James Gunn Scooby-Doo streaming success has come full circle as the 2002 live-action adaptation climbs into Peacock’s list of the top 10 most-watched films in the United States, 23 years after its original debut. This renewed interest highlights Gunn’s early role in Hollywood, as well as the film’s lasting appeal among fans both young and old.
Scooby-Doo’s Return to Prominence on Streaming Platforms
The 2002 Scooby-Doo movie, featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., Linda Cardellini, and Matthew Lillard, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, officially entering Peacock’s top 10 list as of June 24, 2025. Ranking at number nine, it has surpassed recent titles such as Love Hurts, starring Ke Huy Quan. The chart includes other heavyweight films, such as Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (number eight), the 2010 animated How to Train Your Dragon (number seven), and Migration (number six). The upper tiers of the chart are occupied by How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Trolls Band Together, Dog Man by Peter Hastings, Adam Sandler‘s comedy favorite Happy Gilmore, and Despicable Me 3, which currently holds the number one spot.
James Gunn’s Original Vision for Scooby-Doo
Many viewers may not realize that Scooby-Doo was the launching point for Gunn’s involvement with major Hollywood franchises, preceding his work on Man of Steel and Black Adam. The film‘s script originally reflected a bolder, more mature tone, which was later modified by Warner Bros. to appeal to a broader, younger audience. Gunn recounted in a social media post marking the film’s 15th anniversary,
“I had written an edgier film geared towards older kids and adults, and the studio ended up pushing a clean-cut children’s film. And yes, the first cut was R-rated.”
—James Gunn, Writer
“Language and jokes and sexual situations were removed… cleavage was CGI’d over. But thankfully, the farting remained.”
—James Gunn, Writer
Significant script changes and editing defined the final cut of the movie, but much of its original energy and humor survived, captivating both children and older audiences.
Box Office Achievements and Lasting Success
Despite some challenges adapting his creative vision, Gunn’s Scooby-Doo was financially successful. Made on a production budget of approximately $84 million, the film grossed $276.3 million worldwide, with $153.3 million from American theaters and $123 million internationally. After adjusting for inflation, these numbers would approach $300 million today. In 2002, Scooby-Doo ranked as the 14th highest-grossing movie globally, and 13th within the United States specifically.
Cast of the 2002 Scooby-Doo
The film assembled a celebrated cast, with Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred, Sarah Michelle Gellar playing Daphne, Matthew Lillard portraying Shaggy, and Linda Cardellini bringing Velma to life. These performances have been widely regarded as among the most faithful adaptations of the beloved animated series, cementing the ensemble’s place in popular culture.
Continued Popularity and Cultural Impact
Scooby-Doo’s steady popularity demonstrates the persistent charm of classic franchises when reimagined by creative forces like James Gunn. The film‘s streaming surge connects generations, reflecting both nostalgia for adults and discovery among new viewers. As Scooby-Doo remains available on Peacock, its ongoing success reaffirms Hollywood’s fascination with reinvention, memorable characters, and the ability of timeless stories to find fresh audiences.
