Top 30 Best Disney Channel Movies of All Time

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Disney comes up with a comedic spin on “The Phantom of the Opera.” In this Disney flick, a mysterious personality threatens a film’s premiere, prompting the main characters to look for the culprit. Filled with zany humor, the film is a family-friendly offering that still has you thinking until the big reveal. It’s not incredibly complex, but the combination of mystery and comedy deserves credit. Add in some surprisingly high-profile appearances by the likes of Mickey Rooney, and you’ve got a movie that’s always fun for a rewatch.

During the height of his “High School Musical” fame, Corbin Bleu got his chance to shine in “Jump In!” The films share a similar message of struggling with what’s expected of you and doing what you love. Still, the cool dance sequences and catchy songs give the film its own identity. “Jump In!” excels with strong performances by Bleu and Keke Palmer. The creative choreography and stunt work remain awesome, as the actors give it their all to wow audiences. It represents the tried-and-tested template that made Disney Channel movies such a success at the time. Even today, its themes and snazzy style make it a can’t-miss feature for Disney fans.

The “Wizards of Waverly Place” series is among the crown jewels of the mid-aughts Disney Channel landscape. So, it’s no surprise that the film based on the show became such a hit. It takes Alex Russo’s penchant for causing trouble to a wider scale, as she and her brothers scramble to fix her magical mistake. The movie plays out like an extended episode of the sitcom, complete with banter, cheesy wizard fun, and a heartwarming message to tie it together. The “Wizards” movie also adds a few extra layers to Alex’s characterization, giving viewers a new side of her to appreciate. The movie shows us why — as the theme song goes — everything is not what it seems.

Films like “Freaky Friday,” “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen,” and “Herbie: Fully Loaded” established Lindsay Lohan as an early-2000s teen idol. “Get a Clue” arguably began her ascension into the studio’s big leagues. It follows the main character’s search for a missing teacher, which turns into a spiraling mystery with several possibilities. While that sounds a bit intense, the film retains the classic Disney feel-good charm. It appeals to young viewers’ sense of curiosity, maintaining a witty atmosphere distinct from many of the channel’s other films. With solid performances from the cast and likable characters, “Get a Clue” succeeds in keeping viewers hooked to see how it all pays off.

There are more zombie films than we can keep track of. But Disney tried something different with this feature. Here, people and zombies coexist in a society decades after a power plant disaster. Relations between two groups are tense, but that doesn’t stop our protagonists falling for each other. This kind of high school romance might seem out there, but it helps that the film goes all-in with the concept. With committed performances and some great songs accompanying the characters, the world of “Zombies” is easy to get lost in. The movie also leaves room for a touching message of acceptance, and it’s hard not to ship the leads — even if one is a zombie.

Many Disney films have explored the idea of culture shock, but few can match “Johnny Tsunami” in this area. After reluctantly moving from Hawaii to Vermont, Johnny Kapahala struggles to adjust to his new environment. Not many switch their surfing talents to skiing, but trying to fit in is something most of us can understand. The film’s premise signified Disney Channel’s commitment to making relatable stories. Along with rooting for the protagonist, we’re treated to some fascinating skiing sequences that tie into the plot. As is usually the case with Disney movies, this one ultimately teaches the value of friendship and believing in yourself. It’s an oldie but a goldie that fans of all ages can appreciate.

Part “Grease” and part “West Side Story,” “Teen Beach Movie” has a lot going on. The protagonists are swept away into a musical film world and have to figure out what to do. Not only is it a romance story, but it also serves as a comedy, sci-fi, and musical all rolled into one. Don’t worry, you’ll probably be too busy jamming with the characters to think about it too much. The impressive cinematography and costume design make it one of the most visually pleasing releases in the channel’s history. Silly in some parts and emotionally moving in others, “Teen Beach Movie” shows Disney’s knack for reinventing itself each decade.

