Lists – Caelum Reviews

One very quiet night, I have the compulsive desire to revive this blog, as I get great joy from writing my little reviews. Another thought hit me at that exact moment: I need to rank every theme song from Scooby-Doo TV series that I know. When those two thoughts combined, I arrived here. This is by no means a definitive list; I believe there are a couple of series that I have skipped out on, but it is fairly close. Without further ado, I will provide my embarrassingly well-considered ranking of every single Scooby-Doo theme song, from worst to best.

12. Be Cool Scooby-Doo! (2015-2018)

While the programme itself certainly left a lot to be desired, the theme song is far more egregious than any of the content. Looking back, the show itself was fine (especially considering the embarrassment that is Velma). The theme song, however, feels incredibly lacklustre. It does not have the catchy lyrics of so many of its predecessors and totally fails to create any sense of what to expect. Ultimately, it just gives the feeling of a generic children’s programme, seriously missing the spooky or fun energy of other entries on this list.

11. Shaggy and Scooby-Doo Get a Clue! (2006-2008)

Right. Let me ask a question here. What the hell is this show about just based on the intro? If I were watching it for the first time, I would have no idea what the actual premise is. It does nothing to explain itself to new viewers, and it has nothing nostalgia fans could take comfort from. It’s not the format we’re used to and we can see that from the outset, but the theme song does nothing to explain what it actually is. Or maybe it does, I’m not sure, because the lyrics are so poorly enunciated I can’t get an idea of what the vocalist is meant to be saying.

10. The New Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo Show (1983)

Like all self-respecting Scooby-Doo fans, I don’t like Scrappy-Doo. He’s really blooming annoying. That is not, however, the reason I do not like this theme song. That is because it isn’t really anything. It’s not an ear-worm like so many of the other theme songs, and it’s not so bad that I enjoy complaining about it. A nothing theme song for a nothing show, in my opinion.

9. Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979-1982)

Is anyone really all that surprised that I, a self-proclaimed Scrappy-Doo hater, does not rate the theme song from the original Scooby and Scrappy series? This theme song, once again, has nothing to it. I’m not excited to watch the show, I’m mostly just irritated at all the screen time being given to an overzealous puppy. It’s far to relaxed to be an opening to a fun little children’s mystery show, It gets ranked above the later series only because I like the train and the lightening at the beginning; it’s all downhill from there.

8. The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries (1984)

For a show intended for a young, contemporary audience, there is something about this theme song that feels extremely dated. As said by my friend El “it’s giving mum’s choir”. I can’t say I disagree. Like with many of these mid-tier theme songs, I’m not mad at it, I’m just extremely disappointed. There’s truly very little else to say.

7. A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988-1991)

Truthfully, the biggest problem with this theme song is that it is not some of the others that make up this list. It’s jolly, it’s sweet, but it’s simply not iconic enough to make it further up on the list. There’s also no real build to it, and even for a one minute theme song it feels just slightly too long.

6. The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972-1973)

This is the theme song that starts to be what I want from a theme song. It has the sense of foreboding to begin with, those evil eyes on the purple background, then goes in to the fun, upbeat tune that we would expect. It’s a theme song that feels dynamic and interesting to listen to, and the title sequence is edited in a way that gives it real movement.

5. The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (1985)

This is one of the only theme songs on the list that is genuinely slightly creepy. That’s what a Vincent Price voiceover will do to you, I suppose. It has a very different vibe from so many of its predecessors, presumably because it is the first Scooby-Doo series to follow some kind of multi-episode arc. On the whole, it’s very good fun and really reflects a different kind of Scooby-Doo to what we have seen in the past.

4. Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013)

Speaking of different kind of Scooby-Doo, this theme song is one that truly encompasses the vibe of the show. It demonstrates the older-child targeted audience of this particular series and the over-arching mystery elements. As a child, this was probably one of my earliest introductions to more complex storytelling, and the futuristic yet upbeat music encapsulates the darker aspects that would be seen in the series.

3. The Scooby-Doo Show (1976-1978)

Everything about this theme song is quintessentially classic Scooby-Doo. It demonstrates their recurring gags, it shows some of the fun and frightening monsters and those opening seconds just transport me straight back to being a child. I simply adore these opening titles, though that may be a little bit because this series is also one of my favourite iterations of the show. What can I say? I’m only human, and humans have our biases. This is mine.

2. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1978)

The opening titles to the original Scooby-Doo series are truly iconic. The spooky opening juxtaposed with the upbeat nature of the music is just so perfect in marrying the mystery and comedy elements of the programme. I also have to point out that so many of the monsters in this series I found genuinely frightening, and a few of them are featured in the title sequence. As a child, I found this incredibly frightening, but as an adult I am obsessed.

1. What’s New Scooby-Doo? (2002-2006)

Every single 2000s kid adores this iteration of Scooby-Doo (especially the theme song), myself included. The beginning of the titles mirrors that of the original series, with the spooky house and the bats, and it goes on to the coolest pop-punk vibes, courtesy of Simple Plan. I find these titles completely faultless: they’re fun; they give all the characters a little moment; the animation style is lovely to look at; and the music, as I have mentioned, is amazing to listen to. There’s nothing else I can say other than it absolutely slaps.

