When I was growing up, Disney Channel was my main source of entertainment, with Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) at the top of my watch list. The first Channel Original Movie (DCOM), Under Wraps, premiered in 1997. But the DCOM renaissance really began in the early 2000s with the release of Cadet Kelly, starring Hilary Duff—the film garnered over 8 million viewers!
These movies were a rite of passage for Millennials and Gen Z (including myself) filled with life lessons and some killer soundtracks. Now that I’m an adult, it’s a completely different experience to watch a Disney Channel Original Movie. First, there are so many huge stars to spot—Zac Efron, Keke Palmer, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato, to name a few. I’m able to single out specific scenes I may not have been able to understand when I was a kid, but further appreciate now. Not to mention every time I rewatch a DCOM, it brings back a flood of nostalgia.
If you’re looking for some movies that entertain your kids and you might enjoy watching too, consider introducing them to these top DCOMs. You know what the best part is? They’re all available to stream on Disney+!
You May Also Like:
- Movie Magic: The 100+ Best Disney Movies for Kids at Every Age
- I Thought ‘High School Musical’ Was Just Nostalgia—Until I Watched It With My Kids
- 111 of the Best Movies to Watch for Family Movie Night for Every Age
Musical DCOMs
The Cheetah Girls (2003)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 34m
We’re cheetah girls, cheetah sisters. This movie follows girl group Galleria (Raven-Symoné), Chanel (Adrienne Bailon), Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan), and Aqua (Kiely Williams) as they attempt to balance their newfound musical fame and their normal lives. The movie’s story shows how friends can also become family and girls can be strong and powerful—lessons that, of course, still ring true today.
Cheetah Girls 2 is also available to stream at home! The film revisits the gang as they travel to Barcelona to perform in an international music festival.
High School Musical (2006)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 40m
Wildcats everywhere, wave your hands up in the air! Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) is a star player on the East High basketball team, but everything changes for him when he sings karaoke with Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) at a New Year’s Eve party. When they return to campus, the two decide to audition for the spring musical. But Sharpay Evans, queen of the drama club, will stop at nothing to make sure that doesn’t happen. Today, the film’s lessons about following your dreams, no matter what external expectations may be weighing on you, still resonate with kids and adults.
A blockbuster hit, High School Musical has two equally iconic sequels: High School Musical 2 and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, both available to stream on Disney+. The soundtracks are just as incredible and addictive—I still listen to them years later!
Camp Rock (2008)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 37m
Mitchie Torres, played by the ever-iconic Demi Lovato, wants to spend summer at Camp Rock, a camp for musically-inclined teens. But the only way to get in is to work in the kitchen with her mom. When pop star Shane Gray (Joe Jonas)—whose uncle is the director of the camp—overhears her singing, he sets out on a mission to find the girl behind the voice. The two grow closer, and Mitchie, who is determined to fit in with her fellow campers, learns that she should never try to be anyone but herself. Even today, a lesson like that reigns true.
Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is also available to stream on Disney+, and is my personal favorite of the two films. Viewers get to return to Camp Rock as Mitchie, Shane, and the rest of the gang face off with a rival camp in a high-stakes competition.
Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: G | Run time: 1h 45m
If there’s a more perfect summer movie on this list, I haven’t found it. A spin-off of the iconic Disney Channel original series, Hannah Montana: The Movie follows Miley Stewart back to her hometown of Crowley Corners, Tennessee, where she discovers that fame isn’t everything and that family will always pick you up when you fall. While technically this isn’t a DCOM because it had a theatrical release, Hannah Montana is such a Disney Channel icon, we had to include it on this list!
Starstruck (2010)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 21m
Pop star Christopher Wilde has it all: fame, fortune, and a big Hollywood movie waiting for him. But when he runs into Jessica Olson—a normal teenage girl who has no patience for his antics—everything changes. Now, he’s faced with an important decision: do what’s best for his career, or follow his heart. This is one of the first romance movies I ever remember watching and being totally obsessed with. Plus, the soundtrack is awesome. You’ll want to listen to it long after the film is over.
Lemonade Mouth (2011)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 50m
Stella, Mo, Wen, Charlie, and Olivia (played by Bridgit Mendler) meet in detention and decide to form a band. Not many DCOMs during the 2000s included such a diverse group of characters, so this alone was a step toward the right direction. Plus, the soundtrack is top-tier and is still on many of my playlists today. The film focuses on the importance of speaking out and standing up for what’s right, even for kids. Of all the movies on this list, this one may be the most re-watchable. I have seen it many, many times.
