Top 10 Disney Channel Original Movies That Defined Our Childhood

How could we not talk about the DCOM that helped make Demi Lovato into a household name? She starred as Mitchie Torres, a talented singer dying to go to a summer camp for aspiring teen musicians, named Camp Rock. Mitchie isn’t as privileged as the other campers and needs to work with her mom in the kitchen to attend. Meanwhile, Joe Jonas played Connect 3 frontman Shane Gray, an entitled pop star looking for the owner of a beautiful voice. Hint: that voice is Mitchie. “Camp Rock” has plenty of cringey moments, sure, but that’s part of its charm. Plus, you can’t deny a lot of the songs are bangers. Even the JoBros still show the hit some love, so the nostalgia is strong.

Starring a predominantly Latina cast, including a young America Ferrera, this classic DCOM follows a group of girls who band together to save the school’s dance team. They enlist the help of newbie teacher Ms. Bartlett, who happens to have a Julliard⁠-level background in dance. Things get off to a rough start but the girls are resilient and learn to believe in themselves, knowing they can do anything working as a team. With its liveliness and positive vibes, “Gotta Kick It Up!” definitely had many kids wanting to be cheerleaders. Plus, it had an inspiring mantra.

Change can be scary, especially when you’re starting a new school. For Johnny Kapahala, he also has to adapt to a new climate. The young surfer is a literal fish-out-of-water, having moved from the sandy beaches of Hawaii to the snow-covered slopes of Vermont, where he has to attend a private school where everyone skis. When Johnny takes up snowboarding, it becomes another thing separating him from his classmates. Rather than conform, Johnny finds acceptance with his new friend Sam and the public school kids called “Urchins,” and takes aim at the elitism that divides the community. While his epic journey from one extreme sport to another isn’t exactly relatable, many of us could identify with Johnny and his struggle to fit in and keep his individuality.

Speaking of new schools and free spirits, here’s another beloved Disney Channel Original that centers on a girl who just wants to have fun. After her mom marries a General, Kelly is forced to attend George Washington Military Academy, a stark contrast from her previous arts-focused school. Hilary Duff, notably known for the channel’s “Lizzie McGuire”, starred in the title role, with Christy Carlson Romano of “Even Stevens” fame as the strict Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone. Initially, Jennifer is the worst. But the two gradually bond and it culminates in an epic performance – complete with ribbon dancing! “Cadet Kelly” is a quirky DCOM with plenty of charm, and the fact that it was led by two Disney Channel icons has made it that much better.

A movie about a house powered by AI technology doesn’t seem that revolutionary now. But in 1999, the idea blew our minds. Before Alexa and Siri, there was PAT, or “Personal Applied Technology.” Ben Cooper is the lucky winner of the contest giving away the high-tech home equipped with everything you could imagine. But when PAT develops a fiercely maternal mind of her own, she becomes a major problem instead of a solution. “Smart House” tackles serious topics like grief and the dangers of AI, but it still has plenty of fun. Who could forget the killer party featuring a hilarious dance to “Slam Dunk (Da Funk)”? The flick was a winner in ‘99, and it still holds a special place in our hearts today.

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” this underrated DCOM centers on teenager Andrea “Andy” Carson and her motocross-obsessed family. Her overbearing dad sees the sport as a boys club unfit for his daughter even though she’s an incredibly impressive rider. When an accident leaves her brother Andrew unable to compete, Andy disguises herself as him and convinces her mom to help her race in his place. She navigates the world of extreme sports while trying to prove herself to her dad and save her family from financial problems. We may not have fully understood gender stereotypes in our youth, but “Motocrossed” taught us that girls can do anything, sexist societal nonsense be darned.

Disney loves a good “follow your dreams” story, and “The Cheetah Girls” is one of the best. With names like Galleria, Chanel, Dorinda, and Aquanette, this quartet definitely made an impression not only with their singing but also with their “cheetah-licious” wardrobes. The girls are determined to win their school’s talent show while landing a big record deal. But when a famous producer tries to change up their style, the group temporarily calls it quits. Nothing can stop the Cheetah Girls, though, and they make a glorious comeback. The inspirational DCOM promotes girl power, self-confidence, and the importance of believing in yourself. It also showed us that strong friendships have their ups and downs but in the end, you’re bonded for life.

With its futuristic lingo and colorful fashion straight out of the Limited Too, “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century” was in every ‘90s kid’s regular viewing rotation. Zenon Kar lives a stellar life on a space station, constantly learning and hanging out with her equally stylish bestie Nebula. She’s sassy and confident, but her intelligence and innate curiosity constantly get her into trouble, prompting her parents to send her to Earth, literally grounding her. Zenon makes it back from the earthly adventure in time to stop an evil mastermind from destroying her home. And to attend the out-of-this-world Microbe concert with the swoon-worthy frontman Proto Zoa. “Supernova Girl” is still our major all-time jam.

Thirteen is a transformative age, especially when you find out you come from a long line of fabulous and powerful witches. Marnie Piper learns about her magical roots when her eccentric grandma Aggie comes to visit one All Hallow’s Eve. This Harry Potter-like reveal is one that many kids, and adults, dream of having happen to them. Though the story has magic and the nature of good vs evil at its center, it also explores mother-daughter relationships and embracing outcasts. To say the love for “Halloweentown” has endured is an understatement, and it’s rightfully become an October viewing staple. St. Helens, Oregon, where this DCOM was largely filmed, continues to celebrate the Spirit of Halloweentown, sometimes with cast members in attendance.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Luck of the Irish” (2001)
DCOM Heartthrob Ryan Merriman Is a Teenage Basketball Player-Turned-Leprechaun

“Starstruck” (2010)
Explores the Very Real Struggles of Being a Celebrity

“Pixel Perfect” (2004)
The Zetta Bytes Get a Holographic Frontwoman

“Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior” (2006)
A Homecoming Queen Hopeful Hesitantly Follows Her Destiny to Become a Kung Fu Superheroine

“Stuck in the Suburbs” (2004)
Two Suburbanite Teens Take Over a Pop Star’s Phone & Antics Ensue

Are you surprised? Not only was “High School Musical” a massive success with its bop-filled soundtrack, it also propelled the careers of several actors like Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez are said by many to be the Romeo and Juliet of the 2000s. Instead of feuding families, these star-crossed lovers come from different cliques. And thankfully, they get a happy ending. Navigating the social hierarchy of high school and conflicts of the heart are universal themes. Add in infectious songs and dance numbers, and you’ve got a cultural phenomenon. With its sequels, spin-off, and even a Disney+ TV series, there’s no doubt “HSM” is among the most influential, era-defining flicks ever. The way it shaped our lives cannot be overstated.

Did your favorite DCOM make the list? Let us know in the comments.