10 Horror Films That Ripped Off Scooby Doo

Four teenagers in a van meet a masked villain? Sounds familiar.

scooby doo It€™s a simple formula: some teenagers, a monster, several confrontations and a chase climax. The main characters are the hero/leader, the damsel in distress, the nerd, the stoner and the dark-skinned comic relief. When they enter a haunted house, they say, €œThis place is spooky!€ and when they find themselves trapped, they say, €œWe€™re trapped!€ Scientists, Mayors, college Deans and every other person in a position of authority, right down to the parents, cannot be trusted. The Sheriff is unhelpful, corrupt or has a dark secret and a Deputy dumb enough to deny the monster€™s existence without first looking over his shoulder. Although that€™s no guarantee that he€™s not the villain. For most of the running time, the masked monster will appear where and when he pleases, and to hell with logic. In his presence, power supplies will fail and cars refuse to start. Characters will wander alone down dark corridors saying, €œHello?€ Fire exits will be mysteriously blocked. But are you watching a horror movie or an episode of Scooby Doo? Sometimes it€™s hard to tell the difference...
Contributor

Ian Watson is the author of 'Midnight Movie Madness', a 600+ page guide to "bad" movies from 'Reefer Madness' to 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.'