The 13 Best Characters From Scooby-Doo, Ranked
From our earliest days parked in front of the television on Saturday mornings to our latest late-night nostalgic binges, Scooby-Doo has been a staple in the world of animation.
Since its inception in 1969 by the famed animation studio Hanna-Barbera, the Scooby-Doo franchise has continued to entertain audiences of all ages with its unique blend of mystery, humor, and a colorful cast of characters that have become cultural icons.
This roster of characters, ranging from the core members of Mystery Inc. to the memorable villains and guest characters, make each episode a delight.
In this article, we rank some of the most iconic characters in the Scooby-Doo universe, looking at their impact, personality, and the unique elements they bring to this beloved series.
1. Scooby-Doo
Undoubtedly the star of the show, Scooby-Doo, the lovable Great Dane, is a character adored across generations.
This easily frightened canine has a knack for getting into supernatural situations, all while demonstrating a level of courage that may surprise even himself.
Sure, he may be a scaredy-cat (or dog, in this case) most of the time, but when it comes down to it, Scooby-Doo never lets his friends down. His talking ability, a unique trait which brings a comical element to the show, makes him even more endearing to viewers.
Additionally, his love for Scooby Snacks often provides a comedic premise to encourage him into facing the unknown. These aspects of his personality, combined with his unyielding loyalty to his friends, make Scooby-Doo an iconic and loveable character that has withstood the test of time.
2. Shaggy Rogers
Norville “Shaggy” Rogers is more than just Scooby-Doo’s owner; he’s his best friend, confidante, and partner in crime when it comes to culinary pursuits.
Often seen clad in his signature green shirt and brown bell-bottoms, Shaggy shares Scooby’s love for food and apprehension towards the mysteries they encounter. With his distinctive voice, provided by the legendary Casey Kasem for many years, Shaggy is immediately recognizable and forever memorable.
His hilarious displays of cowardice, often resulting in slapstick comedy as he and Scooby attempt to escape from various monsters, are a highlight of the show. But beneath the surface-level humor, Shaggy displays a deep-seated empathy and kindness that adds a heartwarming layer to his character.
His friendship with Scooby-Doo is one of the franchise’s cornerstones, painting a picture of true friendship that resonates with fans worldwide. With his goofy charm and unwavering loyalty, Shaggy is a critical component of the Scooby-Doo franchise’s enduring appeal.
3. Velma Dinkley
Velma Dinkley, with her iconic orange turtleneck, thick glasses, and unwavering intellect, stands out as the “brains” behind the Mystery Inc. team.
Known for her analytical prowess and the deductive abilities that frequently lead to the unmasking of the villain, Velma plays an indispensable role in solving the group’s many mysteries.
Throughout the franchise, her catchphrase “Jinkies!” often signifies a breakthrough in the case, a moment eagerly awaited by fans.
But Velma is not just an intellectual powerhouse; she’s a complex character with a compassionate heart for her friends and an understated bravery that often gets the gang through tight spots.
This blend of characteristics allows Velma to resonate with fans who appreciate her thoughtful, logical approach and her crucial contribution to the team’s success.
4. Daphne Blake
Daphne Blake, in her trademark purple outfit and red hair, is a staple of the Scooby-Doo series.
She initially started as the “damsel in distress” in the group, frequently finding herself in dangerous situations, often leading to her nickname “Danger-Prone Daphne.”
However, over the years, the character evolved significantly. Daphne is not just about looks and fashion; she has shown herself to be resourceful, quick-thinking, and self-reliant. Her character has been developed to show a variety of skills, from martial arts to lock picking, making her an asset to the team beyond her initial role.
This character growth has transformed Daphne from the quintessential “pretty girl” of the team into a strong, independent woman who can handle herself in the face of danger, demonstrating the depth of her character and ensuring her lasting popularity.
5. Fred Jones
Fred Jones, with his clean-cut blond hair and ever-present orange ascot, is the brave and resolute leader of Mystery Inc.