Teen Beach Movie (2013)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 36m
Teenagers McKenzie and Brady spend more time in water than out, especially on a surfboard. But when they find themselves transported into a 1960s beach musical, they start to panic. Soon, their presence sends the plot of the musical into chaos, and they have to find a way to return home. Brady is played by Ross Lynch, whose musical talent shines through in the film’s stellar soundtrack. Not only is his chemistry with McKenzie (Maia Mitchell) adorable to watch, but the movie carries important lessons about being yourself, no matter what.
Teen Beach Movie 2 is equally delightful and also available to watch on Disney+! This time, the tables are turned as the characters from the 1960s beach musical are transported into the real world with Brady and McKenzie.
Descendants (2015)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 54m
In the first flick in the Descendants movie series, Ben (the son of King Adam and Queen Belle from Beauty and the Beast), offers the chance for redemption for Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos, the troublemaking offspring of classic Disney villains Maleficent, The Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil, respectively. Despite being instructed to fulfill their parents’ evil plans, the core four learn to choose kindness over evil—an important lesson for all.
If you want, make it a triple feature family movie night—Descendants 2 and Descendants 3 are also available on Disney+!
Z-O-M-B-I-E-S (2018)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 37m
In the first movie in the Z-O-M-B-I-E-S trilogy, the students at Seabrook High are thrown for a loop when students from Zombietown transfer to their school. The students struggle to coexist, until a budding friendship forms between cheerleader Addison and zombie Zed, one that could unite their community for good. The movie’s core lesson? Embrace people’s differences and always be accepting.
The Z-O-M-B-I-E-S franchise is expansive, with three sequel films—Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 2, Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3, and Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 4: Dawn of the Vampires— plus, an animated series. For a movie night suited for both you and your kiddos, these films are the perfect pick. There’s enough adventure, romance, and musical elements for everyone to enjoy.
Adventure-Themed DCOMs
Up, Up, and Away (2000)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 17m
For any fans of animated movies like The Incredibles, you’ll love this one. The film follows Scott Marshall in the week leading up to his 14th birthday. The teenager should be coming into his full superpowers—like the rest of his family did—but he hasn’t shown the slightest sign of special abilities. He’s disappointed, but when his family is captured by an evil force, Scott has to put aside his fears and insecurities in order to rescue them.
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 31m
Wendy Wu is a normal teenager who seems to have it all: popularity, beauty, and a coveted Homecoming Queen nomination. This all changes when Shen, a monk from China, tells Wendy that she’s a reincarnated warrior who’s destined to save the world. Now, Wendy (played by Brenda Song) must train her body in the art of Kung Fu. Along the way, she’ll unlock some important lessons: that popularity isn’t everything, and that it’s important to believe in yourself, trust your body, and follow your instincts. Millennials likely remember this one as a widely-loved classic. If you haven’t already shared it with your kids, now’s the time.
Minutemen (2008)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 31m
Virgil, Charlie, and Zeke—three friends and outcasts at their school—create a time machine to save fellow students from embarrassing situations and alter their social status. What can possibly go wrong? Oh, there’s just your average black hole that needs to be dealt with. As the film’s main trio works to reverse the damage, viewers will learn that everything happens for a reason and there’s no need to go back in time to make things better.
Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 34m
Wizards of Waverly Place is one of the best Disney Channel original TV shows ever produced. The best part? There’s an accompanying TV movie that pairs with it. Alex Russo (Selena Gomez) conjures up a spell that causes chaos within her family. Now, she must figure out a way to fix it all before it’s too late. Anyone who watched the show knows that Alex is headstrong, independent, and sarcastic. She doesn’t always like to lean on people for help but, throughout the film, she’ll learn that family will always be there to pick you up when you fall.
The Suite Life Movie (2011)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 21m
If you watched The Suite Life of Zack and Cody or The Suite Life On Deck as a kid, then this DCOM is a must watch. The Sprouse twins reprise their iconic roles as Zack and Cody agree to take part in a research project on identical twins. The experiment forces them to walk in each other’s shoes (literally) and see things from the other’s perspective. If watching with your little ones, the film is a great jumping-off point to talk about keeping an open mind and always being understanding of what others are going through.
Girl vs. Monster (2012)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 30m
Skylar Lewis (played by Olivia Holt) discovers that she’s a fifth generation monster hunter when she accidentally releases a monster from a secret chambers. Now, the monsters are out for revenge and ready to stop her before she gets her calling and becomes a hunter, too. Desperate to save her parents, she embarks on a mission with her friends to stop the monsters.
Not only is this a thrilling watch, but Girl vs. Monster teaches viewers important lessons about responsibility to one’s family and facing your fears, no matter how scary it is. Make sure to add this one to your watch list.
