50 of the best Disney Channel original movies of all time, ranked

Audience Score: 57%

Two intelligent teens build a virtual boyfriend in "How to Build a Better Boy." To their surprise, a real robot boyfriend arrives on their doorstep and chaos ensues at their high-school homecoming. Fans can also spot Netflix star Noah Centineo in this movie.

Many fans wrote that they think this film has a similar plot to the 1985 teen classic, "Weird Science" but it's still pretty good. "It's totally unbelievable yet it is totally fun!" wrote one viewer.

Audience Score: 57%

Based on the true story of basketball players Heather and Heidi Burge, "Double Teamed" shows two girls' journeys from high-school sibling rivals to the Women's National Basketball Association.

Many fans wrote that they enjoyed this classic DCOM, but others also noted that the story was slow and sometimes boring.

Audience Score: 57%

In "Girl vs. Monster," a girl named Skylar unleashes a monster being held by her parents and discovers that she is the fifth generation of a monster-hunting family. Now that she knows her family's history, Skylar must battle monsters that are trying to stop her.

Many fans commented that they enjoyed the songs throughout the movie, but found the plot to be cheesy and the special effects lackluster.

Audience Score: 58%

Starring "Girl Meets World" actress Rowan Blanchard, "Invisible Sister" follows two sisters after a science experiment goes wrong and turns the older sister invisible on Halloween. The pair and their friends must find a cure before midnight.

Fans showed a lukewarm response to this film, giving it a 56% audience score, though many viewers agreed it's a great choice for kids. One reviewer wrote, "Family-friendly film. Cute and safe pick for Halloween night."

Audience Score: 58%

A high schooler named Jamie keeps a diary about her day-to-day life through the eyes of her popular and confident alter ego. She mixes up her journal with an English essay and turns her personal diary in to her teacher who ultimately gets it published as a book.

"Read It and Weep" received mixed reviews from fans, who sometimes described it as forgettable and cheesy. One fan wrote, "Predictable, but still light and fun to watch if you want to turn your brain off."

Audience Score: 59%

Shy and introverted Pete becomes his high-school mascot after striking up a deal with his best friend. The anonymity of the costume allows him to let loose, but no one in the school realizes it's Pete inside.

"Hatching Pete" received many favorable reviews from fans who commented that they found it charming, fun, and enjoyable.

Audience Score: 60%

Debby Ryan from Netflix's "Insatiable" stars as a high-school student who is leading a double life as an anonymous DJ for her school's radio station.

"Radio Rebel" received many favorable reviews with some fans writing they felt that the story was a bit cheesy but fun. "'Radio Rebel' is a half-enjoyable kids film with an impressively presented moral," commented one fan.

Audience Score: 60%

Starring Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez, "Princess Protection Program" is about a princess who escapes capture in her native land and seeks refuge in Louisiana to stay with an American family.

Despite its star-studded cast, many fans commented they felt the movie was too cliché, even by Disney's standards. Many comments also stated that pre-teens would still enjoy this princess movie.

Audience Score: 61%

The second installment of "The Cheetah Girls" franchise follows the girls as they travel to Barcelona, Spain, to compete in a music festival.

Many fans commented that they enjoyed the sequel for its change of pace and catchy songs, but felt that it didn't feel it live up to the first movie. One fan wrote, "I enjoyed the Spanish music, and the story was a bit livelier than the first."

Audience Score: 61%

"High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu plays a boxing teenager who discovers he has a knack for competitive jump rope when his friend asks him to be a substitute on their team. He must decide whether to stick with boxing or follow his new passion.

"Jump In!" received many positive reviews from fans, with many praising the premise of the movie. One reviewer wrote, "It had heart, it had comedy, it had something unique. I've yet to see another movie based on the sport of double dutch."

Audience Score: 61%

With a new cast, the fourth installment to the "Halloweentown" series follows Marnie Piper as she begins schooling at Witch University. As soon as she arrives, magic is banned and it becomes clear that she needs to discover the secrets held in an ancient prophecy.

Many fans enjoyed "Return to Halloweentown," but weren't thrilled that the main character, previously played by Kimberly J. Brown, had been replaced by Sara Paxton.

