Disney Channel Movies
Ranking iconic Disney Channel original movies
Carys Cheshire '24
Editor-in-Chief of Content
When we think back to our childhoods, Disney Channel is usually one of the things that comes to mind, especially the Disney Channel original movies. These movies have so much nostalgia attached to them for their incredible plotlines and unforgettable soundtracks, and rewatching them never gets old. In this article, I will be ranking some of the most popular Disney Channel original movies from our generation (not including T.V. show spinoff films) from worst to best, even though they are all fantastic in my opinion.
5. In last place is the “Descendents” (2015) trilogy, which follows the lives of the teenage children of classic Disney villains who are invited to attend the kingdom’s prep school and must navigate choosing between good and evil. While these movies are still very entertaining, I think they are a little past our time, so they feel less nostalgic. Additionally, the acting comes across as somewhat cringeworthy compared to other Disney Channel movies, and the songs aren’t nearly as timeless.
4. The fourth place position belongs to the “Camp Rock” (2008) movies, a duology about a music summer camp where talented teens pursue their passions while simultaneously facing rivalries and relationships. Putting “Camp Rock'' this low feels like a crime, but it is only because the following movies offer storylines that are more captivating and unpredictable than this movie. However, the music from “Camp Rock” is inarguably some of the most legendary music that Disney Channel has made–from “This is Me” to “Too Cool,” the soundtrack will always be catchy.
3. Coming in at third place is “Lemonade Mouth,” (2011) a movie about a group of teens who form a band to express themselves through music and speak out against injustice, inspiring those around them while overcoming their own obstacles along the way. The acting in the movie is phenomenal in my opinion, and the conflicts that the characters face are so realistic and emotional compared to other Disney Channel movies. And of course, we can not forget the incredibly iconic song, “Determinate,” that includes a volume-blasting chorus and impressively fast rap bridge that not many people can keep up with.
2. In second place is the duology that we all know and love, “Teen Beach Movie” (2013). “Teen Beach Movie” follows teenagers Mack and Brady as they are magically transported into a 1960s beach movie and they have to play along with the situation through singing and dancing while trying to get back home and not destroy the plot of the movie. This movie’s plot is, in my opinion, the most exciting of all of the Disney Channel movies, and the song and dance numbers are truly perfect. Although the ending of the second movie was pretty awful, everything else in the movies makes up for it.
1.Coming in at first place is, obviously, the “High School Musical” (2006) trilogy. If, for some odd reason, you have yet to watch these movies, they are about a couple in high school who discover their passion for performing arts but must make challenging decisions along the way. There is absolutely no denying that this series carried the rest of the Disney Channel original movies on its back with its very well-known soundtrack that has zero skips, and its overall nostalgia for such a wide variety of ages. Rewatching these movies is always a good time, and if you haven’t seen them, do yourself a favor and watch them immediately.
All of these movies are a ten out of ten and made a big impact on so many of our childhoods. If you’re feeling in need of some reminiscence, these movies are the perfect way to capture that magical feeling.