Often considered the glue that holds the group together, Fred is respected for his organizational skills, strategic mind, and physical strength.
He’s the one who usually formulates the plans to catch the culprits, using intricate traps that, despite their occasional failure, demonstrate his creative thinking.
Over time, Fred’s character has seen considerable growth, developing from the stereotypical jock into a more complex character with a knack for leadership and a softer, compassionate side, especially evident in his interactions with the rest of the gang.
His brave demeanor, combined with his reliable, steady nature, makes him a critical pillar of the team and a character many fans admire.
6. Scrappy-Doo
Scrappy-Doo, Scooby-Doo’s tiny yet energetic nephew, is a character that’s managed to create a divide among fans.
Unlike his Uncle Scooby, Scrappy is fearless and often eager to take on the villains head-on, even when the odds are stacked against him.
His catchphrase “Puppy Power!” embodies his relentless enthusiasm and feisty spirit. Despite his small size, Scrappy’s confidence and courage often lead him into daring situations, adding a unique dynamic to the show’s typical formula.
While some viewers find his brash personality somewhat grating, others appreciate the contrast he brings to the gang’s dynamic.
Regardless of where fans stand on the Scrappy-Doo debate, there’s no denying that his presence has significantly impacted the series and its narrative.
7. Scooby-Dum
Despite his brief appearances, Scooby-Dum, Scooby-Doo’s cousin, manages to leave a lasting impact with his distinctive charm.
With his gray coat and hat, and perpetually vacant expression, Scooby-Dum is not the brightest character in the franchise.
But what he lacks in intelligence, he makes up for in his jovial, goofy personality that adds a touch of humor and light-heartedness to the episodes he graces.
His catchphrase “Dum, dum, dum” immediately followed by a salute serves as a playful nod to his less-than-stellar intellect.
Despite his limitations, Scooby-Dum has a heart of gold and a genuine willingness to help out the gang, making him a surprisingly endearing character in the Scooby-Doo universe.
8. Vincent Van Ghoul
Vincent Van Ghoul, a warlock with impressive supernatural abilities, is a character that adds an element of the macabre and drama to the franchise.
Modeled after and originally voiced by the legendary horror actor Vincent Price, Van Ghoul brings a level of theatricality to the series with his deep, resonant voice and dramatic mannerisms.
His appearances in “The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo” and “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” are memorable, as he aids the gang with his vast knowledge of the supernatural. Notably, he displays a sense of seriousness and urgency that contrasts the usual carefree demeanor of the gang, adding a sense of depth and intensity to the episodes he features in.
Van Ghoul’s character combines a blend of horror and humor that echoes the essence of the Scooby-Doo series, making him a noteworthy addition to the franchise.
9. Flim-Flam
Flim-Flam, the quick-witted and slick-talking con artist from “The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo”, adds a unique flavor to the Scooby-Doo franchise.
A bit of a maverick, Flim-Flam is known for his hustle, his gift of gab, and his unorthodox solutions to problems, often involving some sort of magical potion or trick.
While he may not be as well-known as the core characters, he undoubtedly adds a layer of unpredictability and audacity to the gang’s dynamic.
Despite his occasional selfishness and troublesome nature, Flim-Flam’s charm and resourcefulness help him fit in with the Mystery Inc. gang, while his character adds a fresh, different spin to the show’s usual narrative.
10. Red Herring
Red Herring, the neighborhood bully from “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo”, is a character with a distinctly memorable presence.
Known for his bright red hair and gruff attitude, Red Herring is most notable for the recurring gag involving Velma accusing him of being the villain in every episode, despite being incorrect every time.
This is a playful twist on the literary device “red herring”, where a clue or character is used to mislead audiences away from the real solution or culprit.
Despite his limited appearances, Red’s unique look, comedic purpose, and the playful way his character toys with classic mystery conventions make him a standout character in the franchise, proving that even minor characters can leave a major impression.
11. The Hex Girls
Introduced in “Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost”, The Hex Girls quickly became fan favorites with their catchy music and unique eco-goth aesthetic.
