“You’re watching Disney Channel!” A phrase that evokes nostalgia, joy and sentimentality. Disney Channel was the forefront of so many childhoods. Whether it be “Monstober,” “Fa-La-La-Lidays” or just a plain Saturday morning following the life of an NYC nanny where it’s ‘a party everyday’ in “Jessie,” Disney has given us so many reasons to smile over the past decade. Here is VALLEY’s list on the top DCOM’s (Disney Channel Original Movies) to get you through the winter to spring transition.
Teen Beach Movie
Starting off with a classic, we have the 2013 “Teen Beach Movie,” the story of two surfers, Mack and Brady who are swept away at sea, only to find they were transported to an alternate universe, that universe being Brady’s favorite movie ‘Wet Side Story.’ It’s a classic “gotta find my way back home movie,” but with the twist of surfers versus bikers and of course what would a Disney movie be without music. The “Teen Beach Movie” songs are sure to get you bopping and moving!
Twitches
An oldie, but a goodie, the 2005 “Twitches” starring Tia and Tamera Mowry follows the story of long lost twins, Alex and Camryn, who come together, realize they have powers (hence the name “Twitches” because “twin witches”) and join forces to defeat an evil entity called “the Darkness.” Whoever comes up with the plot for DCOM’s deserves a raise for this one.
Zapped
Before Zendaya entered the Spiderverse, she got her start on Disney. The 2014 “Zapped” leaves the audience feeling electrified. The story centers around Zoey Stevens, a talented teen who recently moved in with her mom’s new husband and consequently her three new brothers. Zoey struggles to adjust to her new life, when her phone unexpectedly starts controlling boys. Yes, you heard that right, controlling boys.
How To Build A Better Boy
One of the most underrated DCOM’s is the 2014, “How To Build A Better Boy.” “How To Build A Better Boy” observes high school nerds Mae and Gabby. When Mae ends up getting into it with head cheerleader Naveah (yeah, that’s heaven spelled backwards) Mae and Gabby accidentally end up stealing government property to make the “perfect” boyfriend.
Jump In!
In this 2005 Corbin Bleu throwback entitled “Jump In!”, young boxer Izzy begins to realize that his passion for boxing is better suited with, you guessed it, double dutch. Follow Izzy as he navigates a tricky relationship with his dad, after his mom’s passing, young love and of course pressure when it comes to the rope.
Princess Protection Program
When Princess Rosalinda’s (AKA Demi Lovato) territory is threatened, she has to move in with rural, farm girl Carter (AKA Selena Gomez.) Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely friendship while trying to traverse the struggles of high school and evade endangerment.
We hope you enjoyed VALLEY’s list of top tier DCOM’s, what are your number ones? Let us know @VALLEYmag on Instagram!
