Finding movies like the new Scooby-Doo movies is a weirdly specific challenge. You're probably looking for that exact blend of "Wait, is that a real ghost?" tension mixed with a talking dog and some very questionable snacks. Or maybe you just finished Scoob! or Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! and you're craving that vibrant, modern animation style that doesn't feel like it was made in 1969.
The truth is, the "new" Scooby era—basically everything from 2020 onward—shifted the vibe. It got meta. It got self-referential. It even got a little bit "shared universe" on us. If you want more of that, you can't just pick any old cartoon.
The Mystery-Solving Vibe You’re Actually Looking For
Most people think Scooby-Doo is just about unmasking a greedy real estate agent. Honestly, that’s barely half of it now. The recent films like Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog (2021) or the crossover with Krypto (2023) lean heavily into supernatural slapstick.
If that’s your jam, you have to check out The Bad Guys (2022).
It’s got that same "group of misfits" energy, though they start as the villains. The animation is snappy, and the chemistry between Wolf and Snake feels a lot like the banter you’d hear between Fred and Velma if they were actually allowed to be snarky. Plus, The Bad Guys 2 is slated for a 2025 release, so you’re getting in at the right time.
Why Gravity Falls is the Secret Heir to the Mystery Machine
I know, it’s a show, not a movie. But hear me out. If you loved Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated—which is basically the blueprint for the "new" Scooby style—Gravity Falls is non-negotiable.
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- It has a central, overarching mystery that actually pays off.
- The "Monster of the Week" episodes feel like classic Scooby on steroids.
- It’s genuinely funny for adults without being "adult" in a gross way.
Dipper and Mabel are basically just Velma and Shaggy if they were twins and had a Grunkle Stan instead of a van.
Movies Like the New Scooby-Doo Movies: The 2025-2026 Shortlist
Since it's early 2026, we’ve got some fresh contenders that hit that sweet spot of family-friendly investigation and high-energy animation.
Dog Man (2025)
Based on Dav Pilkey’s books, this movie is the definition of chaotic energy. It’s got a crime-fighting hero who is literally a dog-human hybrid. If you like the "talking dog" aspect of Scooby but want something that feels more like a fever dream, this is it.
The Sheep Detectives (2026)
This one is a bit of a sleeper hit. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a group of sheep solving crimes. It captures that "nobody believes the animals" trope that makes Scooby-Doo so frustratingly great. It’s less about ghosts and more about rural intrigue, but the team dynamic is spot on.
Zootopia 2 (2025)
You’ve likely seen the first one, but the sequel doubles down on the "buddy cop" mystery elements. It’s sleek, it’s fast-paced, and it deals with an underground conspiracy that feels very much like a high-stakes Mystery Inc. plot.
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The "Real" Supernatural Pivot
Remember when Scooby-Doo movies started making the monsters real? Zombie Island changed everything back in the day, and the newer films like Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! (2020) keep that "maybe it’s science, maybe it’s magic" ambiguity alive.
If you like the spooky-but-not-scar-you-for-life vibe, try The Sea Beast (2022).
It’s got the adventure, the massive creatures, and a "Mystery Inc." style crew on a ship. It’s gorgeous to look at, and the stakes feel real.
What Most People Get Wrong About Scooby Clones
People often suggest Goober and the Ghost Chasers or Speed Buggy.
Don't do that to yourself.
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Those are relics. They’re slow. If you’re looking for movies like the new Scooby-Doo movies, you want the pace of the 2020s. You want the humor that breaks the fourth wall.
Ron's Gone Wrong (2021) actually fits this better than most "mystery" cartoons. It’s about a kid and his malfunctioning robot, but the way they have to navigate a corporate conspiracy feels like a modern-day ghost hunt. It’s about friendship and solving a problem that feels bigger than the protagonists.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Watchlist
You don't need to dig through the bargain bin of 70s animation to find that feeling again. Start by checking out The Bad Guys if you want the group dynamic, then move to Dog Man for the "police dog" comedy.
If you haven't seen the 2021 crossover Straight Outta Nowhere: Scooby-Doo! Meets Courage the Cowardly Dog, make that your priority tonight. It is easily the best of the "new" era movies, managing to be genuinely creepy while honoring both iconic franchises.
For something brand new, look for The Sheep Detectives in theaters or on streaming—it’s the closest thing we’ve had to a fresh take on the "animal sleuth" genre in years.
Just skip the Velma Max series. Trust me on that one. It's not the vibe you're looking for.