The band, composed of Thorn, Dusk, and Luna, are not only rockstars in the Scooby-Doo universe but also part-time witches, adding a layer of supernatural allure to their characters.
The Hex Girls often lend a helping hand to Mystery Inc., using their knowledge of witchcraft to assist in solving the mysteries. Their distinctive style, empowering personas, and ability to deliver toe-tapping tunes have left a lasting impression on fans.
The Hex Girls represent the diverse character spectrum within the Scooby-Doo universe, proving that even supporting characters can steal the spotlight.
12. Blue Falcon and Dynomutt
Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, the Dog Wonder, originally starred in their own animated series, but their crossover into the Scooby-Doo universe added a delightful twist to the show.
This dynamic duo, consisting of the suave and serious superhero Blue Falcon and his loyal but clumsy mechanical canine sidekick Dynomutt, bring a comic book superhero dynamic to the typical mystery-solving formula of the series.
Their high-tech gadgets, heroic antics, and the amusing contrast between Blue Falcon’s serious demeanor and Dynomutt’s comical missteps have made their appearances in the Scooby-Doo franchise a welcome diversion.
Through these crossover episodes, Scooby-Doo continues to surprise fans by blending genres and incorporating fun, new elements into its timeless formula.
13. Professor Pericles
Professor Pericles, introduced in “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”, is not your typical villain.
This seemingly innocent parrot is, in fact, a criminal mastermind with a sinister agenda that involves manipulating both friends and foes to achieve his goals.
Intelligent, articulate, and unapologetically cunning, Pericles proves that in the world of Scooby-Doo, villains can come in the most unlikely forms.
He stands out in the rogues’ gallery of Scooby-Doo adversaries not just for his anthropomorphic features but also for his eerie calmness and intricate plots that often pose real challenges for the gang.
Pericles demonstrates a level of strategic planning and scheming that surpasses that of the typical “masked villain” in the franchise. His malicious nature and formidable intellect make him a character that both intrigues and terrifies audiences, securing his place as one of the most memorable villains in the Scooby-Doo universe.
14. Cassidy Williams
Cassidy Williams, another character from “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”, is a former member of the original Mystery Incorporated and a key character in the show’s overarching plot.
In her youth, she was a counterpart to Daphne, much like the rest of her team mirrored the members of our beloved gang. However, Cassidy’s story takes a darker turn, full of betrayal and sacrifice, adding a layer of depth and drama to the show.
Despite being a secondary character, Cassidy has a profound impact on the series, providing crucial information and guidance to the gang. Her character is a mix of bravery, wisdom, and tragic heroism, offering a more serious tone to the show.
The complexity of Cassidy’s character and the way her story unfolds, along with her strong ties to the central mystery of the series, make her a standout character that contributes significantly to the darker, more intricate plot of “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”.
Conclusion
Over the decades, Scooby-Doo has remained a cherished part of our pop culture landscape. This longevity can be largely attributed to its diverse and engaging cast of characters.
From the goofy and lovable Great Dane who lends his name to the series, to the eclectic mix of supporting characters who add depth, variety, and intrigue to the show, each character has contributed to making Scooby-Doo the phenomenon that it is today.
While we’ve ranked the characters based on their popularity, impact, and distinctiveness, it’s essential to note that the strength of the Scooby-Doo series lies in the balance between its characters.
Whether it’s the core gang solving mysteries, a side character adding a twist to the story, or a villain creating chaos, each character brings a unique flavor that enriches the Scooby-Doo universe.
The diversity of the Scooby-Doo characters mirrors the inclusivity of its audience – there’s a character for everyone, no matter your age or interest.
So whether you’re a long-time fan reminiscing about the adventures of Mystery Inc. or a new viewer just beginning to uncover the mysteries, one thing’s for sure – in the world of Scooby-Doo, there’s never a dull moment, and that’s largely thanks to the fantastic characters that have kept us hooked for more than half a century.
Here’s to many more years of mystery, laughter, and “those meddling kids!”