The 7 Best Disney Channel Original Movies Of All Time!

My brothers and I would watch them each time they aired, and every time I get on a snowboard, I still pretend I’m Johnny Tsunami.

I’m taking us far back with some of the best DCOMs that ever aired, because truthfully, these new ones can never top the OGs! 

1. Johnny Tsunami

Johnny Tsunami aired back in 1999 and had a follow-up sequel in 2007.

The movie is about a boy named Johnny Kapahaala, who is a surfer that lives in Hawaii with his family. One day, his dad gets a new job and they’re forced to relocate to Vermont. Johnny begins to attend a private school known for its reputation of being phenomenal skiers, but he doesn’t mix in with that clique. The public school, known as Urchins, are the snowboarders. Johnny begins to take up snowboarding because it feels like surfing, but when he begins to break barriers, drama ensues!

2. Motocrossed

This movie was bringing feminism to us back in 2001.

It’s about a girl named Andrea Carson who loves motocross, but her father finds it unsuited for her because she is a girl. Her twin brother, however, is allowed to ride and compete, but one day he dislocates his knee.

While her dad is out searching for a replacement rider, she steps in and takes his place. It’s like the original She’s The Man that starred Amanda Bynes. 

3. Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century

Zenon aired back in 1999 and had two follow-up films, one in 2001 and another in 2004.

Zenon is about a 13-year-old girl named Zenon Karr in the year 2049 who lives with her family on a space station that orbits Earth. After getting in trouble because she gets into too many shenanigans, she is sent to live with her Aunt Judy on Earth and lead a “normal” teenage life.

While on Earth, she tries to make friends, but her lingo and style make her out of this world. But when she discovers a plot to destroy the space station on which her family lives, she must rise to the occasion and save the day! 

4. Halloweentown

This is a must-watch every year when Halloween rolls around!

Halloweentown aired in 1998 and had 3 follow-up films. IMO the first two are the best, and if those are the only ones you see, that’s all you’ll need.

Halloweentown is about a girl named Marnie and her siblings who follow their grandma home and discover she lives in a town where supernatural beings live and lead normal lives. Marnie then realizes that she and her siblings are descendants of witches; however, her mother doesn’t want them to be involved with witchcraft. But when her family is in danger, it’s up to her and her siblings to use their magic and stop evil!

5. The Cheetah Girls

The Cheetah Girls first aired in 2003 and had two follow-up films. Much like Halloweentown, the first two films in this series are the best.

This is another film of Disney's that brought forth the power of women. It centers around a group of friends who are a musical group known as The Cheetah Girls who shoot their shot at becoming superstars while also navigating what it means to be a teenager.

In the sequel, the girls travel to Barcelona and compete in a singing competition that will test the strength of their friendship. You won’t be able to stop listening to the music, and it will lead you to an airline website to book a flight to Spain. Trust me. 

6. Rip Girls

Another movie about surfing, but this is nothing like Johnny Tsunami.

Rip Girls aired in 2000 and is about a girl who visits Hawaii with her dad and stepmom after she inherits a plantation from her great aunt. While on the island, she learns the truth about her mother's death, makes new friends, and picks up surfing.

She is then forced to make some tough decisions in regards to her family, the plantation, and the island in which she comes to love.

7. High School Musical

There is no way I could make a list of the best DCOMs and not include this classic. This movie was so good that it even got its final film released in theaters.

High School Musical aired back in 2006, and the songs have been stuck in our head ever since. It’s about a jock hottie named Troy who falls in love with a nerdy girl named Gabriella, and they break the high school status quo by auditioning for the school’s musical.

This is the film that gave Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens their big break in acting, so thank you, Disney, for that. All three films in the series are phenomenal, so get your head in the game and start watching!

All of these movies are currently available to stream on Disney+! You're welcome!