A fan wrote, "One of my favorite Halloween movie series! The only thing I don't like about this movie is that Marnie is played by a different actress. Kind of annoying."

Audience Score: 61%

In "Life Is Ruff," a kid adopts a huge pup to try to win money in a dog show so that he can buy a rare and expensive comic book.

Some fans wrote they found the movie to be fun but thought that it featured less-than-stellar acting. One reviewer commented, "I laughed a couple of times and I found the scenes with the dog delightful, but I can't find any other reason why I would watch this film again."

Audience Score: 62%

In "Cow Belles," two high-maintenance girls, played by Disney stars Aly and AJ Michalka, take over their dad's dairy farm while he goes on vacation. The pair learn about the value of hard work as they try to save his struggling business.

Some fans wrote that they found the movie to be fluffy but liked that it had a positive message. A reviewer wrote, "Very cute movie about learning responsibility and selflessness. Yes, it was a bit corny and predictable, but it was nonetheless fun."

Audience Score: 62%

The sequel to the popular "Halloweentown" picks up two years after the first. In the movie, Warlock Kalabar is trying to place a spell on both Halloweentown and the mortal world.

Though some commented that the sequel was notably darker than the original "Halloweentown," many fans wrote that they still enjoyed this fun Halloween-themed movie.

"For a made-for-TV movie on Disney Channel, this is a triumph. A clear focus on writing a story of the battle between good and evil. A darker, more adult look at a kid's imagination," one reviewer wrote.

Audience Score: 62%

In "Johnny Tsunami," a Hawaiian teenage surfer is forced to move to Vermont when his dad gets a new job. He finds that snowboarding is a good alternative to surfing and figures out how to fit in this new state.

Some audience members wrote that they liked the snowboarding scenes and inspirational messages in the film. One reviewer wrote, "The way Johnny Kapahala seizes the day and learns to out-do his opponent after only weeks of training goes leaps and bounds over what is expected with your run-of-the-mill Disney movie."

Audience Score: 62%

Set in the future, "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century" follows a girl named Zenon, who's grown up on a space station, as she is banished to Earth. She must acclimate to her new life while also warning her family of the space station's evil plan.

Another classic DCOM, some fans wrote that they found the story and acting to be cheesy, but have good memories tied to the movie. One fan wrote, "Maybe Zenon isn't of the best quality, but it's still fun to watch for nostalgia alone."

Audience Score: 62%

In "Stuck in the Suburbs," two teenagers (played by Brenda Song and Danielle Panabaker) accidentally swap cell phones with a famous pop singer played by "Saturday Night Live" star Taran Killam. After snooping through his phone and playing harmless pranks, the girls realize there is more to him than just fame.

Many fans found this movie to be cute and charming. One reviewer commented, "I think most of the funny moments come from the overdramatization of girls crushing on a famous person. While this film isn't a work of art, it's still a fairly decent television film."

Audience Score: 63%

A young magician finds himself on a reality-TV competition show that's searching for the world's best teen magician. It turns out that he has real magical powers and the host from the show is trying to harness them for himself.

Many fans commented that they appreciated the creative story behind "Now You See It…" and felt it was edgier than other DCOMs. "It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next," one reviewer wrote.

Audience Score: 63%

Based loosely on a true story, "Tiger Cruise" follows a girl and her dad as she boards his Naval ship to shadow him at work. The teenager is tired of moving around and wants to convince him to leave the Navy. However, her time on the ship is interrupted by news of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

Starring Bill Pullman and Hayden Panettiere, this movie had mostly positive reviews from viewers. One audience member wrote, "Handled with sensitivity with powerful performances from its mainly young cast."

Audience Score: 64%

"The Cheetah Girls: One World" is the first "The Cheetah Girls" movie without Raven-Symoné and the last in the franchise. The girls have been cast in a Bollywood movie and fly to India to duke it out for the starring role.

Although this was the third "The Cheetah Girls" movie, it was ranked the highest out of the series. Some fans wrote that they enjoyed the movie's music, dancing, and Bollywood theme. One reviewer wrote, "I love this movie. Great Indian atmosphere. Bollywood and Hollywood mixed together to make a great movie."

