This year marks the 40th-anniversary celebration of The Disney Channel, a renowned network that has brought numerous exceptional original movies to kids and young adults, and ranking them is a difficult task. In 1983, The Disney Channel was launched, and since then, it has consistently delivered enjoyable content that become an integral part of children's lives as they grow up. The channel has been instrumental in launching the careers of prominent stars such as Zac Efron, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Dove Cameron, and Raven-Symoné.
Friday nights, Disney Channel would premiere original movies, generating immense anticipation among the viewers as the big Disney stars built up excitement for the latest releases. These films featured captivating characters, loads of laughs, and valuable lessons. With an immersive lineup of 115 original Disney Channel movies on Disney Plus, and more films coming each year, it is a challenging task to select the best. Nevertheless, here is a list of the top 20 original movies ever to premiere on The Disney Channel.
20 Stuck in the Suburbs
In 2004, Disney Channel premiered Stuck in the Suburbs, a delightful film that revolves around Natasha and Brittney, who accidentally swap phones with the new pop sensation, Jordan Cahill. This movie perfectly caters to the channel's audience by fulfilling every young girl's fantasy of connecting with their favorite pop star. Stuck in the Suburbs serves as a heartfelt tribute to the inner fan girl in everyone and features a talented cast including Taran Killam, who is now on Saturday Night Live, Danielle Panabaker, and Brenda Song. Additionally, this was also the first Disney Channel Original to feature its own personal soundtrack.
19 Camp Rock Franchise
Camp Rock premiered in 2008, starring the already renowned pop stars, the Jonas Brothers, and was Demi Levato's breakthrough role. The story revolves around Mitchie Torres, who finally gets the opportunity to attend a summer camp designed for talented young musicians. However, she feels compelled to hide the fact that her mother works as the camp's cook. This captivating movie showcases incredible original music and carries a beautiful message about embracing one's true self. Its success led to a sequel that introduced even more enjoyable new songs while exploring themes of loyalty and friendship.
18 Twitches
In the enchanting Disney Channel Halloween movie Twitches, real-life twins Tia and Tamera Mowry portray sisters who were separated and raised in different families. However, on their 21st birthday, they are magically reunited and discover that they are not only connected by blood but also possess extraordinary magical abilities. The sisters learn to harness their powers and overcome their differences in order to defeat the villain. Twitches captivates viewers with its spellbinding magic and delivers a heartwarming message about the importance of family and the transformative power of love.
17 Go Figure
Go Figure follows 14-year-old figure skater Katelin Kingsford, who is invited to attend an elite school where she can learn from the top Russian trainer, however she can not afford the tuition. The trainer is able to get Katelin a scholarship, but it is on the women's hockey team. Viewers watch as Katelin navigates her new role on the hockey team, witnessing her grow as she learns new skills on the ice while also imparting her figure skating grace and finesse to her teammates. Go Figure is a delightful film, full of lessons in teamwork and perseverance. Adding to the excitement of this ice-skating film is a cameo appearance from Olympic gold metal winner Kristi Yamaguchi, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the movie.
16 Gotta Kick It Up!
Gotta Kick It Up! follows a 9th-grade dance team whose hopes of competing are crushed when their former coach retires, but things take a turn when the new biology teacher steps in. America Ferrera stars, who has since been seen in Ugly Betty and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. This film is brimming with exciting dance routines, fierce competition, and the determination to archive the impossible. Through themes of friendship and empowerment, Gotta Kick It Up! highlights the inspiring journey of these young women as they ionately fight for their dreams.
15 Get A Clue
Get A Clue follows Lexy Gold, a spoiled rich kid who loves to get the best stories for her gossip column for the school paper, but when one of her teachers goes missing she decides to investigate with her friends. The film features a likable cast with Lindsay Lohan anchoring the movie. There is an upbeat soundtrack and the investigation takes viewers on a journey through Manhattan. The fashion in the movie is reminiscent of that of Clueless with Lexy strutting through Manhattan in puffy pink jackets and orange sunglasses while solving the mystery, making it a fun addition to The Disney Channel.
14 Double Teamed
Based on real professional basketball players Heather and Heidi Burge, Double Teamed follows two high school girls who are pushed by their father to garner basketball scholarships. Determined to attract the attention of college scouts, the twins transfer to a different school, but face challenges of fitting in with their new teammates, some who resent being overshadowed by the talented newcomers. This film delves into themes of sibling rivalry, demanding parents, and culminates in a climatic finale where the twins set aside their competitive nature, uniting the team to secure victory.
13 Phantom of the Megaplex
Phantom of the Megaplex follows Pete Riley, a 17-year-old, who gets a part-time job at a multiplex, that will be hosting a premier of a major motion picture. However, when the big night comes Pete has to deal with supernatural events happening in the multiplex. This captivating film became a staple during Disney's Halloween marathons, drawing inspiration from Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera. Notably, it features Mickey Rooney as a movie-loving older man, who embodies the enchantment and wonder of the cinematic experience.
12 Don't Look Under the Bed
Don't Look Under the Bed was Disney's take on the bogeyman, as s refuses to believe in the supernatural until she is confronted with the monster under her bed. When pranks occur in the neighborhood, s is blamed for them, forcing her to confront the supernatural creature she had chosen not to believe in. This Disney horror film goes beyond entertainment, delving into real-world struggles as s's younger brother is in remission for Leukemia, with his fear of falling ill again haunting him. By intertwining supernatural horror with genuine human experiences, the movie surprises audiences with unexpected depth and explores both fantastical and real-world fears.
11 Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century follows Zenon, who finds herself a witness to a plot to take down her space station and winds up being sent down to Earth to live with her aunt. Zenon serves as a positive role model for kids growing up, as she is a leader among her friends and chooses to fight for what is right. This delightful sci-fi adventure immerses viewers in a world of vibrant metallic outfits and captivating new languages. The film kick-starts a trilogy of adventures set in the enchanting Zenon universe.
