or are watching with a little one, then you might be curious to know which was the first direct-to-video feature.

When was the first Scooby-Doo direct-to-video film released?

This is where things get a little bit sticky as there were four animated TV films which were Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers released in 1987, Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School released in 1988, Scooby-Doo! and The Reluctant Werewolf released in 1988 and Lastly, Scooby-Doo! in Arabian Nights released in 1994.

For the first “official” direct-to-video film, it was released in 1998 and that’s Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island. Somehow, it feels like this was the tip of the mountain and the franchise has never quite lived up to this point. Regardless, this is easily a favorite among fans of the franchise and honestly, it is pretty scary.

If you’ve never watched the film before, you’re in for a real treat. It’s all about the Mystery Gang reuniting and going to a bayou island to investigate a ghost. It all sounds incredibly spooky and creepy but once they get there, the Scooby gang is in for thrills and chills unlike the gang has ever seen before.

Coupled with the fun music and surprisingly intense scenes, this was the best place for the Scooby franchise to start. Plus it’s a great one to rewatch during the Halloween season.