Disney Channel Original Movies (or DCOMs as we like to call them) are some of the most iconic TV movies of all time. Let's not be confused, these are not the blockbuster films you are used to from Disney. It's not like the classic Cinderella or Frozen, but they fall in a category all their own. The late 90's and early 2000's were the time to be alive as a coming of age child. I, Meghan, can remember writing in my middle school planner to save the date for the newest DCOM, and making sure I was at home in front of the TV when it came on (before the world of DVR). Now with Disney+, we can watch them ANY TIME WE WANT!
With 100+ DCOMs there are some national treasures and there are some that we don't love, or even like. But hey, everything can't be a High School Musical. Without further ado, here are some of our picks for best and worst DCOMs.
BEST: The Thirteenth Year (1999)
This is a coming of age movie that you cannot miss. Cody learns that he is a mermaid...who doesn't want to be a mermaid?!
WORST: Cow Belles (2006)
This was an overplayed "spoil rich girls learn life lessons because Daddy made them work" plot. Although I love Aly & AJ, but they had Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie vibes in this movie. You can skip this one.
BEST: The Luck of the Irish (2001)
A staple St. Patricks Day tradition in Meghan's Irish household was to watch this Disney Classic. Kyle is the most popular (and luckiest) kid at his school, until his family's luck is stolen and realizes his family are leprechauns!
WORST: Stepsister From Planet Weird (2000)
When Disney says weird, they mean it. It's a story of a blended family, but this blended family just happens to involve aliens...who are bubbles in their normal form. Yes, I said bubbles. It's one of those head scratcher movies, that after you watch it, all you can think is where did Disney come up with this?!
BEST: Halloweentown (1998)
This is one of our personal favorites. We could watch this and Hocus Pocus on repeat during the fall or anytime really. Marnie learns she is from a family of witches and visits the alternative universe where all the Halloween creatures live, and I want to visit!
WORST: Return to Halloweentown (2006)
This one was doomed from the get go. Recasting Marnie, just gave it such a disconnect from other Halloweentown movies. Watch the first three movies of Halloweentown series, but skip this one for sure.
BEST: Camp Rock (2008)
Two Words: Jonas Brothers. That's all that needs to be said for this movie.
WORST: Cheetah Girls: One World (2008)
This is another sequel that missed the mark. Only 3 of the 4 original Cheetah Girls are in this movie and it is just not the same without Raven Symone.
BEST: Smart House (1999)
Ben Cooper wins his family a house fitted with a virtual assistant (PAT) that can do things we could only hope Alexa and Siri can do for us. PAT, begins to have a mind of her own and acts more like a mother than a virtual assistant. This is a DCOM Classic! Who can forget the iconic dance scene to "Slam Dunk (Da Funk)?"
WORST: Horse Sense (1999)
This is another spoiled kid gets sent to a farm (or ranch in this case) to learn a lesson. Disney has the idea spoiled rich kids change when they go to a farm, and this movie is just too predictable. It's a pass from us.
BEST: Descendents (2015)
This might be a new age DCOM, but we are loving it! It's a spin on the traditional Disney characters using their children. We get to see the son of Cruella, the daughter of Maleficent, and even the son of Belle and the Beast, all while they try to bring the forces of good and evil together. This is a sequel and we suggest you watch all three of the Descendants movies!
WORST: Teen Beach Movie (2013)
Disney Channel movies can be cheesy, but these tops them all. The main characters are swept away by a wave and transported into a 1960's beach musical...and not a good one. We say skip this one.
BEST: Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999)
This 90's DCOM is totally lunarious. Zenon is an adventure seeker teen that lives on a space station in 2049, until her parents ground her, literally, to Earth to live with her aunt. Zenon must get back to see her favorite band Microbe perform in space. We are all hoping we can make Zenon's catchphrases stick before 2049 - maybe her outfits too!
WORST: Hatching Pete (2009)
These is one of the least memorable DCOMs. One friend is the mascot but he is allergic to the suit, so his friend fills in for him... It's just not that entertaining, we say skip it.
BEST: High School Musical (2006)
Does this list even matter if it doesn't have High School Musical? This is one of the best (and most popular) DCOMs there ever was. We know every song by heart, and wished we could have gone to this high school!
BEST: Zombies (2018)
This is another new age Disney Channel movie that puts a modern twist on Romeo & Juliet. A cheerleader and zombie try to bring together two worlds that think they shouldn't be together. The soundtrack does not disappoint either. This is a must see! This has been mad a sequel and Zombies 2 is just as good. It's just not on Disney+ quite yet, but we are guessing it will be released in August. There looks to be a third movie in the works too!
Obviously, we have way more loves than hates when it comes to Disney Channel movies. We just can't help ourselves. There are so many movies to choose from this doesn't even begin to give credit to the coming of age gems Disney Channel created.
Let us know in the comments below what your favorite Disney Channel movie is!