Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins (2009)

47% of users liked it
(843 ratings)

Discover how the Mystery Team first came together in this prequel to the hit film series featuring everyone's favorite sleuthing canine. When the kids are unjustly suspended from Coolsville High for an elaborate supernatural prank, they pull out all the stops to catch the real culprits and clear… More Discover how the Mystery Team first came together in this prequel to the hit film series featuring everyone's favorite sleuthing canine. When the kids are unjustly suspended from Coolsville High for an elaborate supernatural prank, they pull out all the stops to catch the real culprits and clear their names. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 15 min.
Directed By: Brian Levant
Written By: Steven Altiere, Daniel Altiere, Brian Gilbert, Brian Levant
Genres: Television, Kids & Family, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 13, 2009 Wide
On DVD: Sep 22, 2009

Critic Reviews

Joly Herman, Common Sense Media
Fun live-action prequel is too creepy for the littlest kids.
James O'Ehley, fantastiqueZINE
What a steaming pile of Scooby-Poo.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...it's about time the cartoon got the live-action treatment it deserves. (Blu-ray Edition)
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...sweet and charming, succeeding as a genuine gathering of friends.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

In this beginning of the live-action Mystery Inc. gang film with different actors and special effects... even CI of Scooby-Doo are poor and unreal than the previous <i>Scooby-Doo</i> movies. It is different and a bit fun. But in the final scene does memory me in the… More
In this beginning of the live-action Mystery Inc. gang film with different actors and special effects... even CI of Scooby-Doo are poor and unreal than the previous <i>Scooby-Doo</i> movies. It is different and a bit fun. But in the final scene does memory me in the following the start introduction of TV's "Scooby-Doo" cartoon series.
Jim W

Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins has it's cheesy moments, yet it's surprisingly much better than the other 2 live action films. Matthew Lillard and Linda Cardellini were the only good casting as Shaggy and Velma in those movies. While here Nick Palatas and Hayley Kiyoko are… More
Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins has it's cheesy moments, yet it's surprisingly much better than the other 2 live action films. Matthew Lillard and Linda Cardellini were the only good casting as Shaggy and Velma in those movies. While here Nick Palatas and Hayley Kiyoko are also good as Shaggy and Velma. But Robbie Amell at least is a much better Fred than Freddie Prinze Jr. who over-acted and tried too hard to look cool when he just came off dorky. While I liked how Kate Melton doesn't act as dimwitted as Daphne as Sarah Michelle Gellar. Her Daphne is actually pretty smart and uses her brain just as much as Velma. They all bond Breakfast Club style in detention while reading mystery novels. I doubt Sarah Michelle Gellar's Daphne could even read. Daphne isn't meant to be stupid, while Fred was simply just played awful by Freddie Prinze Jr. This movie took a much better approach that's more like the show, well the way the characters act anyway. It didn't really need the scene where Shaggy is testing a gas mask by having Scooby fart lol. But I still actually found the movie to be fun and I think they should make a live action show with this cast.