Does Disney Channel even make Original Movies anymore? If they do, it’s needless to say that the recent movies could not live up to the one’s my generation grew up with. I used to be so excited to watch the movies on Disney Channel because they always had a way of making me laugh, inspiring my thoughts, or igniting my imagination. Sometimes, when I’m in a creative slump or more often, when I’m feeling low, I can rely on a comforting Disney movie to turn my depression into nostalgic relief. 

 

As of today, there are about 115 Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) that have aired, and this list has 10 of those. In this list I wanted to shy away from the popular DCOMs we all know such as High School Musical, Cheetah Girls, Camp Rock, Halloweentown, or any movie that derived from a popular Disney Channel show like Wizards of Waverly Place or The Proud Family and focus on some we often forget are amazing stories. 

 

So here it is…in no particular order…10 of my favorite underrated DCOMS:

1. 1. The Color of Friendship: This movie is highly underrated, and I urge more people to get into this amazing story about the black family of a U.S. Congressman who welcome a white South African exchange student into their home in the midst of apartheid. There is so much that the two protagonists learn from each other about social justice, not judging each other on assumptions or appearances, and that friendship is an important element in creating a better world.

2. 2. Smart House: As far as underrated DCOMs go, this one is still fairly popular. Smart House had every millennial and zillenial wanting a super computer, robot house to make us smoothies on demand and clean up our messes in an instant.

3. 3. Minutemen: There are so many amazing time traveling movies out there, and this is one of them. The three protagonists build a time machine to help change the outcome of social and literal catastrophes that happen at their high school, and they do it purely out of care for the fellow underdogs of their world.

4. 4. Let It Shine: The music in this movie was infectious. I still listen to the raps of Tyler James Williams and the songs of Coco Jones. It shined a light on the insecurities people can have in general and when pursuing a public facing career. I can also relate to the feeling of being a shy kid who has this burning passion they’re afraid to showcase to the world. Now, I watch Tyler James Williams on Abbott Elementary, and I desperately want him to showcase his killer rapping skills.

5. 5. Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century: I swear this movie had me wanting to live in space. Not only did it have some stellar slang and catchy tracks, but we also got to see our girl Raven Simone as the main character’s best friend. I absolutely loved the space-themed names too.

6. 6. Princess Protection Program: I don’t care what anyone says…this movie was simply fantastic. Not only did it star Selena Gomez AND Demi Lovato, but the storyline was so compelling. The dynamic between the two protagonists felt the most realistic, as the characters lived polar opposite lives and had to build a warmth and understanding towards each other that would eventually blossom into a lifelong sistership. 

7. 7. Read it and Weep: By far one of my top favorites on this list, Read it and Weep embodied all my adolescent and adult dreams as the main character, Jamie, becomes a bestselling author overnight when her private journal is published for the world to see. The trials Jamie goes through while juggling her newfound fame allowed me insight into the struggle that comes with balancing fame with being true to yourself.

8. 8. Jump In: Idk why people act like Keke Palmer hasn’t always been that girl. Even though Corbin Bleu was the main protagonist of this movie, Keke really shined. Her character got an egoistic boxer to give double dutch a chance, and she changed his inherited sexist perception of jumping rope being solely a female activity. Plus, the music and the jump roping skills gave “Disney version of Stomp the Yard” vibes. (Lol, okay maybe that’s a stretch, but the movie was still very good.)

9. 9. Up, Up, and Away: This movie was one of the first DCOMs I watched that showcased an all black family of superheroes! The dynamic between this family is so beautiful, and their story displays the struggle that can come with being the outlier in your family. On the other hand, it also showed how super one can be based on their character and bravery alone. This tale is truly wholesome. 

10. 10. Cadet Kelly: Hilary Duff was truly one of the it girls of Disney Channel, right alongside Raven Simone. I didn’t think a movie about a suburban girl going to military school would be as interesting to me as it was, but it definitely was. The rivalry between Hilary Duff’s character, and Christy Carlton’s character (voice of Kim Possible and the sister in The Even Stevens, if you didn’t know) was thoroughly entertaining, and the drill routine they did at the end of the movie was iconic.

11. Is there a movie you would’ve added to this list? Did I mention a movie you forgot about? Please leave a comment down below. My name is Janyce-Monique, and this is Simply Doin’ the Most. Thank you for reading, and if you need nostalgic relief, consider watching a DCOM.