My Fave Five: Disney Channel Original Movies
Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) are my perfect go-to movies. Whether I’m sad, bored, want to laugh, or just want to experience some nostalgia, Disney movies are great for whatever mood I may be in.
DCOMs will always be staples of my childhood. The joy they bring me is unmatched, and I could probably watch these five Disney Channel Original Movies on repeat for the rest of my life.
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
I have to admit, this might be one of my favorite movies of all time. It’s one of those movies that I could watch over and over again and never get tired of it. Not to mention, the soundtrack that came out of this movie is forever iconic.
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” follows the East High students through their senior year of high school and the tension that forms between Troy and Gabriella (Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens) when Gabriella gets accepted to Stanford’s Freshman Honors Program.
I have always loved this movie, but it started to really resonate with me as I was experiencing my own senior year and the stress that came with applying for college. All of a sudden, a movie I used to watch as a kid was making me sob in my bedroom at 18-years-old.
“Starstruck”
I might be on my own with this, but I think this movie is extremely underrated. The enemies to lovers storyline in “Starstruck” got hold of me as a kid and never let go.
The movie follows small town girl Jessica Olson (Danielle Campbell) and pop star Christopher Wilde (Sterling Knight) during their time spent together in Los Angeles. Jessica hates Christopher at the beginning of the movie, thinking he is just another stuck up celebrity, but they end up falling for one another by the end.
Like every DCOM soundtrack, “Starstruck” has so many bangers. A couple of my favorites are “Hero (Unplugged)” and “Something About the Sunshine.” The montage of Christopher and Jessica exploring Hollywood while “Something About the Sunshine” plays is truly a masterpiece scene, bringing me all the feel-good vibes.
“Cloud 9”
“Cloud 9” is another Disney movie that I think is underrated. It has something for everyone to enjoy, and its snowboarding theme makes me want to get back on the slopes every time I rewatch.
“Cloud 9” follows Kayla Morgan (Dove Cameron), a competitive snowboarder who decides she wants to compete against her old team. She gets training from Will Cloud (Luke Benward), an ex-competitor who injured himself after attempting his infamous move, the Cloud 9. Will eventually decides to compete again and to teach Kayla the Cloud 9.
It wouldn’t be one of my favorites without a slow-burn love story, and Kayla’s character development is one of the reasons I love it so much. I think my childhood crush on Luke Benward also plays a big role in why “Cloud 9” is on this list.
“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas”
This movie has just what every movie should have: an epic paintball battle scene. I could also mention the emotional mother-daughter journey that Amy Duncan (Leigh-Allyn Baker) and her daughter Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) go through, but that isn’t as fun.
“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas” follows the Duncan family’s vacation to Palm Springs as Amy and Teddy get separated from the family at the airport, finding themselves stranded. While trying to rescue them, Bob (Eric Allan Kramer), PJ (Jason Dolley), and Gabe (Bradley Steven Perry) get kidnapped and must participate in a paintball battle inspired by Gabe’s favorite video game.
“Good Luck Charlie” was one of my favorite TV shows growing up, so it’s no surprise that the film version is everything to me. “Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas” never fails to have me bawling, and it being a Christmas movie makes it even more perfect.
“Lemonade Mouth”
Rent was due for Disney Channel when they released “Lemonade Mouth,” because it might be one of the most iconic DCOMs they’ve ever produced.
“Lemonade Mouth” tells the story of five teenagers forming a music group after meeting each other in detention, eventually deciding to compete in a singing competition against a popular rock band from their school. The five teens navigate their dysfunctional band, having to each deal with familial issues as well, making this movie surprisingly emotional.
The soundtrack of this movie is definitely another stand-out one to mention. “She’s So Gone” is one of the best songs to ever come out of Disney Channel. Mo (Naomi Scott) ate and left no crumbs in that pizzaria.
Sarah Gavlak is a first year majoring in telecommunications. To contact her, please email sng5393@psu.edu.
