To celebrate their 100th movie, Disney Channel is running a marathon of every Disney Channel Original Movie ever made. Their 100th movie will be a remake of their movie "Adventures in Babysitting," and it will air on June 24. But as this month unfolds, we can watch all of our beloved DCOMs that haven’t been shown in ages. Here are some of my favorite DCOMs that you should watch when they air!
1. "Phantom of the Megaplex" (2000)
This movie used to be my favorite Halloween movie to watch. It is loosely based on "Phantom of the Opera" and centers around a movie theater that was said to be haunted. Strange things are going on as the movie theater gears up for a midnight release of a very popular movie. The main character tries to figure out if all of the problems happening are just coincidence, or if there’s really a mysterious phantom causing the trouble. It was a spooky movie, perfect to watch as we got ready for our Halloween festivities. Sadly, Disney Channel hasn’t played it in years...until now!
2. "Halloweentown" (1998)
"Halloweentown" is a movie that all of us grew up watching. Disney Channel plays the series almost every year. However, none of the movies could top the first one. This movie introduces us to the magical world of Halloweentown and shows us the beginning of Marnie’s training to become a witch. It is a Halloween must-watch, and no October is complete without it. "Halloweentown High" gets a honorable mention, while we collectively agree to forget "Return to Halloweentown" was ever created.
3. "Teen Beach Movie" (2013)
"Teen Beach Movie" is one of the newer DCOMs, and is shown on Disney Channel often. However, many of the new DCOMs haven’t been as good as the ones we grew up with (looking at you, "Descendants"). When I watched this movie for the first time with my little sisters, I wasn’t expecting much. However, the music is catchy and the movie has a wonderful message: don’t change who you are for anyone, whether it's your parents or a boy. I’m glad that Disney is still teaching important lessons like this today. I might also own the entire soundtrack to this movie. And I have no regrets.
4. "Smart House" (1999)
"Smart House" is yet another old DCOM that I rarely see played anymore. It is a movie about a boy who wins a ‘smart house’ and moves in with his family, only to realize the computer is taking control of everything. It’s kind of frightening when you think about how the houses today are becoming closer and closer to being just like this smart house...but it’s still a funny and enjoyable watch! Let’s just hope we never see Pat take over our own lives.
5. "Now You See It…" (2005)
Before the movie "Now You See Me," we had "Now You See It…" This movie told the story of a reality TV show trying to find the best kids magician. Allyson, a young producer on the show, finds out that one of the stars has actual magic powers, and that an old man is trying to steal said powers. Though mysterious and confusing, the movie was always fun to watch. And I would totally tune in to that TV show if it was real.
Though I only listed a few here, there is still a DCOM for everyone. Disney Channel has made 99 so far, after all! Every movie, from "High School Musical" to "Don’t Look Under the Bed" will be shown during this marathon and you're sure to find your favorite as they air. What a way to begin the summer!
