Let's take a trip back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was a time of simplicity and games, where our largest responsibility was keeping our Tamagotchi alive and we had never even heard of a college loan. It was a time where high school kids were the coolest and ketchup sandwiches were a gourmet meal. It was a time when the Disney Channel Original Movies were actually good, right?
Well, set your VCRs to "record" and put in a clean tape, because tonight we're taking a look at the 16 Disney Channel Movies that we almost forgot about.
1. "The Thirteenth Year" (1999)
13 was the age at which, for many people, our bodies begin to go through some strange changes. We begin to get acne, hair starts to sprout everywhere, and our hands get scales upon becoming wet. Wait, that's just for mermaids (or mermen, in this case). This TV movie tested the waters for our generation's early obsession with mermaids, leading to movies and television shows that we loved like "Aquamarine" and "H2O: Just Add Water."
2. "Luck of the Irish" (2001)
While we're on the topic of films in the supernatural realm, who could forget this quirky film that ended in a basket ball competition? Honestly, Disney couldn't have chosen a better sport for a gang of leprechauns to play. While we're at it, why don't we also ask them to grab that cup on the top shelf?
3. "Stuck in the Suburbs" (2004)
SNL cast member and comedian Taran Killam was once teen heartthrob and pop star Taran Killam. Go ahead, look it up. I also did a double take.
4. "Don't Look Under the Bed" (1999)
My parents purposefully got my sister and I beds that had no underside so that we wouldn't have to be afraid of monsters under the bed. If only they could have predicted that allowing their children to watch this Disney movie (yeah, Disney movie) would negate their efforts. Although I no longer sleep with my head under the covers out of fear of the Boogeyman, I don't think that I'll ever be able to forget how terrifying this was the first time that I watched it.
5. "Smart House" (1999)
Speaking of scary movies, Disney, what the actual flapjacks was "Smart House?" In the words of Drake, this movie "went 0 to 100 real quick." At least this movie has warned me of the dangers of owning a smart house, which I wouldn't be surprised to find offered to our generation. I'll make sure to remember this movie in 10 years when I buy a house.
6. "Pixel Perfect" (2004)
2004 was the year where all of our Disney movies started to have singing in them. Although, it wasn't quite mandatory at this point and most of the music actually had a place in the film's plot. Disney was just beginning to prepare us for a future obsession with "High School Musical." Disney was also preparing us for that not-so-secret crush on Ricky Ullman, of "Phil of the Future," with this quirky piece that starred a hologram.
7. "Now You See It..." (2005)
If Disney's science fiction phase didn't tickle your fancy, then perhaps their dabbling in actual magic was more up your alley? Despite the fact that I most definitely confused Johnny Pacar for Ricky Ullman for at least half of this film, and probably tuned in because I thought that I was going to see my favorite "Phil of the Future" duo, I can appreciate that the characters of the film were driven by a friendship and respect for each others' abilities, whether it was in producing or magic. That's a lot more than I can say for the few recent Disney Channel movies that I have seen as of late.
8. "Cow Belles" (2006)
It's a fair point and one to live by.
9. "The Color of Friendship" (2000)
There once was a time when Disney actually made an effort to produce movies on serious topics in a way that children could understand. This American family was in for a surprise when they found that the student who had come to stay with them from South Africa was actually white. This movie talked about issues regarding race and stereotyping creatively and they did so in a way that didn't make it a thing of the past (because it wasn't and still isn't). Films such as this and "Tiger Cruise," which began to explain 9/11 to a generation that was in kindergarten when it happened, gave us an opportunity to start a discussion with our parents. That was an opportunity that we might not have otherwise had.
10. "Cadet Kelly" (2002)
Disney didn't just entertain us, it gave use characters to relate to and taught us important lessons. One of those lessons was to be respectful, but not a pushover. Another was that sometimes your largest opponent can turn out to be your biggest ally.
11. "Quints" (2000)
Change is scary (especially if that change is five new babies), but you are never alone.
12. "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century" (1999)
Never stop trying to make "zetus lupetus" happen.
13. "Eddie's Million Dollar Cook-Off" (2003)
Disney was not having any of your "gender-traditional" hobbies sh*t. This movie basically invented our purple ketchup craze and encouraged young chefs everywhere to get in the kitchen. I guess that I also have this film to thank for my sister's pickle and mustard sandwiches.
14. "Jump In!" (2007)
Fresh out of the first "High School Musical" movie, Corbin Bleu brought us double dutch. I can, with absolute honesty, say that no other movie has made me want to take up jump rope more.
15. "Get A Clue" (2002)
Admit it, you too were once a fan of the infamous Lindsay Lohan. This movie, along with films and shows like "Kim Possible," "Totally Spies," and "Spy Kids," gave me the detective bug and a terrible fashion sense.
16. "Read It and Weep" (2006)
A young girl's journal gets published without her permission. (Now where have I seen this before?) This movie was about overcoming your inner demons, something that we would all be better off learning to do. Like seaweed pizza, it's just some food for thought.
