Top 20 Underrated Disney Channel Original Movies
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Underrated Disney Channel Original Movies. For this list, we’ll be looking at DCOMs that could use more appreciation. Which Disney Channel movies that you love slipped under the radar? Let us know in the comments below.
#20: “Phantom of the Megaplex” (2000)
Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel “The Phantom of the Opera” has been adapted for film and television dozens of times, and in 2000, the Disney Channel put their own unique stamp on the tale. While much of the original story is changed, the core concept of a masked individual impersonating a ghost, creating havoc and mystery remains as the narrative core. It updates the French opera setting, changing it, as the name implies, to a modern, multi-screen movie theater. As such, the DCOM displays a real love for film and movie theaters, largely through the elderly movie buff Mason played by legendary actor Mickey Rooney.
#19: “Brink!” (1998)
Surprisingly adapted from an 1865 novel about ice skating, this DCOM came out during a time where extreme sports were taking the world by storm. “Brink!” capitalized on the craze, focusing on the world of aggressive inline skating and putting teenage heartthrob Erik von Detten front and center. As would be expected, Brink and his friends skate for sport, not the money, which puts them in direct competition with the villainous X-Bladz. The only reason the film isn’t higher on our list is that it’s already become a bit of a cult classic as its original audience have grown into adulthood, holding a special place in their hearts for it.
#18: “Cadet Kelly” (2002)
This story of two polar opposites in a military academy was marketed largely on the crossover of two of Disney Channel’s biggest stars at the time: Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano. Duff stars as Kelly, a free-spirited student whose life gets turned upside-down when she’s taken out of art school and enrolled in a military academy. Kelly struggles to fit in and butts heads with her superior, the uptight Jenny Stone, played by Romano. Over the course of the film, however, they learn from each other and form a unique bond. While the film has faded from many people’s memory, the chemistry of Romano and Duff and the depiction of female friendship make us think it deserves a reappraisal.
#17: “Go Figure” (2005)
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Katelin wants nothing more than to be an Olympic figure skater, so when she meets Natasha Goberman, a top ice skating coach, her dreams are almost within reach. Katelin joins the school on a hockey scholarship, but can’t tell her teammates the truth as they look down on “twirl girls.” Naturally, things don’t go quite as smoothly as Katelin would’ve hoped - her loyalties are tested and she has to work twice as hard to keep her head above water. And when her two worlds collide, Katelin learns who her real friends are.
#16: “The Luck of the Irish” (2001)
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Life can be difficult for a lot of teenagers balancing school, parental expectations, sports, and a social life. Oh, and occasionally having your family’s luck stolen, causing you to slowly shrink to leprechaun size while your hair turns red and your ears get pointed. This all happens to high school basketball star Kyle when he discovers he’s half-leprechaun and has to win back his stolen lucky coin from a nefarious one. The film deals with issues that many adolescent Americans face, losing touch with heritage and the importance of understanding roots. If you’re ever in need of a St. Patrick’s Day re-watch, it’s hard to do better than “The Luck of the Irish.”
#15: “Avalon High” (2010)
Over the centuries, there have been countless tellings of the myths of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, with the legend adapting to the issues facing each new generation. Such was the case when Disney channel put their spin on the classic tale, which combines the fantastical elements of the legend with high school drama. Navigating both the fantasy and drama is Allie Pennington, daughter of two medieval scholars, who believes her new friends are prophesied reincarnations of Arthurian figures. The film provides plenty for Arthurian fans to enjoy while also having a few original twists and turns to keep the audience on their toes.
#14: “Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off” (2003)
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Another tale where the lead has to decide whether to follow his dreams or do what’s expected of him. Eddie is a star baseball player with a secret penchant for cooking. When the time comes to choose electives, he “accidently” signs him and his friends up for home economics, leading Eddie to the Million Dollar Cook-Off that could kickstart his culinary career. Eddie is torn between pleasing his dad and going after his dreams, but ultimately everyone crowds around Eddie to cheer him on.
#13: “The Even Stevens Movie” (2003)
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Along with “Lizzie McGuire,” “Even Stevens” was one of Disney Channel’s most popular shows in the early 2000’s. Both came to an end at sixty-five episodes due to Disney’s somewhat controversial episode cap. Each show proved popular enough to get a film sendoff, and while “Lizzie” got a theatrical showing, “Stevens” ended up on the small screen. Here, the rivalry between siblings Louis and Ren is brought to a seemingly tropical island, where, like on the show, they quarrel but ultimately show their love for each other. Supporting characters return and unresolved plots are tied up, with the film proving to be a perfect finale for the madcap antics of the Stevens family.
#12: “Read It and Weep” (2006)
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An assignment mixup turns Jamie into an overnight sensation, but woe to anyone who finds out that her characters are really based on her classmates. Now a best-selling author, the fame and popularity go straight to her head, with trusty alter-ego “Is” acting as her guide. Is gives Jamie the confidence to pursue stardom, and while she becomes more self-assured, she forgets about those who were there for her before gaining success. While fame looks fun from the outside, it comes at a price that Jamie needs to decide if she’s willing to pay.
#11: “Horse Sense” (1999)
There aren’t an abundance of western films that have been produced by the Disney Channel, which may be why this one has managed to slip under the radar. With real-life brothers Joey and Andrew Lawrence starring as cousins, the elder plays city slicker Michael and the younger a ranch hand named Tommy. Because of his selfishness and neglect of Tommy, Michael is shipped out to the ranch in Montana to work for a month. The movie’s beautiful natural setting in a rural atmosphere makes it one of the best-looking DCOMs. This is a must watch for fans of horses and early-2000s heartthrobs.
