Growing up in that "prime" Disney channel era really was it, chief. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, so I've compiled a list of 13 of the best DCOMs. And before y'all yell at me, there are so many more great ones, but I had to choose just 13.
In no particular order, here they are:
High School Musical - Trilogy (2006, 2007, 2008)
HSM may just be the most infamous franchise to ever come out of Disney Channel. I don't make the rules. Also, Zac Efron is STILL my celebrity crush. Just saying.
Camp Rock 1 & 2 (2008, 2010)
Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers in one movie! To what did I owe that pleasure? If you try to say these movies didn't make you wanna go to a music summer camp, you're lying.
The Thirteenth Year (1999)
All I'm saying is my thirteenth year was NOT as exciting as Cody Griffin's. This movie has it all: comedy, drama, and he's a freaking mermaid.
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006)
Brenda. Freaking. Song! I always seem to forget about this one because I'll always think of Brenda as London Tipton, but this movie will always be a classic. It teaches some important lessons about embracing who you are and where you come from.
Twitches 1 & 2 (2005, 2007)
Tia and Tamara Mowry single handedly made me want a twin sister (as long as we were both witches). I recently watched the movies again after years of not seeing them, and I got all the feels. Also, can we just talk about how I've always wanted their sun and moon necklaces?
The Cheetah Girls 1, 2, & One World (2003, 2006, 2008)
The songs. The friendship. The matching jumpsuits. I wanted to be a Cheetah Girl so bad when I was younger. These movies have to be some of the most iconic Disney Channel movies. So good.
Starstruck (2010)
I'm not going to lie, this may be one of my favorites. Not only do I watch the movie often still, but I also have some of the songs from the soundtrack in my "favorites" Spotify playlist. Don't judge.
Halloweentown (1998)
I'm not even going to go into why this movie is such a classic. If you haven't seen it, what are you doing with your life?
Cadet Kelly (2002)
I just want to start by saying Hilary Duff can do no wrong in my eyes. I think this fun movie about a teenager who goes off to military school made us all love her a little bit more (if that were even possible).
Jump In (2007)
Let me tell y'all what we're not gonna do: We're not gonna act like this isn't one of the most inspiring movies Disney Channel has ever produced. We're also not gonna act like "Push It To The Limit" isn't one of the greatest hype songs ever. We're just not. Also, Keke Palmer is amazing.
Brink! (1998)
I'm not saying Brink! motivated me to beg my parents for inline skates when I was younger so that I could be like Brink, but I'm not NOT saying that, either.
Smart House (1999)
I haven't bought any Amazon Alexa products because of this movie. Yes, it's that serious.
Johnny Tsunami (1999)
This movie seriously takes me back. Even just thinking about it right now, it's reigniting my desire to learn how to both surf and snowboard. Ugh.
Going through this list has made me wanna have a throwback Disney Channel Original Movie marathon, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do.
