Disney Channel Original Movies can sometimes get pushed aside in the world of nostalgia for the Disney features shown in theaters. But just because you didn't fork over your allowance to experience Zenon for the first time doesn't mean it was any less integral to your childhood.
Some DCOM were totally silly but left important imprints on '90s-kid culture. There's a reason you may still text your childhood BFF, "Zetus Lapetus!"
Others were more serious fare that taught you those important adolescent lessons. Like, be careful what you wish for, or value friends above status. Or possibly most importantly, don't try to shrug off the sudden appearance of scales.
To kick off your inevitable nostalgia binge, we've rounded up the best DCOMs of all time. Now go ahead, start singing the lead-in theme song.
The Other Me (2000)
The Lawrence brothers dominated Disney Channel Original movies (see also Horse Sense, Jumping Ship, Going to the Mat). But this particular movie doesn't feature multiple Lawrence brothers; it features multiple Andrew Lawrences in the story of a kid who clones himself, then gets jealous when everyone likes the clone better.
Under Wraps (1997)
This movie guaranteed that all '90s kids would start to harbor a secret desire for their own mummy. Also, Harold is the best possible mummy name.
The Ultimate Christmas Present(2000)
This is meant to be a "be careful what you wish for" cautionary tale. But even after several return viewings, I'm pretty sure most kids would still take advantage of a machine that creates infinite snow days.
Mom's Got a Date With a Vampire (2000)
It's not the best Disney Channel Halloween feature, but seeing Mr. Sheffield sport fangs is pretty entertaining. Plus it has a solid message — the titular mom doesn't need a man, supernatural or not, to complete her.
Quints (2000)
In a classic "be careful what you wish for" scenario, Jamie prays for a sibling to distract her parents and gets five. Terrifying only children everywhere, this movie gets points for the Ferris Bueller- style exposition and Scrubs -esque dream sequences.
Escape to Witch Mountain(1995)
It's hard to pick a favorite moment in this sci-fi remake starring baby Peggy Olsen and the kid from Brink! Is it when a social worker tells the pre-teen orphan looking for his family, "Well, according to this file, you don't have a family?" The magic flying car that seems to be powered by blacklight?
Wish Upon a Star (1996)
This sibling edition of Freaky Friday is one of the best snapshots of '90s teen fashion captured on film. And that dominatrix cafeteria dance shaped a whole generation's idea of what exactly high school lunch would look like.
Brink!(1998)
I know the movie that made middle schoolers everywhere fall in love with Erik von Detten was supposed to teach kids about the value of friendship, but I chose to see it as a very literal cautionary tale against the corruption of corporate sponsorship.
Halloweentown (1998)
The Disney Channel movie you've sought out every October, regardless of age. And if you happen to find it while channel-surfing, you will sit down and watch the entire thing, regardless of the season.
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century(1999)
The average '90s kid has a better handle on the lyrics of "Supernova Girl" than the Preamble, and I'm kind of okay with that. I'm also glad that futuristic fashion never really took off.
Johnny Tsunami (1999)
Alternately titled "The Coolest Grandpa, Ever." Serious question, though — why does he wear his new hat on top of his old hat? Is his head that cold?
The Thirteenth Year(1999)
This movie struck fear in the hearts of kids on the cusp of puberty everywhere. Also, for your trivia-night needs — Kristen Stewart can be spotted as an uncredited extra in her first-ever film role.
Smart House (1999)
This is the Disney Channel movie most likely to make you cry and yell at Siri, "If you're so great, why can't you make a cupcake appear on the counter?"
The Color of Friendship (2000)
Not only is this a great history lesson, it's a pretty great way to teach kids about empathy and how myopic one's point of view can be. It won an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program.
Stepsister From the Planet Weird(2000)
This is absurdist cinema at its finest — just so intensely weird. If you've blocked it out, it's about a teenage alien who's most comfortable as a pink bubble, and an evil ruler who can be destroyed by a leaf-blower.
Motocrossed(2001)
This is the film that inspired 100 pixie cuts, and even more grand plans to land motocross lessons. Plus, it'll help you brush up on your Shakespeare with its Twelfth Night vibes.
Gotta Kick It Up! (2002)
What other movie gives you America Ferrera break-dancing and a heartwarming story about teenagers following their dreams?
Cadet Kelly (2002)
This is peak Hilary Duff, a movie perfect for kids into high fashion who also like the idea of throwing rifles in the air. Seriously, though, the drill team routine is still amazing.
Get a Clue (2002)
The Lindsay Lohan movie came with its own catchy theme song and enough outfit inspiration to sustain a kid through all of middle school. It can't touch the perfection that is Life-Size, but still.
High School Musical(2006)
There's a reason your little cousins were obsessed with this one; those songs are catchy. And really, the plot isn't that different from your classic John Hughes flick: Can teens from warring cliques ever really be together?
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