With that, my list is complete. If anybody asks what I have been doing with my time, I probably should not say that it was this, but I will anyway. I have spent far too much time on this one. Still, I hope you appreciate my efforts; if you disagree with any of my thoughts, please do let me know.

~ Caelum

Horror can be something of an intimidating genre if you’re not already au fait with the intricacies of slashers vs. found footage; psychological horror vs. body horror; or Freddy vs. Jason. Never fear, (or, you know, maybe do) for here I am with a list of 25 horror films that I – in my infinite wisdom – have deigned worthy of your introduction to the genre. If you’re reading this and thinking, “I already know all of these! What a dreadful list! I must write a letter of complaint to my local council!” then congratulations, you’re probably a horror buff. Most of these are your old-fashioned classics, with a few lesser knowns and newbies sprinkled in later on, so if you’re already an aficionado, maybe give me some recommendations I missed.

Without further ado, let’s get into it with my quintessential horror favourites.

1. Psycho (1960)

Alright, you’ve probably already been recommended this Hitchcock classic, but there’s a reason it’s on every film student’s must-watch list. Psycho (1960) is the benchmark for a lot of horror films that came after it, and is referenced a lot in media of all genres. The effects are very 1960, but even over 60 years after its release, Psycho still holds up as the quintessential horror viewing.

2. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Regarded as the original zombie apocalypse movie, Night of the Living Dead (1968) is an amazing example of the sub-genre. Although the zombie market became so saturated in the 2000s, none of those films could hold a candle to this George A. Romero original. I recommend it highly, it’s still spooky after all these years and it sets you up nicely to watch other apocalypse movies.

3. Nosferatu (1922)

A silent classic, Nosferatu (1922) is the adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula that could easily have never been seen. With the Stoker estate suing the production company, Prana Film, for copyright infringement and all copies were ordered to be destroyed. Through a single print of the film, Nosferatu was kept alive by a major cult following, and is now a highly recommended staple of the silent film era. The character still haunts my dreams.

4. The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920)

The mixed reviews this film received when it was first released are long forgotten, as every modern critic sings the praises of this German classic. The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari (1920) is, above all else in my opinion, a visual masterpiece. It’s stunning, it’s creepy, and while it’s not the scariest film on this list, it’s certainly worth the hour and ten minute runtime.

5. Freaks (1932)

One of the many films on this list that comes with a The Simpsons parody, Freaks (1932) is an utterly grotesque horror. While it’s worth noting the highly exploitative nature of the production behind this film, and it hasn’t aged well in political correctness, there’s something to be said about the catharsis you get when you watch this film. The “one of us” chanting is fun too.

6. Village of the Damned (1960)

As we all know, children are the most terrifying thing in the world. Horror writers and directors know this the best, and Village of the Damned (1960) is the epitome of this idea. The plot is fairly standard, so I don’t have much I can say that doesn’t take away from the impact of a first watch with this film. It’s a great moment in British horror, and a good advert for not having children.

7. Frankenstein (1931)

An early adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, and probably the most well known depiction, Frankenstein (1931) is worth a watch for an inexperienced horror viewer. It comes across as a little bit cheesy nowadays, but it’s still a solid representation of a monster flick if you can get away from the less nuanced take on the story.

8. The Omen (1976)

Oh no, it’s another terrifying child. If Psycho is the benchmark for horror in general, Damien is the benchmark for demon children. In speaking to older horror fans, The Omen (1976) is often one of the films named as shaping their current fandom. Now it’s on this list. You’re welcome.

9. The Exorcist (1973)

Another iconic classic. When most people think of horror, they think of The Exorcist (1973) with the iconic image on the poster. Far too many movies have taken inspiration from The Exorcist, making it a necessary watch for anyone getting into horror films. It isn’t the best film on this list in my mind, but it is an important representation of 1970s horror.

10. Halloween (1978)

Come one, come all to the rise of the slashers. The victim of too many remakes, reboots and reworks, the original Halloween (1978) is still a gem. John Carpenter curates a chilling atmosphere with his directing, and The Shape continues to spark fear into the hearts of franchise fans. Don’t blame me if you watch some of the bad sequels, though: they’re really hit and miss.

11. Scream (1996)

A horror movie directed by Wes Craven is sure to be scary, funny, or some sort of combination of the two. Scream (1996) is the last one. It’s inspired by writer, Kevin Williamson’s, love of horror, and combines black comedy and a sort of murder mystery situation. It’s a fun film with some mediocre sequels in the 2000s, but we can forgive it that for what great viewing the first one is.

12. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Ah, the introduction of dream-infiltrating, wise-cracking, leather-gloved killer Freddy Krueger. It’s another Wes Craven vehicle (with hundreds of sequels and prequels of varying quality, Craven seems to be a magnet for them) and is actually one of my personal favourite slashers. Krueger is such an iconic villain, every new horror fan needs to see his earliest outing.

