Top 30 Best Disney Channel Movies of All Time
There are TV movie and then there are Disney Channel Original Movies. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at the live-action Disney Channel movies that have entertained generations of fans.
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00:00Composer, here's your game ball. You deserve it, playmaker.
00:07Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're looking at the live-action Disney Channel movies that
00:11have entertained generations of fans.
00:14I'm rotten to the, I'm rotten to the, I'm rotten to the core.
00:21Number 30. Phantom of the Megaplex. Just when you think you've seen it all,
00:25Disney comes up with a comedic spin on the Phantom of the Opera.
00:28In this Disney flick, a mysterious personality threatens a film's premiere,
00:32prompting the main characters to look for the culprit.
00:35We absolutely can't find him. And then, when we're coming out of his office,
00:37this total guy in black shot out of nowhere and ran down the stairs. I'm so not kidding,
00:40we both saw him. Why won't you guys admit it? It's the Phantom of the Megaplex.
00:45Filled with zany humor, the film is a family-friendly offering that still has you
00:49thinking until the big reveal. It's not incredibly complex, but the combination of mystery and
00:54comedy deserves credit. Add in some surprisingly high-profile appearances by the likes of Mickey
00:59Rooney, and you've got a movie that's always fun for a rewatch. Mason, where'd you come from?
01:05I left Ms. Metz to use the restroom and all heck broke loose. If you're willing to take
01:09advice from an old-timer, we might just be able to save the day.
01:12Number 29. Jump In. During the height of his high school musical fame,
01:17Corbin Bleu got his chance to shine in Jump In. The films share a similar message of struggling
01:21with what's expected of you and doing what you love. Still, the cool dance sequences and catchy
01:26songs give the film its own identity. Jump In excels with strong performances by Bleu and
01:43Kiki Palmer. The creative choreography and stunt work remain awesome, as the actors give it their
01:48all to wow audiences. It represents the tried-and-tested template that made Disney Channel
01:53movies such a success at the time. Even today, its themes and snazzy style make it a can't-miss
01:58feature for Disney fans. Number 28. Wizards of Waverly Place, The Movie.
02:12The Wizards of Waverly Place series is among the crown jewels of the mid-aughts Disney Channel
02:16landscape, so it's no surprise that the film based on the show became such a hit. It takes
02:21Alex Russo's penchant for causing trouble to a wider scale, as she and her brother scramble
02:26to fix her magical mistake. The movie plays out like an extended episode of the sitcom,
02:38complete with banter, cheesy wizard fun, and a heartwarming message to tie it together.
02:43The Wizards movie also adds a few extra layers to Alex's characterization, giving viewers a new
02:48side of her to appreciate. The movie shows us why, as the theme song goes, everything is not what it
02:54seems. Number 27. Get a Clue. Films like Freaky Friday, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen,
03:09and Herbie Fully Loaded establish Lindsay Lohan as an early 2000s teen idol. Get a Clue arguably
03:16began her ascension into the studio's big leagues. It follows the main character's search for a
03:20missing teacher, which turns into a spiraling mystery with several possibilities. While that
03:31sounds a bit intense, the film retains the classic Disney feel-good charm. It appeals to young
03:36viewers' sense of curiosity, maintaining a witty atmosphere distinct from many of the channel's
03:41other films. With solid performances from the cast and likable characters, Get a Clue succeeds in
03:47keeping viewers hooked to see how it all pays off. Number 26. Zombies.
04:07There are more zombie films than we can keep track of, but Disney tried something different
04:14with this feature. Here, people and zombies coexist in a society decades after a power
04:19plant disaster. Relations between the two groups are tense, but that doesn't stop our protagonists
04:24falling for each other. This kind of high school romance might seem out there, but it helps that
04:28the film goes all-in with the concept. With committed performances and some great songs
04:33accompanying the characters, the world of zombies is easy to get lost in.
04:43The movie also leaves room for a touching message of acceptance,
04:46and it's hard not to ship the leads, even if one is a zombie.
04:50Number 25. Johnny Tsunami. Many Disney films have explored the idea of culture shock,
04:56but few can match Johnny Tsunami in this area. After reluctantly moving from Hawaii to Vermont,
05:02Johnny Cappahalla struggles to adjust to his new environment.
05:05Am I telling me how? I'm sure you'll stop before you hit the highway.
05:08Who, me? No. That's right. I'd be laughing too if I wasn't about to lose my life.
05:14Not many switch their surfing talents to skiing, but trying to fit in is something
05:18most of us can understand. The film's premise signified Disney Channel's commitment to making
05:22relatable stories. Along with rooting for the protagonist, we're treated to some fascinating
05:27skiing sequences that tie into the plot. As is usually the case with Disney movies,
05:31this one ultimately teaches the value of friendship and believing in yourself.
05:35Hey Johnny, dude, that was killer. We just want to thank you.
05:38For what? For showing us how bogus this whole fight's been.
05:41It's an oldie but a goodie that fans of all ages can appreciate.