#10: “You Wish” (2003)
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We’ve all wished away an annoying sibling, but have any of us actually considered what would happen if it came true? Alex wishes he never had a little brother, and wakes up to learn he’s now an only child. At first he enjoys life in the popular crew, but quickly realizes that he’s made a huge mistake. He tracks down Stevie, now a superstar, and the pair hunt for the magic coin that Alex used to make the first wish. You know what they say: careful what you wish for!
#9: “Cow Belles” (2006)
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It’s a tale as old as time, starring Aly and AJ Michalka as two spoiled sisters who never worked a day in their lives. It’s the final straw when they go out shopping and leave a towel on the stove, causing a house fire. Their dad decides it’s time to teach them some responsibility and sends them to work on his dairy. Of course, it starts out as a total disaster, but when some money goes missing, it’s up to them to find the cash, save the day, and prove they’re more than rich spoilt brats.
#8: “The Thirteenth Year” (1999)
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“The Thirteenth Year” concerns itself with themes surrounding awkward teen years as children become adults. Like so many teenagers, the film’s main character Cody must learn to deal with his changing body starting on his thirteenth birthday. However for Cody this involves him some very unusual development, not to mention his powers of telepathy and electric shock. The film manages to tackle important themes in an adolescent's life such as first love in a fantastical and often humorous matter. Many young people realize who they really are at this time in their lives, and “Thirteenth Year” argues that rather than hiding your true self, you should embrace it.
#7: “Starstruck” (2010)
No list of Disney Channel movies would be complete without a teen musical, and while there are plenty of popular ones, this is surely the most under-the-radar pick. Aside from having an incredible soundtrack, the movie is notable for its romantic leads forging an unlikely bond. Michigan teenager Jessica is unexpectedly caught up in a whirlwind of tabloids and running from paparazzi after a chance encounter with pop singer Christopher Wilde. The film deals with the cost of fame and the double life many in the limelight have to face. Nevertheless, Christopher’s growth in rising above his persona will be sure to give anyone the warm fuzzies.
#6: “Tiger Cruise” (2004)
One of the biggest reasons “Tiger Cruise'' is so underrated is that its tone, subject matter, and ties to an actual historical event are a vast departure from the usual Disney Channel fare. Those differences however make it one of the most powerful and unique films in the DCOM canon. The story is inspired by an actual tiger cruise - a naval voyage where sailor’s civilian family members accompany them on a ship. At sea during the events of September 11th, both servicemembers and their families are rocked by the possible implications. The film balances handling the tragedy respectfully alongside an interpersonal father-daughter relationship. The final product is spectacular thanks in large part to the stoic yet personable performance from Bill Pullman.
#5: “The Color of Friendship” (2000)
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One of the great things about the Disney Channel is how it isn’t afraid to talk about real issues. Based on true events, Piper’s family decides to host a South African exchange student, but are surprised when a white girl turns up. The hosts are outspoken opponents of the apartheid regime, something that Mahree’s family benefit from with blissful ignorance. Eventually, the girls learn to look beyond skin color and become friends. It’s a long, rocky road, but Mahree’s worldview is turned on its head and she realizes things need to change.
#4: “Jump In!” (2007)
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A recurring theme in Disney Channel films is learning to accept oneself and not doing things due to peer pressure. That trope is utilized perfectly here when a young boxer, Izzy, is brought into the world of competitive double dutch jump rope by his crush Mary. Over the course of the film, Izzy is torn between worlds, trying to stay close with his father, and his newfound passion. “Jump In!” isn’t afraid to hew to both sports and teen movie formula, but it has so much fun doing it that we want to jump in ourselves. Anyone up for some double dutch?
#3: “Pixel Perfect” (2004)
This film definitely deserved more love. Roscoe uses technology to create Loretta, a pixel perfect performer, to win over audiences for the Zetta Bytes. Loretta proves to be a huge hit with everyone, except Sam, who becomes jealous of the band’s latest addition. Roscoe even falls for his own creation, not realizing there’s a real-life girl who likes him too. Despite being generated by a computer, Loretta understands a lot about friendship and the importance of being yourself. Not to mention, there are some pretty catchy underrated songs in this film too.
#2: “Motocrossed” (2001)
A combination of extreme sports, female empowerment, and William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” there’s something for everyone in “Motocrossed.” The film follows a motocross-obsessed family, including teen twins Andrea and Andrew. After an injury sidelines Andew, Andrea steps in, finally getting a chance to live out her racing dreams. Of course, this requires her to disguise herself as her brother, which provides its own set of complications. Along the way, Andrea contends with disapproval from her father, a crush she can’t admit to, and worst of all, a snooty replacement racer! Equal parts uplifting and exciting, “Motocrossed” was surprisingly ahead of its time and remains thrilling from start to finish.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire” (2000)
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“Bad Hair Day” (2015)
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“Smart House” (1999)
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“Quints” (2000)
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Based on the book of the same name, we’re introduced to Tru Walker, who wants to be on TV. She’s ecstatic when she hears about a competition that could make her dreams come true and uses her twin brother Eddie, who is autistic, as the subject of her documentary. She wins the contest and learns a lot about herself, her family, and the general attitudes toward disabilities. It’s a really touching story and by the end, all the things that annoyed Tru make her family come closer together.