13. Eraserhead (1977)

This is horror of a different kind from Twin Peaks writer, David Lynch. The main character, Henry has been my Halloween costume for two years in a row (though all my plans were scuppered) so it’s safe to say I’m a pretty big fan of the film. And lazy at costumes. Still, it’s a strange and surreal movie with a spooky atmosphere. You’ll likely love it or hate it, but either way it’s worth a watch.

14. Ringu (1998)

The film that spawned 2002 American remake The Ring, Ringu (1998) is the original cursed video tape. It’s unsettling, with a compelling plot that popularised J-horror internationally, so is essential viewing for the burgeoning horror fan. Watch this, then watch the 2002 version. They’re both excellent in their own right and represent a real turning point in popular horror.

15. The Others (2001)

Warning: do not look anything up about this film. The plot is best experienced blind. Nicole Kidman’s Grace works to protect her children from the ghosts she believes are haunting her house. I already feel like I’ve said too much to be honest, go and watch it before I spoil it by accident.

16. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

A dark family past and a recent release from a mental institution, what more do you want me to say to sell it to you? This South Korean psychological horror is tragic genius, with great character development and brilliant storytelling.

17. The Loved Ones (2009)

A depiction of the worst way to handle rejection, The Loved Ones (2009) is an Australian horror that makes my skin crawl. This is the film on this list that makes my stomach churn more than any other. It follows teenager, Brent, being kidnapped by Lola and her father Eric (whose parenting is absolutely abysmal, in my opinion). It’s a great film, but you need a strong stomach and to be honest I want to move on so I can stop thinking about the thing with the drill…

18. The Shining (1980)

We’re in easier territory with this Stanley Kubrick classic. Everyone knows that Stephen King was not a fan of this adaptation, but people are allowed to be wrong. Not only is The Shining (1980) one of my favourite horror films, it’s my favourite Kubrick film in general. It has its moments, but it’s not the scariest film on this list. It’s still a masterclass in building tension, and a great way to go for a horror beginner.

19. Saw (2004)

I don’t actually like the Saw franchise, but I can at least acknowledge that the first film is pretty well put together. With a shoestring budget, Saw (2004) sports a nice little plot and a turning point in horror. The 2000s saw (no pun intended) a surge in the high gore, minimal plot style of horror filmmaking. Most of the Saw movies aren’t worth watching, but the first one has a twist that hit me like a train. Give it a shout.

20. Get Out (2017)

The most modern of all my recommendations, Get Out (2017) is the directorial debut of modern horror darling, Jordan Peele. It’s utterly chilling in its depiction of racial tensions in the cloak of a horror film. Containing negligible gore in comparison to some of the horror films on this list, the tension in Get Out is entirely psychological. The definition of a modern classic of the horror genre.

21. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

A bit of a change of pace with horror comedy Shaun of the Dead (2004). It’s the first instalment of the Cornetto trilogy, and the breakthrough moment for a pretty decent percentage of the cast, and the utterly masterful director Edgar Wright. Everything about this film is excellent, as anyone whose seen it will testify (and if they don’t, they are not to be trusted). If you’re after a less demanding adventure into horror, this is the film for you.

22. Misery (1990)

Stephen King adaptations are always either dreadful or brilliant. Misery (1990) is the latter. Rob Reiner’s directing makes the whole story feel claustrophobic and restrictive, capturing the feeling of protagonist Paul Sheldon perfectly. It’s also the breakthrough role for the diamond that is Kathy Bates, whose depiction of Annie Wilkes is of a woman both evil and unassuming. The moments of intense horror are fairly limited, with the narrative relying mostly on the building of tension, so it’s a good introduction to the genre of horror.

23. The Wicker Man (1973)

No, it’s not the one with Nicholas Cage and the bees. Better in plot and acting, though not in meme potential, The Wicker Man (1973) is another film that has inspired horror directors for years to come. It’s chilling, it’s clever and it has a little bit of 1970s cheesiness for your troubles. Even then, it holds up as a classic horror film that should absolutely be in the starter pack for the genre. Hence why it’s here.

24. Creep (2014)

I had to include at least one found-footage horror, and while I could have gone for your standard The Blair Witch Project (1999), I think that Creep (2014) is better. Created by and starring Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass, the film is an ingenious take on the found-footage subgenre. I’ve often thought that particular style of horror is quite difficult to follow, but with the credited cast of two, the story has the space to be both clever, and simple.

25. Man Bites Dog (1992)

In this Belgian crime mockumentary, we are part of a documentary crew filming a serial killer as he goes about his business. Man Bites Dog (1992) is a moral maze and a half, but you’ll have to watch it to find out what I mean by that. It’s funny, it’s unsettling and it is absolutely excellent. The premise is strange, but it just works.

There it is, 25 movies to watch if you want to get into horror. They aren’t in any particular order, and there are certainly some I would have included if this post wasn’t already really long. If you have any other ideas for films that could have gone on the list, or if you want to give your insight into anything here, please let me know!