After starring in separate Disney Channel films, sisters Kay and Danielle Panabaker teamed up for this still-remembered feature. When her imaginative journal based on her real life is accidentally published as a book, protagonist Jamie gets attention quickly. Success goes to her head, with her alter-ego character Isabella feeding into Jamie’s worst impulses. “Read It and Weep” deals with the consequences of one’s actions and why humility is such a virtue. It doesn’t contain any big surprises, but the charming cast and overall moral lesson can’t be overlooked. Disney has a pretty good track record of siblings sharing the screen, with Kay and Danielle keeping the streak going and then some.

If you’re ever having difficulties with apps like Alexa or Siri, remember it could always be worse. How much worse, you ask? How about a virtual assistant who’s convinced she’s your mother? As the title suggests, this late nineties flick is about an automated house a family moves into. Unfortunately, the PAT A.I. goes off the rails, becoming an overbearing matriarch refusing to let go. Over-the-top hijinks ensue, with each scene turning it up to crazier levels. Thanks to a wacky turn from the talented Katey Sagal, “Smart House” comes across as a barrel full of laughs from start to finish.

Tia and Tamera Mowry can really do no wrong as an onscreen pair. They hit gold with “Twitches,” which follows a similar premise as their hit sitcom “Sister, Sister.” After being separated at birth, the sisters find their way back to each other. But this time around, there’s magic and mystique at the center. The story crafts an intriguing lore for the dimension the sisters are fated to protect. With frequent revelations regarding their origins, “Twitches” keeps us invested to see where it’s all headed. Even though it doesn’t follow the usual musical format, the chemistry between the leads and the story’s twist result in a winning combination.

Brittany and Natasha, played by Disney Channel veterans Danielle Panabaker and Brenda Song, are bored of their suburban lives. So, when they accidentally come into possession of a pop star's phone, they take it as an opportunity to shake things up. They mess with Jordan Cahill’s life by changing up his image, which actually gives him the courage to confess his desire to write his own lyrics and be himself, instead of his fake pop star persona. A soundtrack was released alongside the movie – which was new for Disney Channel at the time – and due to its success, we can't help but understand why so many of its later films involve musical numbers.

Like all adolescent boys, Cody's body starts going through some interesting changes, but he probably wasn't expecting to grow scales and a talefin. Cody was one of the best swimmers on the team, he had a pretty girlfriend, and he had a charmed home life. He had a perfect life until he found out a big secret about himself: he’s adopted. Just kidding. Well, he was adopted, but the big secret is that he’s a freaking mermaid...er, merman. This classic Disney movie is a fun twist on the classic mermaid tale, pun intended. We go along on Cody’s journey as he develops and adapts into his merman form. This movie is funny, exciting, and full of folklore. It’s almost like a superhero origin story.

Disney Channel has become famous for its numerous music-themed movies, but this one is a stand out. It steps away from the usual formula, not only by showcasing rap music instead of pop music, but also the story is also unique. Cyrus dreams of being a rapper, and with his drive and optimistic storytelling through songs, he just might have what it takes - even in spite of his disapproving father. But when his best friend, Kris, inadvertently takes his lyrics and goes after the girl of his dreams, Cyrus sees the life he wants slipping away. Cyrus must reclaim his voice, make things right with his friends,wow the world - and his father - with his positive and uplifting lyrics.

Wendy's privileged life is turned upside down when she finds out she is actually the reincarnation of a Chinese warrior and is destined to fight against evil. That’s because Wendy is more concerned with fighting Jessica Dawson for Homecoming Queen and shopping at the mall. But as she trains in martial arts and learns more about her ancestry, she grows to appreciate her destiny. This one is like a cool combination of a modern action movie and an old school Kung Fu flick. The effects might be a bit cheesy, but the fight scenes are still really kickass.

Disney Channel movies are usually very lighthearted, but this one goes way deep. Tru Walker is an aspiring TV personality and enters a video contest with hopes of getting her own TV show. The subject of her project: her autistic brother, Eddie. Through the lens of Tru’s documentary we see her explore the highs and lows of her brother’s condition. She captures the negative views some people will have towards him, and also the wonderful things that bring their family closer together. This one is a serious tearjerker that’s a bit unexpected from Disney Channel. Also, we get to see a young Shia Labeouf, yes - the - Louis Stevens, in a serious role.

