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Brink, 1998
Disney Channel/Everett
—Jennifer Juneau Haupt
02of 23Cadet Kelly, 2002Buena Vista/Kobal/ShutterstockCadet Kellyis an amazing girl-power centric movie with two early aughts queens (Hilary Duff and Christy Carlton Romano). I loved girls who could do girly things but also liked physical things and this movie had both. Like other early DCOMs, it was also genuinely funny if you weren’t attached to these characters as existing disney personalities.—Angela Andaloro
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Cadet Kelly, 2002
Buena Vista/Kobal/Shutterstock
Cadet Kellyis an amazing girl-power centric movie with two early aughts queens (Hilary Duff and Christy Carlton Romano). I loved girls who could do girly things but also liked physical things and this movie had both. Like other early DCOMs, it was also genuinely funny if you weren’t attached to these characters as existing disney personalities.
—Angela Andaloro
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Camp Rock, 2008
JOHN MEDLAND/DISNEY CHANNEL
—Antonia Debianchi
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Cow Belles, 2006
Disney Channel
—Dory Jackson
05of 23Descendants, 2015Jack Rowand/Disney ChannelAfter directing iconic DCOMs such asHigh School MusicalandCheetah Girls,Kenny Ortega brought that same Disney magic to a whole new generation with theDescendantsfranchise. Not only is it a fun twist on the classic fairytale stories we all know and love, but with Ortega directing and choreographing, you know it’s filled with stellar performances from the talented cast!—Kelsie Gibson
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Descendants, 2015
Jack Rowand/Disney Channel
After directing iconic DCOMs such asHigh School MusicalandCheetah Girls,Kenny Ortega brought that same Disney magic to a whole new generation with theDescendantsfranchise. Not only is it a fun twist on the classic fairytale stories we all know and love, but with Ortega directing and choreographing, you know it’s filled with stellar performances from the talented cast!
—Kelsie Gibson
06of 23Get a Clue, 2002Disney/Kobal/ShutterstockThis DCOM had it all: rising starletLindsay Lohan, future Disney Channel iconBrenda Songand a good mystery. More importantly, this early 2000s film boasts some of the most iconic fashions ever seen on-screen — and sure, that’s a bold statement for a film targeted at tweens, but the costumes deserve more credit than given.—Dory Jackson
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Get a Clue, 2002
Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock
This DCOM had it all: rising starletLindsay Lohan, future Disney Channel iconBrenda Songand a good mystery. More importantly, this early 2000s film boasts some of the most iconic fashions ever seen on-screen — and sure, that’s a bold statement for a film targeted at tweens, but the costumes deserve more credit than given.
07of 23Halloweentown, 1998Singer White/Ventura Valley Film/Kobal/ShutterstockConfession: I didn’t seeHalloweentownfor the first time until my mid-30s a couple of years ago, as I only had access to the Disney Channel during free months in my childhood. But I was the same age as Marnie when this movie came out, and as someone who always felt a bit different (and a bit witchy) as a teen/tween,Halloweentownspeaks to me deeply, even as an adult — and especially as an adult whose favorite holiday is Halloween. And the fact that the real-life Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown) is now engaged to herHalloweentown IIcostar Daniel Kountz is further proof that this movie stands the test of time.—Jennifer Juneau Haupt
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Halloweentown, 1998
Singer White/Ventura Valley Film/Kobal/Shutterstock
Confession: I didn’t seeHalloweentownfor the first time until my mid-30s a couple of years ago, as I only had access to the Disney Channel during free months in my childhood. But I was the same age as Marnie when this movie came out, and as someone who always felt a bit different (and a bit witchy) as a teen/tween,Halloweentownspeaks to me deeply, even as an adult — and especially as an adult whose favorite holiday is Halloween. And the fact that the real-life Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown) is now engaged to herHalloweentown IIcostar Daniel Kountz is further proof that this movie stands the test of time.
08of 23High School Musical, 2006High School Musical.Disney Channel/EverettHigh School Musicalwas really the “Start of Something New” for a whole new generation of DCOMers. The movie, which gives nod atGrease,had everything: romance, music, basketball — basketball and music mixed together! It also launched Zac Efron into official heartthrob status — which we can all be grateful for.—Alexandra Schonfeld
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High School Musical, 2006
High School Musical.Disney Channel/Everett
High School Musicalwas really the “Start of Something New” for a whole new generation of DCOMers. The movie, which gives nod atGrease,had everything: romance, music, basketball — basketball and music mixed together! It also launched Zac Efron into official heartthrob status — which we can all be grateful for.