05:45Number 24. Teen Beach Movie. Part Greece and part West Side Story,
05:50Teen Beach Movie has a lot going on. The protagonists are swept away into a musical
05:55film world and have to figure out what to do. Just follow my lead.
05:58Is it leading us home? We're from, uh, not far away.
06:02Far away. Far away.
06:05Right, not far, but um. Not only is it a romance story,
06:09but it also serves as a comedy, sci-fi, and musical all rolled into one. Don't worry,
06:14you'll probably be too busy jamming with the characters to think about it too much.
06:18The impressive cinematography and costume design make it one of the most visually pleasing
06:22releases in the channel's history. Silly in some parts and emotionally moving in others,
06:27Teen Beach Movie shows Disney's knack for reinventing itself each decade.
06:42Number 23. Read It and Weep. After starring in separate Disney Channel films,
06:47sisters Kay and Danielle Panabaker teamed up for this still-remembered feature.
06:51When her imaginative journal based on her real life is accidentally published as a book,
06:56protagonist Jamie gets attention quickly.
06:58Jamie, you can't walk away from this just because you're scared.
07:01I'm not scared. I'm not scared.
07:05Then prove it.
07:06Success goes to her head, with her alter-ego character Isabella feeding into Jamie's worst
07:10impulses. Read It and Weep deals with the consequences of one's actions and why humility
07:15is such a virtue. It doesn't contain any big surprises, but the charming cast and overall
07:20moral lesson can't be overlooked. Disney has a pretty good track record of siblings sharing
07:24the screen, with Kay and Danielle keeping the streak going and then some.
07:28If you pull that rope you'll be blamed for everything. What do you think you're doing?
07:32Something I should have done a long time ago. You don't have the power as I do.
07:37Number 22. Smart House. If you're ever having difficulties with apps like Alexa or Siri,
07:42remember it could always be worse. How much worse, you ask? How about a virtual assistant
07:47who's convinced she's your mother?
07:49Making your lives perfect so you can bring another woman into my domain?
07:55I don't think so, mister. I am a mother like no other.
08:00As the title suggests, this late-90s flick is about an automated house a family moves into.
08:05Unfortunately, the pat A.I. goes off the rails, becoming an overbearing matriarch refusing to
08:10let go. Over-the-top hijinks ensue, with each scene turning it up to crazier levels.
08:16Thanks to a wacky turn from the talented Katie Segal,
08:19Smart House comes across as a barrel full of laughs from start to finish.
08:22You're really scaring me, Pat.
08:24Oh, Angie. You're hurting my feelings. There's nothing to fear. Mama's here.
08:33Number 21. Twitches. Tia and Tamera Mori can really do no wrong as an on-screen pair.
08:39They hit gold with Twitches, which follows a similar premise as their hit sitcom Sister,
08:43Sister. After being separated at birth, the sisters find their way back to each other.
08:48It's your birthday today, isn't it? How did you know that? It's my birthday, too. See? We are
08:54twins!
08:55But this time around, there's magic and mystique at the center. The story crafts an intriguing
08:59lore for the dimension the sisters are fated to protect. With frequent revelations regarding
09:04their origins, Twitches keeps us invested to see where it's all headed.
09:08The opposite of darkness, isn't it? It's love!
09:11Erin's love is what saved us the day we were born. Think about love. Only about love!
09:16Even though it doesn't follow the usual musical format, the chemistry between the
09:20leads and the story's twist result in a winning combination.
09:23Number 20. Stuck in the suburbs.
09:26Britt, you know whose phone this is, don't you? This is Jordan Cahill's phone.
09:33Brittany and Natasha, played by Disney Channel veterans Danielle Panabaker and Brenda Song,
09:38are bored of their suburban lives.
09:41Okay, fine. Do I want to be here, where nothing but nothing ever happens? No. Do I want to be
09:48out there where exciting things are always happening? Yes!
09:52So, when they accidentally come into possession of a pop star's phone,
09:56they take it as an opportunity to shake things up.
09:59Look, you little twerps, I need that phone back.
10:01No Jordan, no phone.
10:03They mess with Jordan Cahill's life by changing up his image, which actually gives him the
10:07courage to confess his desire to write his own lyrics and be himself, instead of his fake pop
10:12star persona.
10:13Half of my career has been about my hair, and now it can be about me and my music.
10:19A soundtrack was released alongside the movie, which was new for Disney Channel at the time,
10:23and due to its success, we can't help but understand why so many of its later films
10:28involve musical numbers.
10:29I never dreamed someone could see right through who I was and to all I could be.
10:38Number 19. The 13th Year.
10:41Sleep tight, birthday boy.
10:43Starting now, your whole life is different.
10:45I don't feel any different.
10:47Like all adolescent boys, Cody's body starts going through some interesting changes,
10:51but he probably wasn't expecting to grow scales and a tail fin.
10:56Cody was one of the best swimmers on the team, he had a pretty girlfriend,
10:59and he had a charmed home life.
11:01He had a perfect life until he found out a big secret about himself.
11:06He's adopted.
11:07Just kidding.
11:08Well, he was adopted, but the big secret is that he's a freaking mermaid.