Yet another of Disney Channel’s music movies - sort of. This one is kind of a music, sci-fi combo. Sam’s band, the Zetta Bytes, is trying to make it big, but the members are told they don’t have the it factor to get there. So, Sam’s best friend, Roscoe, creates a virtual frontwoman with the name of Loretta Modern. Although the music sets up the premise for the whole movie, it is not necessarily the main story arc. This film also delves into the philosophy of reality and consciousness. As Loretta questions her purpose as an artificial holographic intelligence, she questions what it means to be real. This movie is asking the real questions. Oh, and the songs are actually awesome too.

From the golden age of Disney Channel, this movie is about Andy Brinker and his friends, also known as soul-skaters. They aspire to win a big contest against a huge sponsored team, also known as their high school bullies. The rivalry is really fun to watch: the pranks are hysterical, the skating stunts are really exciting, and the story is genuinely compelling. Brink has to make some serious decisions about the type of person he wants to be when his family is in need of money, and he starts skating for the sponsored team to earn money. He loses himself, betrays his friends, and forgets why he even started skating in the first place. But he eventually realizes the error of his ways and makes things right.

This one is a totally underrated Disney Channel classic. The Carson family is all about motocross racing - as long as Andrew is the one behind the handlebars. But when he gets hurt before a big competition, Andrea steps up and volunteers to take his place. The Carson kids all think this is a great idea, but their overbearing father makes it clear that motocross is ‘no girls allowed’ and goes off in search of another rider. Andrea does not take this lying down though and disguises herself as her brother in order to compete. She even talks her mom into supporting her with her passion and determination to race. This film tears down gender stereotypes as Andy shows everyone what girl power really means.

If you don't squeal with excitement when this movie pops up on your TV every October and you hear the familiar opening music, you clearly don't know what you're missing. “Halloweentown” explores what the world would be like if there were another dimension hidden to mortals, where supernatural creatures lived together in a perpetual state of Halloween. Marnie and her siblings overhear from their grandmother one Halloween that they come from a long line of witches, so they follow her back to her dimension. This is a holiday movie that isn't at all scary; it's fun – and funny – throughout, and makes you wish that there was magic in the world for real.

The songs aren't as good as some other DCOMs, but the story is interesting and the antics are fun. Like many DCOMs, it is about two people from different worlds coming together and finding common ground. But this one also shines a light on the struggles of being a celebrity. Don’t worry, the movie doesn’t ring the poor little rich kid bell too hard. Jessica calls out Christopher on his privileged behavior every chance she gets. But the movie also expresses the hardships that come with fame, fortune and dealing with the terror of constantly being in the spotlight. The premise is a bit outstanding, but the growing relationship between Christopher and Jessica feels genuine even as they keep finding new ways of getting themselves into trouble.

Whenever a TV show comes out with its own movie, you might be someone who thinks “ugh, just stick to television.” But if Disney Channel had been that close-minded, we never would have gotten the glory that is The Even Stevens Movie. The film follows the Stevens family as they vacation on a tropical island, unaware that they're actually taking part in a hidden camera reality show. Louis – played by Shia LaBeouf back when he was still a goofy pre-teen – gets into about as much trouble as you would expect him to, and obviously, hilarity ensues. Don’t worry: the family eventually realizes the vacation is a set up and gets back at the host of Family Fakeout.

Sí se puede! Here's another Disney Channel movie that addresses real social issues like cultural diversity. In this one, we have a group of Latina girls – including a young America Ferrera – finding themselves through dance when they convince their biology teacher to take over as the coach of their dance team. Like The Cheetah Girls, it conveys a strong message about self-confidence and empowerment to its viewers. Not only that, but since the female characters are also minorities, the message becomes all the more powerful. DCOM continues to create great movies, but we still can't help but miss the days when films for younger viewers had as much substance as this one.

This one is a little bit of The Breakfast Club, a little bit of High School Musical. Five strangers meet in detention and become a band. They are first brought together by the music, but eventually forge an unbreakable bond when they realize that they are giving a voice to the disenfranchised in a school that glorifies sports and pretty much ignores everything else. The songs are so fun and entertaining you’ll wish that you were there in-person at their big concert at the Madison Square Garden. But this film is about more than just a band trying to make it big. Lemonade Mouth stands up for the little guy and takes on their corrupt school principal with the power of their music.