Audience Score: 65%

Back again with much of its original cast, "Halloweentown High" is the third movie in this spooky franchise. Teenage witch Marnie wants to go to a mortal high school but makes a promise that if anything goes wrong, she'll lose all her magical powers.

Some fans compared this movie to the original with many agreeing that it wasn't quite as entertaining. One reviewer summed it up by saying, "The kiddies will have a blast but fans of the predecessors may not find this as enjoyable."

Audience Score: 65%

In "Twitches," Tia and Tamara Mowry star as two identical twin sisters who were separated at birth and both have magical powers

Many audience members commented that they found "Twitches" to be a bit dull, but overall enjoyable. "Fun for the first time, but only because there are a few surprises to be watching," wrote one fan.

Audience Score: 65%

In "The Jennie Project," a family brings home a chimpanzee and treats her like a human child, teaching her American Sign Language so she can communicate.

Some audience members wrote that although they liked this classic movie, they found some scenes to be overly emotional."A decent DCOM about a family who adopts and develops a connection with a chimpanzee. It was cute, but also a little overemotional," wrote one commenter.

Audience Score: 66%

Based on the 1987 movie of the same name, "Adventures in Babysitting" stars Disney-Channel actresses Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson. The two girls must learn to set aside their rivalry when the kids one of them is babysitting go missing.

Even though reviewers seemed to enjoy this remake, some audience members wrote they felt it doesn't live up to the original. "This movie is nothing more than a bad remake for fans of the original and that most tweens and younger kids will like," one commenter wrote.

Audience Score: 66%

"Descendants" shows what happens when classic Disney villains' teenage kids are unbanished from an isolated island and attend prep school with the children of iconic princesses and heroes.

Reviewers wrote that they appreciated the creativity of this movie's plot and enjoyed its original songs. One fan wrote, "The idea is so original based on Disney's own fairytale villains and was adapted perfectly into an enjoyable family movie."

Audience Score: 67%

A teenage girl bumps into a pop star while on a trip to visit her grandma in California. To her surprise, the two spark a relationship that allows her to see that there is more to this musician than she thought.

Some audience members commented that they found "StarStruck" to be a charming romantic comedy. One reviewer wrote, "Adorable and silly, but worth the watch because it is a feel-good family movie."

Audience Score: 67%

Based on the Disney Channel show of the same name, "Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie" stars Selena Gomez, David Henrie, and Jake T. Austin. While on a vacation, Gomez's character places a curse on her wizarding family that may make them all disappear if not reversed.

Many fans found this movie to be a satisfying extension to the television show. As one commenter wrote, "Well acted and very satisfying for the fans of this show, with many twists and turns and interesting plot."

Audience Score: 67%

This "Johnny Tsunami" sequel brings surfer-turned-snowboarder Johnny Kapahala back to Hawaii to celebrate his grandfather's wedding. Things get more complicated when he meets his insufferable 12-year-old step-uncle who wants to join a mountain-boarding crew that started a rivalry with Johnny's grandfather.

"Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board" received slightly higher audience ratings than its predecessor, with fans enjoying the movie's extreme sports and original song by the Jonas Brothers. "From surfing to snowboarding to now dirt boarding. Johnny Kapahala is back!" wrote one fan.

Audience Score: 67%

Based on the Disney Channel show of the same name, "The Proud Family Movie" follows Penny Proud as she gets ready for her 16th birthday. Her dad decides to her whole family on vacation and chaos ensues.

Many fans of "The Proud Family" show wrote that they enjoyed the animated group's return in this full-length movie. Overall, many people commented that they found the plot to be funny.

"The villain is likable and very hilarious, and the story is not great but has a lot of heart. This is a good movie and a satisfying ending to the series," wrote a commenter.

Audience Score: 67%

In "Minutemen," some high-school students create a time machine so that they can make their experiences as awkward teenagers less humiliating. But when they start using it, they open a black hole and the government intervenes.

Fans noted there were nods to "Back to the Future" in this time travel film, but enjoyed its unique spin on changing the past. "Not a lot of accurate time travel going on but a fun movie all the same," wrote one reviewer.