—Alexandra Schonfeld
09of 23Minutemen, 2008Disney ChannelTime travel for a good cause? Sign us up! What made this DCOM both fun and memorable is that the minutemen used their time-traveling abilities to help fellow students caught in embarrassing situations, but audiences also learn the importance of not losing sight of oneself. Not to mention, this film features a youngNicholas Braunpre-Successionfame — so, we have no choice but to stan automatically.—Dory Jackson
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Minutemen, 2008
Time travel for a good cause? Sign us up! What made this DCOM both fun and memorable is that the minutemen used their time-traveling abilities to help fellow students caught in embarrassing situations, but audiences also learn the importance of not losing sight of oneself. Not to mention, this film features a youngNicholas Braunpre-Successionfame — so, we have no choice but to stan automatically.
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Now You See It …, 2005
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Phantom of the Megaplex, 2000
Grossbart Barnett Prod/Everett
—Joelle Goldstein
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Smart House, 1999
—Julie Mazziotta
13of 23Stuck in the Suburbs, 2004Disney Channel/EverettThis movie was so much fun to watch as someone who lived in the suburbs and would’ve loved if a pop star came into my small town. It was cool to see how they used technology in the movie since cellphones were just becoming a thing and the hot gadget of the movie was a Blackberry type of phone. It also had catchy music and was always a classic DCOM to watch with friends!—Georgia Slater
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Stuck in the Suburbs, 2004
This movie was so much fun to watch as someone who lived in the suburbs and would’ve loved if a pop star came into my small town. It was cool to see how they used technology in the movie since cellphones were just becoming a thing and the hot gadget of the movie was a Blackberry type of phone. It also had catchy music and was always a classic DCOM to watch with friends!
—Georgia Slater
14of 23The Thirteenth Year, 1999Disney ChannelThis early DCOM, about an adopted teenager whose 13th birthday brings it with strange new powers, has it all: a dreamy seaside setting, a splash (no pun intended) of mystery and the childhood thrill of a world in which mermaids actually do exist alongside humans.—Rachel DeSantis
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The Thirteenth Year, 1999
This early DCOM, about an adopted teenager whose 13th birthday brings it with strange new powers, has it all: a dreamy seaside setting, a splash (no pun intended) of mystery and the childhood thrill of a world in which mermaids actually do exist alongside humans.
—Rachel DeSantis
15of 23Twitches, 2005Disney Channel/everettFor people who lovedSister, Sister, this was the best movie because it was basically the same concept just with a little razzle dazzle. It’s such a wholesome movie that teaches that nothing is ever really lost and a little belief in yourself goes a long way.—Stephanie Sengwe
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Twitches, 2005
Disney Channel/everett
For people who lovedSister, Sister, this was the best movie because it was basically the same concept just with a little razzle dazzle. It’s such a wholesome movie that teaches that nothing is ever really lost and a little belief in yourself goes a long way.
—Stephanie Sengwe
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Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, 2006
—Nate Nickolai
17of 23Wish Upon a Star, 1996Leucadia Film Corp/Everett"I wish I were Alexia Wheaton!" Any preteen girl felt that acutely upon seeing Katherine Heigl’s frosted pink lipstick and icy lavender eyeshadow in this movie. Awkward younger sister Hayley wishes upon a star to get to walk in the platform sandals of her popular older sister Alexia — and then the two of them try to take each other down from the other’s bodies, before finally coming to an understanding about how tough it truly is to be the other. Though it’stechnicallythe last Disney Channel Premiere movie before DCOMs took off, I count it because it’s got all the hallmarks of a truly great DCOM (including a soon-to-be giant star).—Alex Apatoff
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Wish Upon a Star, 1996
Leucadia Film Corp/Everett
“I wish I were Alexia Wheaton!” Any preteen girl felt that acutely upon seeing Katherine Heigl’s frosted pink lipstick and icy lavender eyeshadow in this movie. Awkward younger sister Hayley wishes upon a star to get to walk in the platform sandals of her popular older sister Alexia — and then the two of them try to take each other down from the other’s bodies, before finally coming to an understanding about how tough it truly is to be the other. Though it’stechnicallythe last Disney Channel Premiere movie before DCOMs took off, I count it because it’s got all the hallmarks of a truly great DCOM (including a soon-to-be giant star).
—Alex Apatoff
18of 23Z-O-M-B-I-E-S, 2018John Medland/Disney Channel/EverettUnderneath the fun makeup, cool costumes and extremely catchy songs,Z-O-M-B-I-E-Sis a take on a story we’re all familiar with: a boy and a girl who can’t be together because of where they come from. The movie also shares ever-important message of acceptance and teaches viewers to celebrate what makes everyone unique. Like many of our favorites,Z-O-M-B-I-E-Swas just the beginning as there have since been two follow-up films.—Alexandra Schonfeld
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Z-O-M-B-I-E-S, 2018
John Medland/Disney Channel/Everett
Underneath the fun makeup, cool costumes and extremely catchy songs,Z-O-M-B-I-E-Sis a take on a story we’re all familiar with: a boy and a girl who can’t be together because of where they come from. The movie also shares ever-important message of acceptance and teaches viewers to celebrate what makes everyone unique. Like many of our favorites,Z-O-M-B-I-E-Swas just the beginning as there have since been two follow-up films.
