Disney is usually well-acquainted with the feeling of nostalgia. For those who grew up watching Disney Channel in the 2000s, they would have been pretty much in the prime era of the Disney Channel Original Movie phase of the station. Of course, Disney+ has now provided a perfect platform to revisit so many of them.
The streaming service may continue to produce its original content in the same vein as those earlier releases, but nothing can truly come close to comparable when watching through the retro hits that seemed to go from strength to strength. Many of them hold up well today.
Camp Rock (2008)
Camp Rock might be among the cheesiest of the Disney Channel original movies, but its contributions to the entertainment industry as a whole cannot be ignored, considering it helped to launch the careers of the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato respectively.
Featuring some standout songs, this was Disney’s attempt to catch lightning in a bottle, after the success of another familiar musical movie. While it didn’t reach those heights, the chemistry of the cast is undeniable, as Mitchie Torres embarks on an adventure at summer camp to try and develop her talents.
Hannah Montana The Movie (2009)
Hanna Montana is one of Disney’s most iconic and long-lasting original characters. High School student by day, pop star by night, the way the early series took elements from Miley Cyrus’ life and brought them into this fictionalized setting was completely genius.
The spinoff movie, which boasted the same title as the successful series, was very much a coming-of-age drama. The songs themselves continue to be classics, and it’s safe to say that the film brought the titular character’s career to a new level thanks to her star-making performance.
Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge (2001)
The original Halloweentown, which is the superior entry to the saga, was released in the late 90s. However, the sequel is the next best installment arguably, allowing the family to truly get to grips with their powers before their world is turned upside-down again.
With all the color and life going out of Halloweentown, it’s up to the Pipers to set things right. With a familiar foe returning to get his revenge, this is a classic entry into Disney’s growing archive perfect for the spooky season. Debbie Reynolds’ contributions here continue to be special.
Wizards Of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009)
Wizards of Waverly Place was a smart move from Disney, with the show allowing for a new fantasy world to be created that hit the genre perfectly, while also becoming a genuinely funny family sitcom. There was a lot to love about the charming cast too, that brought the concept to life.
The popularity of the show allowed a film to take place, which finally saw the siblings battle over who would be able to keep the power for themselves. It changed the landscape of the show and the increased budget allowed the scale to truly feel epic.
The Cheetah Girls (2003)
Interestingly, before The Cheetah Girls, there had not been a Disney Channel Original Movie that also doubled as a musical. But by taking the book series of the same name by Deborah Gregory, Disney put a new spin on the concept while making history.
It’s charming, fast-paced, and features some memorable music moments, which is actually on par with the sequel as well. Despite its initial popularity, the movie has very much become an underrated hit and is well worth returning to in all its glory, even just for the authenticity of the friendship at the heart of the group.
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006)
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior was an outside-the-box release from Disney, as they often didn’t stray too far into the martial arts genre. Yet, combined with a traditional coming-of-age High School arc, alongside fantasy elements and Chinese culture, this is a real standout of its time.
It’s fun, fantastical, and boasts several action sequences that genuinely pay homage to the cinema it’s trying to recreate. It’s a shame there was never a sequel to this special release and Brenda Song was a compelling lead to help guide the picture.
High School Musical (2006)
High School Musical was the blockbuster hit that showcased that Disney Channel Original Movies could take the world by storm. It had absolutely everything, from excellent choreography, to star-making performances, gorgeous songwriting, and compelling character arcs.
The two sequels and TV show that spawned from this original goes to show how far the concept could be taken. Out of every Original Movie, Disney Channel has produced, High School Musical is the one that almost everyone would have seen at some stage.
Twitches (2005)
Back to the Halloween period for Twitches which also received a sequel that managed to live up to expectations. The first film set up this magical world so well though that it cannot be overlooked. With two twins separated in different worlds, they are reunited, so their powers can combine.
It’s fantastical and funny, with the structure of the film paying homage to classic folk tales that play around with a similar concept. It’s another release that those who weren’t watching at the time might have missed, but should be on the watch list this Halloween.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Lizzie McGuire’s TV show is a classic from its period, but the movie spinoff is sometimes overlooked, despite being such a perfect tie-in. Featuring the original cast returning, it’s Lizzie’s biggest adventure yet, seeing her become a major star on the stage.
Mistaken as a famous pop star in Rome, McGuire gets to live the life she always dreamed of, even if she is out of her depth. It’s such a refreshing break from the convention of the original sitcom, that goes to show how important these Disney Channel Original Movies are to expanding TV programming.
Disney’s Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama (2005)
Kim Possible is an iconic show, that brings back all the right nostalgic feelings. The young spy had so many brilliant escapades on the small screen and is one of the few animated characters to be able to achieve a larger-scale movie event to pay off some of those narrative beats.
It does help to conclude the character’s journey in many ways, while still adding to her mythos. The action is surprisingly intense and the relationships between the core cast of characters is touched upon on a deeper level in comparison to the ongoing series.