Audience Score: 68%

What some consider the scariest DCOM, "Don't Look Under the Bed" is about a town that is being vandalized by the Bogeyman. A girl and her imaginary friend must work together to stop him.

In terms of genre alone, this movie was a huge departure from prior DCOMs and some fans commented that they appreciated that. One reviewer wrote, "This film was beautifully cast, wonderfully directed and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This had darker tones and mature themes and I recommend this movie for anyone."

Audience Score: 69%

After her mother's death, a teenage girl returns to her family home in Hawaii to discover she has inherited a plantation. While uncovering her past and learning to surf, she must decide whether or not to sell the property.

Fans of "Rip Girls" wrote that they enjoyed the Hawaiian setting and heartfelt story. "Here is a solid, satisfying movie, very much in the mold of the best of Disney's product of recent years, seamless, escapist and enjoyable," wrote one audience member.

Audience Score: 69%

In "Descendants 2," the daughter of "Sleeping Beauty" villain Maleficent returns from her new home to the Isle of the Lost, where the villains had been imprisoned. She finds the daughter of "The Little Mermaid" villain Ursula is fighting to break down the barrier between where the villains are imprisoned and the heroes live.

Mast fans wrote that they prefer the sequel over the original movie, noting that this movie is enjoyable for all ages. One reviewer wrote, "Choreography is amazing and the chemistry between characters is better than the first film."

Audience Score: 69%

This animated movie picks up right where "Tangled" left off. Mandy Moore reprises her role as Rapunzel and, in the film, she struggles with the pressure to marry Flynn Rider and she instead decides to go on her own adventure.

"Tangled: Before Ever After" served as a movie premiere to a TV series and some fans wrote that they felt excited to check out the show after. One audience member wrote, "It sets up a good amount of material to make the idea of the TV series interesting."

Audience Score: 70%

Tia and Tamara Mowry return to star in "Twitches Too." The girls go back to their home kingdom to find a dark force taking over the land. The villagers believe the twins are prophesied to be the heroes that the kingdom has been waiting for.

Audiences had mixed reviews, but many wrote that they felt this sequel was stronger than its predecessor. One fan commented, "Only a little better than the first. It still wasn't that good."

Audience Score: 71%

On Halloween night, a girl finds out that she comes from a family of witches and follows her grandmother, played by Debbie Reynolds, back to her mystical home in Halloweentown. Once there, the family battles a dark force while meeting quirky skeletons, ghosts, and other creatures.

"Halloweentown" has a cult following from many people who saw the movie during their childhood. Overall, fans generally enjoyed this unique take on Halloween. As one fan wrote, "The magic, the Halloween spirit; it's all perfect for the month of October."

Audience Score: 72%

The high schoolers return for summer break in "High School Musical 2." The kids realize they must land summer jobs to afford to have some fun. Luckily, many of them get jobs at their fellow student's family country club.

Rated as well as the original, "High School Musical 2" left fans commenting that they loved the movie's new songs and fun choreography. "I really just found myself waiting for the songs because they were entertaining to listen to, despite how cheesy they got," wrote one viewer.

Audience Score: 73%

Based on the true story of two hot-rod-racing sisters, "Right on Track" shows the adversity they overcame to become champion racers in a mostly male-dominated sport.

Some fans wrote that they felt the movie had a slow start, but picked up during the exciting racing moments. A reviewer wrote, "It had humor and excitement, a bit of romance and overall an amazing cast!"

Audience Score: 73%

Two surfers are swept up in a wave and transported into a beach-themed version of "West Side Story." The pair become engrossed in their new lives in the musical and realize they must figure out how to get home.

Audiences commented on the charm of "Teen Beach Movie." A fan noted, "A great summer movie with an incredible soundtrack and an epic story, and it's so entertaining for kids and families."

Audience Score: 73%

Another show-turned-movie, "Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama" follows Kim Possible as she has to save the world from an evil villain while balancing finding a date to the junior prom.

Fans noted that it was imperative to have some background with the "Kim Possible" television show to understand the story in the movie. However, many wrote that they thought it was enjoyable, with one audience member commenting, "The voice-actors, action animation, music, and comedy continues to entertain fans of the series."

