Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School, much like Penelope, is an underrated, seemingly forgotten gem and one of the first films I ever remember searching high and low for a DVD copy of when my only luck in re-watching it was waiting for Cartoon Network to re-air. (I might’ve even tried recording it on a VHS.) The days when features weren’t available for digital purchase right away and TV features typically didn’t go into DVD production were a true test of patience. DVR was a true gift.
Where I feel Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island got its rightful praise and all the popularity, Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School disappeared into the abyss of “oh yeah, I think I vaguely remember something like that.” Seriously though, I need to meet more people for whom this film is also an underrated gem. I was convinced I made up its existence at some point.
Dracula’s daughter (Sibella), Frankenstein’s daughter (Elsa), A phantom (Phantasma), a teeny tiny mummy (Tanis), and a badass werewolf (Winne) walk into an all-girls ghoul school…Nothing goes wrong, everything goes right and they’ve just got to stick it to the Calloway Cadets next door and ensure that they are not captured by a web witch named Revolta. Oh, and there’s also a sassy little dragon called Matches. Game of Thrones could never. The ghoul school owner, Miss Grimwood is a delight too.
When Scooby, Shaggy, and Scrappy find themselves in the ghoul school, naturally the most terrified members of Mystery, Inc. are reluctant at first, but when they realize that the girls are actual joys to be around, and they like spending time with them, protecting them becomes more of a priority than running. There are still plenty of attempts, though. And the parents love the trio too (after threatening them), but, no surprise there either.
Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School is great for a number of reasons, but the best part of it is the ways in which the girls love and support each other. There’s also an incredible moment of unity between the Calloway Cadets and the Ghoul School as they realize they can play on the same field because the lesson is ultimately a showcase of the goodness and the heart of these characters.
Further Recommended Films: Muppets Haunted Mansion is a Pun-Filled Delight
If you’ve got kids, show them the animated film. If you’re an adult, watch it too. I appreciated so much growing up and today, it’s an underrated little gem that’s perfect for this time of year.
Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School is available to view on Boomerang. Or for digital purchase at most retailers.