This futuristic movie is unforgettable. It introduced us to new stellar dialogue, Raven before she was Raven, and, of course, the out of this world artist, Prota Zoa. Zenon is a popular girl on her space station, but has to readjust when she is figuratively and literally grounded. After her parents send her down to Earth as a punishment for her rebellious behavior, she has to learn to make friends from different walks of life - all this while trying to get back to her space station and save it from an evil plot. This film is a fun, high stakes, space adventure.

*Sigh* 2008 was a simpler time: when Demi Lovato was just a fresh-faced Disney star and the Jonas Brothers were pop-rock perfection in skinny jeans. “Camp Rock” brought together a star-studded cast of current and future Disney stars in this movie about a music camp. A twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, Shane Gray, lead singer of Connect 3, searches to match a face to the voice of a girl he overheard singing one day. Despite the overwhelming amount of teen drama that inevitably goes hand in hand with a group of aspiring musicians at summer camp, the underlying message about staying true to yourself is an important one for viewers. Not to mention you'll be singing the songs in your head long after the movie ends.

This one has become a bit bittersweet considering the untimely passing of Cameron Boyce. But his performance throughout this franchise as Carlos, the son of Cruella De Ville, still lives on. This movie puts a twist on Disney’s own classic fairy tales by telling a new story from the point of view of the descendants of the villains. Carlos and his friends Mal, Maleficent’s daughter, Evie, Evil Queen’s daughter, and Jay, Jafar’s son, are destined to grow up just like their parents. But they discover that they can choose their own destiny. The story is very interesting and the singing and dancing are pretty spectacular.

Early 2000s’ Hilary Duff makes everything better. There's just something endearing about her characters' peppy can-do attitude and tendency to fall down and run into things– especially in this classic film, where she's transferred to a military school after her mom marries a General. Undoubtedly, Hilary's character finds it hard to relate to her new stepfather and peers, but in time comes to develop an interest in the school's drill team. Watching her perfect the art of spinning and throwing guns around is fascinating, to say the least. And the dance off between Hilary and her on-screen enemy, played by Christy Carlson Romano, is clearly the best part. We could watch it again and again.

If a movie about a group of teenage girls reaching for their dreams of musical stardom sounds like your cup of tea, then you're in for a treat. Galleria, Chanel, Dorinda, and Aquanette join up to compete in their performing arts school's talent show, but are also offered a deal with a record label. The movie wouldn't be interesting without some drama between the friends, so there’s plenty going on in each of their personal lives, causing some temporary falling-outs. But of course, the girls reunite and all is well, when they literally sing a dog out of a manhole. Never underestimate the power of the Cheetah Girls!

As much as we love Disney Channel movies, they can be a bit formulaic. This is one of the few that breaks the mold. Piper and Mahree become unlikely friends when Mahree, a white South African during the time of Apartheid, joins Piper, a Black American and her family in the US for a student exchange program. Mahree and Piper teach each other about their different worlds and learn lessons about tolerance and acceptance during the troubling time. It’s kind of out of character for Disney Channel to focus a story so heavily on race relations, as it usually plays things more safely. But this film dives in unafraid, and tackles the issue of racism in a way that is still very relevant today.

Did you expect anything else? There’s no denying the franchise's popularity, success, and enormous influence. In fact, a mockumentary TV show called “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” set at the same school that the first flick was filmed made its debut in 2019 on Disney+. Speaking of the original that started it all though: this was when basketball star Troy Bolton and shy newcomer Gabriella Montez shook up the status quo by auditioning for their school’s musical. The songs are catchy, and the actors have great chemistry; not to mention the film’s sequel could have easily been a flop - but many agree it was even better than the first, holding the record for the highest-rated Disney Channel movie ever. Whether you're obsessed with Troy and Gabriella, share Sharpay's ambition, or admire Ryan's many hats, there's something in this classic for everyone.

Which Disney Channel movie do you have on repeat? Let us know in the comments.