Audience Score: 74%

In "High School Musical," the captain of the high-school basketball team, played by Zac Efron, and a star academic student, played by Vanessa Hudgens, both choose to follow their passions and audition for the school's upcoming musical.

Fans wrote that they love this classic DCOM because of its catchy songs and entertaining premise.

One reviewer wrote, "Despite a few cringe-worthy moments, this made-for-TV phenomenon has relatively catchy and memorable songs and features charismatic, albeit exaggerated, performances."

Audience Score: 75%

After a high-maintenance snowboarder is dropped from her team, she has to train with a less popular coach. The two work together to overcome their own personal obstacles.

Some viewers of "Cloud 9" wrote that they appreciated the inspirational message behind a typical sports movie, but felt the romance and acting was cheesy at times. "This movie is inspiring and it teaches you that anything is possible," wrote a fan.

Audience Score: 75%

Starring the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, "Camp Rock" follows a teen girl as she attends a prestigious music camp, but the only way she can afford to go is by working in the kitchen.

Many reviewers compared this film to "High School Musical" because of the central role music plays throughout it and some wrote that they enjoyed the movie's original songs. "I really enjoyed the movie, direction, screenplay, and the acting," wrote a fan.

Audience Score: 75%

Extreme-sport movie "Brink!" is about a popular in-line skater who accepts a corporate sponsorship to help his family pay the bills. His skating friends think he's a sell-out and kick him out of their group.

Nostalgia fuels some fans' high rankings for this movie. As one fan wrote, "'Brink!' falls along the lines of how great Disney was in its glory days. Skating is all about fun just as much as watching movies is all about entertainment."

Audience Score: 76%

A star motocross racer breaks his leg just before a race, so his twin sister steps in to pose as her brother to try to win a big race in "Motocrossed."

Audiences wrote that they enjoyed the action sequences and message that girls can do anything they set their minds to do. A reviewer wrote, "Cute cool movie that proves that girls are just as good at any sport as guys."

Audience Score: 77%

In "The Color of Friendship," a white South-African girl studies abroad in Washington, DC in the 1970s and lives with the family of an African-American congressman. Both the South-African girl and the American teenager made assumptions about the race of the other prior to meeting and now must work through perceived differences.

Some fans applauded the movie for addressing serious social issues in a careful manner. A reviewer wrote, "It's an amazing feat watching these two girls from different worlds learn the true meaning of understanding, friendship, and love no matter what color they are."

Audience Score: 79%

A group of misfit high-school freshmen start a garage band after meeting in detention. The five teens learn to follow their dreams and even battle another local band in "Lemonade Mouth."

Many fans compared this movie to "The Breakfast Club," given the plot device of how the teens meet. Overall, the movie received generally positive reviews.

As one audience member wrote, "It has catchy tunes, but what truly makes it a stand-out are its relatable, genuine characters, well-acted by a talented ensemble."

Audience Score: 80%

Continuing from the "Phineas and Ferb" television show, in "Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension," the step-brothers are launched into another dimension and their pet platypus reveals to them that he's really a secret agent.

Although fans noted that it's best to watch the show before seeing this, many wrote that they still enjoyed this animated movie. "Top-notch animation, great acting, a great story, and hilarious jokes all the way through," wrote a reviewer.

Audience Score: 84%

Starring Shia LaBeouf, "Tru Confessions" is about a girl and her twin brother who has some developmental disabilities. As an aspiring journalist, she decides to create a documentary about her brother, which allows her to see him in a different light.

Many fans lauded LaBeouf's performance in this movie and appreciated the film's deeply familial messages. "The story line is touching and original and Shia LaBeouf is impeccable as always. Everyone should watch this movie at least once," wrote one commenter.

Audience Score: 84%

Loosely based on the 1990 film that was based on a play from the 1800s, "Cyrano de Bergerac," "Let it Shine" is about a teenage hip-hop musician whose friend takes credit for his talented lyrics as his crush starts to fall for his lying friend.

Audiences seem to think that "Let it Shine" is one of the best DCOMs to date. One fan wrote, "Good story, decent cast, great music - impressive for a Disney Channel movie."

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