19of 23Princess Protection Program, 2009FRANCISCO ROMAN/DISNEY CHANNELJust when you thought no movie could do modern-day princess like Anne Hathaway did inThe Princess Diaries,Demi LovatoandSelena Gomezgave usPrincess Protection Program. When this movie premiered, I was 10 years old and still debating whether I resonated more with the angsty Carter Mason (Gomez) or Princess Rosalinda (Lovato) — turns out I ended up being a mix both, ha! Nonetheless, this movie taught me the importance of being open and accepting of others — and that two people from very different worlds could still come together to form a lasting friendship. Also, who doesn’t love a final homecoming dance scene where the mean girl meets her fate, boy finally tells girl how he feels and an iconic collaborative single like “One in the Same”? This is a must-see!—Daniela Avila
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Princess Protection Program, 2009
FRANCISCO ROMAN/DISNEY CHANNEL
Just when you thought no movie could do modern-day princess like Anne Hathaway did inThe Princess Diaries,Demi LovatoandSelena Gomezgave usPrincess Protection Program. When this movie premiered, I was 10 years old and still debating whether I resonated more with the angsty Carter Mason (Gomez) or Princess Rosalinda (Lovato) — turns out I ended up being a mix both, ha! Nonetheless, this movie taught me the importance of being open and accepting of others — and that two people from very different worlds could still come together to form a lasting friendship. Also, who doesn’t love a final homecoming dance scene where the mean girl meets her fate, boy finally tells girl how he feels and an iconic collaborative single like “One in the Same”? This is a must-see!
—Daniela Avila
20of 23Jump In, 2007EverettI remember lovingJump Inbecause it came out a year afterHigh School Musicalso it was a lot of fun to see Corbin Bleu in another role. The same goes for Keke Palmer a year afterAkeelah and the Bee! The music in the movie was also very catchy and it was cool to see a movie done about jump rope as a sport.—Georgia Slater
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Jump In, 2007
Everett
I remember lovingJump Inbecause it came out a year afterHigh School Musicalso it was a lot of fun to see Corbin Bleu in another role. The same goes for Keke Palmer a year afterAkeelah and the Bee! The music in the movie was also very catchy and it was cool to see a movie done about jump rope as a sport.
21of 23Alley Cats Strike, 2000Rastar Prod/EverettAlley Cats Strikeis a movie that instills a sense of community quite graciously. The competition aspect is present but the character development makes it much more than a sports movie. You forget it is a Disney Channel Original Movie after watching it!—Ingrid Vasquez
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Alley Cats Strike, 2000
Rastar Prod/Everett
Alley Cats Strikeis a movie that instills a sense of community quite graciously. The competition aspect is present but the character development makes it much more than a sports movie. You forget it is a Disney Channel Original Movie after watching it!
—Ingrid Vasquez
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The Cheetah Girls, 2003
—Amanda Taylor
23of 23Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, 1999DisneyZetus lapetus, Nebula! As a true child of the ’90s, this DCOM was a fun, colorful and stylized prediction of the future, set in 2049 (when Chelsea Clinton is president). Zenon Kar (Kirsten Storms) is a spunky 13-year-old girl with the coolest neon fashions, who lives on a space station with her parents and her best friend Nebula (Raven-Symoné), and does cool stuff like upcycling sketchy discs into funky accessories and literally putting on an astronaut suit and floating out in space. After getting into too much trouble, she gets sent to live with her aunt on Earth, where she crushes on a cute boy (Gregory Smith), meets her pop idol, Microbe’s Proto Zoa (Phillip Rhys) and foils a criminal plot to crash the space station. If you’re a ’90s kid, you probably still want to own Zenon’s wardrobe and you definitely still remember all the words to “Supernova Girl."—Glenn Garner
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Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, 1999
Disney
Zetus lapetus, Nebula! As a true child of the ’90s, this DCOM was a fun, colorful and stylized prediction of the future, set in 2049 (when Chelsea Clinton is president). Zenon Kar (Kirsten Storms) is a spunky 13-year-old girl with the coolest neon fashions, who lives on a space station with her parents and her best friend Nebula (Raven-Symoné), and does cool stuff like upcycling sketchy discs into funky accessories and literally putting on an astronaut suit and floating out in space. After getting into too much trouble, she gets sent to live with her aunt on Earth, where she crushes on a cute boy (Gregory Smith), meets her pop idol, Microbe’s Proto Zoa (Phillip Rhys) and foils a criminal plot to crash the space station. If you’re a ’90s kid, you probably still want to own Zenon’s wardrobe and you definitely still remember all the words to “Supernova Girl.”
—Glenn Garner
source: people.com
