Disney Channel Original Movies have been a staple of pre-teen TV since the early ’90s, and some demand to be rewatched long after you’ve aged out of Disney’s target demographic. Still, for every Zenon there’s a Jumping Ship. Since all Disney Channel Original Movies were not created equal, here are the top twenty-five, ranked from worst to best.
25. A Ring of Endless Light (2002)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPLiC8aayoo&w=420&h=315]
On one hand, this adaptation did not do the Madeleine L’Engle book justice. On the other hand, telepathic dolphins.
24. Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge (2001)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzSRaAHMPn8&w=420&h=315]
It could never live up to the original, but this sequel has a lot going for it. A solid internet pun, an increase in magic and most importantly, the fact that it’s not Halloweentown IV.
23. The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYRXetwc7xM&w=420&h=315]
The ultimate kid fantasy, the power to wield a snow day ended up teaching a very specific lesson-under no circumstances should you dumpster dive.
22. Horse Sense (1999)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TERuxpPe2JM&w=420&h=315]
Really only included for all the beautiful wild horses footage.
21. Tru Confessions (2002)
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A little emotionally manipulative, but putting the audience behind Tru’s camera so often was great, and the moment the dad realizes just how awful he could be still holds up.
20. The Even Stevens Movie (2003)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aONxo4AGqY&w=420&h=315]
Everything you could have wanted in this wrap up of the series, except of course a reprise of “Sixth Period.”
19. Escape From Witch Mountain (1995)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdgkiScbuMA&w=420&h=315]
They’re twins that play some kind of telepathic glowing patty-cake, what’s not to like?
18. Get a Clue (2002)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e9zLohMzMw&w=420&h=315]
The pre-teen fashion alone gets this Disney-fied spy thriller in the top twenty.
17. Wish Upon a Star (1996)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1zahDO1ibU&w=420&h=315]
How was this a kids movie? In less than 90 minutes the two sisters discuss their virginity and one dances in the cafeteria in black leather with a riding crop. Still pretty great, though.
16. Mom’s Got a Date With a Vampire (2000)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLrVGWQ0Yb8&w=420&h=315]
It’s like an MTV reality show gone wrong.
15. Cadet Kelly (2002)
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Hillary Duff just made any teen movie in the early 2000s better. Plus, there has never been a movie since that had middle school girls asking if they could take drill lessons.
14. Stepsister From Planet Weird (2000)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxE1idzcKRQ&w=420&h=315]
It’s been fourteen years and I’m still confused about this movie. But somehow “bubble alien girl learns to fit in on earth” was a good idea for a plot.
13. Quints (2000)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js7_fOWVxMY&w=420&h=315]
Obviously the favorite of certain producers at TLC.
12. The Luck of the Irish (2001)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfgI1-2j9PA&w=420&h=315]
Remember, if your parents didn’t want to help you with your heritage report, it’s probably because you’re a mythical creature.
11. Don’t Look Under the Bed (1999)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiXNhZsFPNg&w=420&h=315]
Disney Channel might have overestimated the bravery of its young audience with this one. It can set off Toy Story level guilt with the added bonus of fear.
10. Motocrossed (2001)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGTgn_ddRcg&w=420&h=315]
Girl power and motocross racing was the perfect combo for the 2001 take on Twelfth Night.
9. Under Wraps (1997)
Disney Channel Original Halloween movies were always on point.
8. The Thirteenth Year (1999)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3JGMhDz-_M&w=420&h=315]
You probably remember all the unfortunate merman side effects (sticky palms, literally scaly arms), but did you remember Uncle Joey plays his dad?
7. Rip Girls (2000)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69mMjp0wKeo&w=420&h=315]
The surfing saga that covered all kinds of pre-teen problems, like crushes and the burden of owning a half a tropical island.
6. Brink! (1998)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F81sPk0u4o&w=420&h=315]
The movie that taught you to do what you love for the love of it (and that you could totally still be a badass skater wearing a helmet and full pads).
5. Smart House (1999)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZktzLbnen8M&w=420&h=315]
It’s been fifteen years and we still don’t have counters that dispense cupcakes (though I guess the cupcake vending machine is a step in the right direction).
4. The Color of Friendship (2000)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKyhkMJwCms&w=420&h=315]
The movie that inspired hundreds of baby social justice bloggers.
3. Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbG4vCVEn20&w=420&h=315]
So much futuristic slang to learn, so little time.
2. Gotta Kick It Up! (2002)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cis3PvJKtek&w=420&h=315]
Everything about this movie is golden. Multiple dance montages, teen rebellion in the form or organized pom-pom choreography, and of course the introduction of America Ferrera.
1. Halloweentown (1998)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNGYJRcq5BM&w=420&h=315]
Nothing can ever top this Halloween classic. This movie is all about the bizarre details, from the neighbor lady who baked the headless people muffins, only to realize…, to the decision that in addition to the more traditional skeletons and witches, creepy dog/human hybrids and herbs in need of a hair cut would also frequent Halloweentown.
Ranking the Top 25 Disney Channel Original Movies
