Disney Channel original movies were the best part of 2000s Disney Channel. I remember asking my mom if I could stay up later to watch them, and when she inevitably told me no, I'd turn it on with the volume down low anyway. They all have their merits, but here are some of my favorites.
1. 'Eddie's Million Dollar Cookoff'
By far my favorite DCOM, this movie was a blast. Breaking gender stereotypes before it was cool, this movie combined two of my favorite things: baseball and baking. The scene where the blender lid isn't on and peanut butter and jelly go everywhere (including the dog) is iconic.
2. 'The Cheetah Girls'
The OG friendship movie, this DCOM was notorious for its matching tracksuit and cheetah print everything. The song "Cinderella" was my jam and is a great woman-empowering bop. Even though they may have their disagreements, in the end, Galleria, Chanel, Dorina, and Aqua have each other's back.
3. 'High School Musical'
As much as you want to hate it, you love it. Little Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are the cutest. Also, if you were the math-nerd like me, it gave me hope that in high school, a popular basketball player would like me.
4. 'Stuck in the Suburbs'
OK, minus the phone-switcharoo with a pop star, this movie is hella realistic. Trying so hard to be popular in a new school that you exaggerate and end up getting caught? Plausible. Getting taken home from soccer practice in your friend's mom's minivan. Definitely. You and your friends in prime pre-teen age obsessing over your favorite pop star? Duh. Being completely overdramatic about everything? Don't remind me. Jordan Cahill may have been a fake pop star, but I totally would've listened to him if he was real.
5. 'Halloweentown'
I hate Halloween. Even still, this movie was fantastic. Grandma Aggie is fabulous and whimsical, and Halloween town seems like the most charming place ever (when it isn't being taken over).
6. 'Double Teamed'
Another sports movie for the win! I loved the twin dynamic. Also, digging deeper into this movie, I found that it is a real story following Heather and Heidi Burge, who are UVA alums! Also, another fun fact: the actresses who played Heidi and Heather were not twins. In fact, they had a large height difference and one actress had to wear lifts to compensate.
7. 'Cadet Kelly'
The tension between Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano was priceless in this movie. I also applaud Kelly's transformation in this movie. It was really heartwarming and the military aspect of this film was something new and quirky.
8. 'Get a Clue'
Any movie with pre-crazy Lindsay Lohan is a must-see. Add pre-teens trying to solve a mystery and boom, it's a hit.
9. 'Right on Track'
Girls racing? Yes, please! Beverley Mitchell was one of my favorite actresses back then, so that's the original reason I watched this movie. However, the family dynamic and girl power of this movie made it stand out. Also, peep baby Brie Larson playing Mitchell's sister.
10. 'Pixel Perfect'
Ricky Ullman designing holograms? Okay then. This movie was surprisingly deep, making you question what it means to be a person. This movie was good simply because of how bizarre it was. Can we just all collectively cringe at Loretta Modern's voice and the horrible acting for a second?
11. 'Twitches'
Tia and Tamera Mowry! I loved these twins, and I loved the day vs night premise. Their complementary necklaces and cute first meeting were super fun. Also, the whole idea/plotline was pretty good for Disney Channel. Karsh and Illeana's comedic sideline was also really humorous to me as a 10-year-old.
12. 'Read It and Weep'
OK, so this whole movie is pretty cool, but the main reason I included this movie? The little tablet thingy Jamie uses to write/draw her story was everything I wanted in life. Nowadays that technology is easy to get your hands on, but back then it was obscure and I was so intrigued by it.
13. Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
Can I make the bold statement that Brenda Song is the queen of DCOMs? (Well, she may tie with Kimberly J. Brown) This movie was kick butt. Living a double life at it's finest, Wendy takes on homecoming and defeating the bad guy all in one night.
I definitely didn't include all the DCOMs, but man do I miss them. Disney Channel movies nowadays will never live up to the 2000s era movies.
You're welcome.