More adventure-themed DCOMs:
- The Thirteenth Year — TV-G (1999)
- Rip Girls — TV-G (2000)
- A Ring of Endless Light — TV-G (2002)
- Kim Possible Movie: So The Drama — TV-G (2005)
- Avalon High — TV-G (2010)
- Phineas and Ferb: The Movie Across The Second Dimension — TV-G (2011)
Sports-Themed DCOMs
Brink! (1998)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 30m
Andy “Brink” Brinker skates with his crew at the beach for the joy of it, but when a spot on a sponsored team opens up, he feels compelled to take it for the money and the recognition—it may even help his family. But his friends at the beach resent his betrayal, and as they come face-to-face in a competition, Brink will have to decide where his priorities really are.
For families just getting into their kids sports era, this is a charming movie about the high-stress nature of competitive sports, the value of good friends, and doing what’s best for you, regardless of what others think.
Johnny Tsunami (1999)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 32m
Another sports drama, Johnny Kapahala is a teen surfing sensation whose world is turned upside down when he’s forced to move from Hawaii to a tiny ski resort in Vermont. Suddenly, he’s caught in a long-standing battle between the public school snowboarders and prep school skiers. Luckily, his grandfather is there to help him become the best athlete on the mountain.
For a fun winter movie night, this is a great family pick. The film teaches about hard work and friendly competition in a way kids of all ages can understand.
Miracle in Lane 2 (2000)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 29m
In this movie about hard work and perseverance, a 12-year-old boy refuses to let anything stop him as he prepares for a national soapbox championship race. He is relentless in his desire for the trophy, but by the end of film he—along with the viewers—will understand that it’s his drive that makes him a winner, not his accolades.
Go Figure (2005)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 29m
Teenager Katelin Kingsford has done everything in her power to become a world-class figure skater, and now, there’s a famous Russian coach willing to take her to the next level. The catch? She needs to join the girls’ hockey team to obtain a scholarship to the school. Katelin is used to grace and charm on the ice, not roughhousing, but as the movie progresses, she’ll show the audience we’re all capable of more than we think.
Jump In! (2006)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 26m
Izzy (Corbin Bleu) is trying to fulfill his father’s dream of being a boxer, but he ends up stepping in for his friend Mary’s skipping team. He starts to question whether boxing is the right path for him and if he should pursue his new passion for skipping. Similar to High School Musical, this film tackles themes of following your dreams and being there for your friends, no matter what.
More sports-themed DCOMs:
- Alley Cats Strike — TV-G (2000)
- Motorcrossed — TV-G (2001)
- Double Teamed — TV-G (2002)
- Gotta Kick It Up! — TV-G (2002)
- Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off — TV-G (2003)
- Going to the Mat — TV-G (2004)
Comedy DCOMs
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 37m
It’s 2049, and teenager Zenon Kar lives happily on an orbiting space station. Then, she gets in trouble with her family and is sent to live on Earth as a punishment. She struggles to fit in with other kids on Earth, but when she discovers a secret plot to destroy her space station home, Zenon must call on her new Earth friends to help her.
Zenon: The Zequel is the highly-anticipated follow up to the OG film, and follows Zenon as she sneaks back to Earth to try and stop her space station from being decommissioned.
Smart House (1999)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 22m
This movie’s plot is really crazy, I’m not going to lie—but I still love it. Science whiz Ben Cooper is desperate for his widowed father not to date, so he enters a competition to win a “Smart House” programmed to act like a mom—and he wins. But soon, he discovers his life is far more troublesome than before. Now, he’ll have to team up with his family to outsmart his house. The story may be a tad insane, but this is a DCOM classic you just have to watch. Its digital themes may even have some real-world implications today with the rise of AI.
Cadet Kelly (2002)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 40m
A Hilary Duff classic, this film follows Kelly Collins, an artistic, fashion-minded teen who’s forced to go train at her stepdad’s military academy. The weakest recruit of the bunch, Kelly just wants out. But can she prove herself to her tough commanding officer? The film teaches young viewers that they can do anything they set their mind to, even if it seems totally impossible.
Get a Clue (2002)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 23m
Starring Disney superstars Lindsey Lohan and Brenda Song, Get a Clue follows Lexy Gold, author of her school’s gossip column, after she stumbles upon the story of the century when her teacher, Mr. Walker, goes missing. Now, she’ll team up with her friends to save him before it’s too late. The film teaches kids about the power of teamwork and the lengths we’ll go to save the people we love.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: PG | Run time: 1h 35m
A spin-off of the beloved Disney Channel television series, The Lizzie McGuire Movie picks up with Lizzie and her pals on a school trip to Italy after their junior high graduation. Once there, Lizzie is mistaken for Isabella, an Italian pop star, and begins to fall for her former singing partner, Paolo. If you’re a true Disney fan, you’ll know this film for the iconic, “This is What Dreams Are Made Of” scene at the end.
