The Disney Channel proved to be an educational channel for kids growing up. You learned how to buy bras and how to deal with the popular kids with help from "Lizzie McGuire." Raven showed us all the value of friendship with Chelsea and Eddie. Zack and Cody lived out every kids dream of living "The Suite Life," while always figuring out middle school, girls, and how to not completely destroy a hotel.
However, nothing compared to the importance that Disney Channel Original movies had on every kid's life. As a decade or more has passed from the original release dates of these movies. The greatness that lives on in these movies will never die in our childhood hearts.
1. "Halloweentown" (1998).
Before there was Harry Potter, there was Marnie Piper. How could you forget about this classic Disney Channel Original movie! I wish I could just wake up one morning and my grandma be like, "Hey, you're a witch. And, oh yeah, you got to help me save this magical world called, Halloweentown." This is always a good movie to pull up on YouTube during fall.
2. "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century" (1999).
Zenon and her fashion, were of course, out of this world. It was so "macro" that she got to live on a space station. Plus, who can forget about Proto Zoa, who was obviously the best rockstar crush ever. "Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, My supernova girl," although not the most emotional lyrics, they are still unforgettable.
3. "Smart House" (1999).
I can't begin to count the numerous times I wish I lived in a smart house. One, who wouldn't want an amazing kitchen with anything you wanted, whenever you wanted it? And two, Pat really knew how to throw a house party. I mean, what teenager didn't want to throw the ultimate party with all their friends.
4. "Johnny Tsunami" (1999).
Johnny was the definition of a badass; he could ride the waves and mountains. He was a surfer dude just trying to learn the ways of the East Coast. "Johnny Tsunami" was a classic Disney Channel Original movie solely on the purpose of how dope it was. Plus, his grandfather was the bomb.
5. "The Color of Friendship" (2000).
This movie still brings up the feels; it was such an impactful and moving movie. The ability of two teenage girls from different sides of the world helping to breakdown the border between races in the 1970s was inspiring. It was informational for everyone both then and now, that you can't judge a book by its cover. I would have to say this was a special kind of Disney Channel Original movie.
6. "The Ultimate Christmas Present" (2000).
I'm sure every kid in California was hoping for their "Ultimate Christmas Present" one day or another. But I am sure it wasn't only the kids in California hoping that they could control snow. I would still love the ability to have snow days instead of exam days in college!
7. "Motorcrossed" (2001).
This was one of my favorite movies growing up, because it was all about girl power! Much like "She's The Man" and Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," Andrea must fill in for her twin brother Andrew in a motorcross event. Although her father doesn't want Andrea racing because she is a girl, her mother steps up to help Andrea prove everyone wrong. In addition to the obvious amount of cute guys that fill this movie, this was a great one.
8. "The Luck of the Irish" (2001).
By the time this movie came out, Ryan Merriman from "Smart House" was a teenage heartthrob. Therefore seeing Ryan in another movie made it great. However, it was also interesting to see how important one's heritage could be, because who knows, you could be a leprechaun.
9. "Cadet Kelly" (2002).
I remember watching this movie over and over again. I mean, just like Hilary Duff, I was not ready for military school, so I had to do my homework. Just in case. However, by the end of the movie, you always felt confident that if needed you could go to military school, if you had to. Plus finish off your first year with completing a bad ass rifle duet with your enemy.
10. "Eddie's Million Dollar Cook-Off" (2003).
The typical coming of age movie, when one discovers one's true passion -- for baking. This movie was a great example that stereotypes need to be broken down. Between Eddie struggling to choose between baking and baseball and his teammate Rose, who lies to her mom about her baseball skills; everyone could understand their challenges. You became so involved with their challenges to follow their passions, with the expectations of their friends and family getting in the way. The happy ending really was the icing on the cake.
11. "Cheetah Girls" (2003).
The original squad, circa 2003. Every little girl and her friends wanted to be the Cheetah Girls, complete with their matching track suits and their awesome girl group songs. Their ability to turn down a record deal and still win the talent show was inspiring and totally unrealistic, but still great. This movie was the beginning of the Disney Channel Original musicals.
12. "High School Musical" (2006).
I am sure practically everyone can sing every song in this movie by heart. We all wished that our high school really was a "High School Musical" because that would have been amazing! Troy and Gabrielle were our first look at relationship goals. Plus gave us all high hopes for meeting a boyfriend at a ski lodge on New Year's. Despite all the unrealistic hope that came along with this movie, it still remains one of our favorites to this day.
It is crazy how time has flown by since the release dates of all these Disney Channel Original movies. Just thinking about it, makes me tear up because these movies taught me so much as a kid. That may be a bit of an overstatement for some examples, like boyfriends, surfing, and becoming a witch. However, the importance of friendship, breaking down stereotypes, and following your dreams were present in every movie. Thank you Disney Channel for making all of our childhoods full of magic and fun!