Similar to The Hannah Montana Movie, this one had a theatrical release and isn’t technically a DCOM. Regardless, it’s iconic enough that we had to include it in this round-up!
Stuck in the Suburbs (2004)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 18m
Brenda Song will always be an icon in our books. In this DCOM, she plays a new girl in town who accidentally switches phones with popular pop singer Jordan Cahill. She teams up with her best friend to return the phone to Jordan and, along the way, discovers that the popular pop singer may not be as obsessed with his life of fame as he seems. With a generous dose of mid-2000s pop, this movie has all the nostalgia you’ll need for your family movie night.
Cow Belles (2006)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 31m
Taylor and Courtney Callum are two spoiled sisters who are forced to work at their family business to learn more about what it means to be responsible. When they find out that someone has emptied the company’s bank accounts, they attempt to track down the culprit and encounter other surprises along the way. Not only does this film teach that kids can succeed if they work hard enough, but it also shows that taking responsibility for one’s actions and shedding bad habits is the right thing to do. For both kids and adults, these are valuable lessons!
Princess Protection Program (2009)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 30m
A young princess named Rosie—played by Demi Lovato—is taken into the Princess Protection Program after her kingdom is threatened. She is relocated to Wisconsin and stays with an agent and his daughter, Carter (Selena Gomez). Now, she has to learn how to behave like a normal teenager and discovers that blending in will be more difficult than she imagined. As the film progresses, Carter learns to be more accepting to difference, while Rosie begins to understand that being royalty isn’t everything, and that you can always do the right thing. Selena and Demi are quite the duo together on screen—you won’t want to miss this one.
More comedy DCOMs:
- You Lucky Dog — TV-G (1998)
- Genius — TV-G (1999)
- Stepsister From Planet Weird — TV-G (2000)
- Phantom of the Megaplex — TV-G (2000)
- Quints — TV-G (2000)
- The Even Stevens Movie — TV-G (2003)
- Pixel Perfect — TV-G (2004)
- Read It and Weep — TV-G (2006)
- Dadnapped — TV-G (2009)
- Hatching Pete — TV-G (2009)
- Geek Charming — TV-G (2011)
Seasonal DCOMs
Halloweentown (1998)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 24m
Time for a spooky Halloween movie night, whether it’s fall or not! Marnie Cromwell discovers that she’s a witch and follows her Grandma Aggie back to Halloweentown to find out more about her lineage. Now, she’ll have to help stop an evil force threatening to upend Halloweentown. As she fights for her family, she discovers that it’s OK to be different and that kids can do anything they set their minds to. What better lesson to share with your little ones?
This massively successful franchise has multiple sequels, all of which can be streamed on Disney+ and are family-friendly: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown. Make it a family movie night tradition this Halloween!
The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 20m
When Allie Thompson and her best friend stumble upon a weather-making machine discarded by none other than Santa Claus, they use it to create what they want most: a snow day in their hometown of Los Angeles. But when the machine turns to chaos, it threatens to ruin everything, including Christmas. For a cozy family Christmas movie, this is the perfect pick!
The Luck of the Irish (2001)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 27m
This funny and charming movie tells the story of teenage basketball star and cool-kid Kyle Johnson, who finds himself having to battle for his lucky gold charm in order to keep his family from being controlled by an evil leprechaun. Perfect for a family St. Patricks day movie night, this film teaches kids that they can make their own luck and find their own way, no matter the challenge.
Twitches (2005)
Where to watch: Disney+ | Rating: TV-G | Run time: 1h 27m
On their 21st birthday, Alex and Camryn discover that they’re twins who were separated at birth. The cherry on top? They’re also witches. And now, they need to use their powers to stop the mighty powerful darkness. As the twins work together, they’ll discover (along with viewers) that the power of family is overwhelming, and that kids should always believe in themselves.
The sequel, Twitches Too, should also be added to your Halloween watchlist this year! The film follows the twins as they search for their biological father.
More seasonal DCOMs
- Don’t Look Under the Bed — TV-PG (1999)
- Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire — TV-PG (2000)
- ‘Twas the Night — TV-G (2001)
- The Scream Team — TV-PG (2002)
- Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! — TV-G (2011)
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As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