11:12Or merman.
11:14Merman.
11:15Yeah, and if I am a merman, then maybe my birth parents, just maybe, they're merpeople too.
11:22This classic Disney movie is a fun twist on the classic mermaid tale.
11:26Pun intended.
11:27We go along on Cody's journey as he develops and adapts into his merman form.
11:31This movie is funny, exciting, and full of folklore.
11:35It's almost like a superhero origin story.
11:38I finally get a friend, and he turns into a fish.
11:41This is so typical.
11:42Number 18. Let It Shine.
11:44Disney Channel has become famous for its numerous music-themed movies,
11:48but this one is a standout.
11:50It steps away from the usual formula,
11:52not only by showcasing rap music instead of pop music,
11:55but also the story is also unique.
11:58Cyrus dreams of being a rapper,
11:59and with his drive and optimistic storytelling through songs,
12:03he just might have what it takes,
12:05even in spite of his disapproving father.
12:07Rap is the devil's music and does not belong in a house of worship.
12:11But when his best friend Chris inadvertently takes his lyrics
12:14and goes after the girl of his dreams,
12:15Cyrus sees the life he wants slipping away.
12:18I'd rather make you laugh and act like I'm joking
12:22and tell you the truth about the feelings that you have awoken.
12:25And I'd rather make you laugh and act like I'm joking
12:30and tell you the truth about my feelings you've awoken.
12:32Cyrus must reclaim his voice, make things right with his friends,
12:36wow the world, and his father with his positive and uplifting lyrics.
12:40Cause you don't have the guts to tell us who you really are,
12:43so you can keep a trophy that you don't deserve.
12:46I might be a busboy, but you just got served.
12:53Wendy's privileged life is turned upside down
12:56when she finds out she's actually the reincarnation of a Chinese warrior
12:59and is destined to fight against evil.
13:02Look, the only evil I know is my history teacher and Jessica Dawson,
13:06and I don't think you can help me with that.
13:08You finally have skills you cannot explain.
13:11That's because Wendy is more concerned with fighting Jessica Dawson
13:14for Homecoming Queen and shopping at the mall.
13:16But as she trains in martial arts and learns more about her ancestry,
13:20she grows to appreciate her destiny.
13:32This one is like a cool combination of a modern action movie
13:35and an old school kung fu flick.
13:37The effects might be a bit cheesy,
13:39but the fight scenes are still really kick ass.
13:44You used to be my twin, only now you're not.
13:57Disney Channel movies are usually very lighthearted,
14:00but this one goes way deep.
14:02My twin brother has a developmental disability.
14:07Now that we're starting high school,
14:09I think it would be really cool if I could find
14:12some way to make him more comfortable and accepted in the world.
14:17True Walker is an aspiring TV personality
14:19and enters a video contest with hopes of getting her own TV show.
14:23The subject of her project?
14:25Her autistic brother, Eddie.
14:27Through the lens of True's documentary,
14:28we see her explore the highs and lows of her brother's condition.
14:32She captures the negative views some people will have towards him,
14:35and also the wonderful things that bring their family closer together.
14:38And don't feel sorry for me either,
14:40because I've got a brother who every single day
14:44teaches me what's important in life.
14:46This one is a serious tearjerker that's a bit unexpected from Disney Channel.
14:50Also, we get to see a young Shia LaBeouf,
14:53yes, THE Louis Stevens, in a serious role.
14:56It's you and me.
14:59Being twins.
15:00Number 15.
15:01Pixel Perfect.
15:03Yet another of Disney Channel's music movies, sort of.
15:07This one is kind of a music sci-fi combo.
15:10Sam's band, The Zetabytes, is trying to make it big,
15:13but the members are told they don't have the it factor to get there.
15:16It's not about sound anymore.
15:18It's about image.
15:21Love, you can't sing lead for a band if you can't do the moves.
15:25So, Sam's best friend Roscoe creates a virtual frontwoman
15:29with the name of Loretta Modern.
15:36Although the music sets up the premise for the whole movie,
15:39it's not necessarily the main story arc.
15:42This film also delves into the philosophy of reality and consciousness.
15:46As Loretta questions her purpose as an artificial holographic intelligence,
15:50she questions what it means to be real.
15:52Why am I never good enough for you?
15:54There's always room for improvement.
15:57You said I was perfect.
15:59This movie is asking the real questions.
16:01Oh, and the songs are actually awesome too.
16:10If I fight my left, if I say hello, will you notice me?
16:15Number 14, Brink.
16:17From the golden age of Disney Channel,
16:19this movie is about Andy Brinker and his friends,
16:22also known as Soul Skaters.
16:24Let's go show them what soul skating's all about.
16:29They aspire to win a big contest against a huge sponsored team,
16:33also known as their high school bullies.
16:35The rivalry is really fun to watch.
16:38The pranks are hysterical,
16:39the skating stunts are really exciting,
16:42and the story is genuinely compelling.
16:44There's no way I'm gonna let you on the team.
16:46Yeah, but there's no way I wanted to be here.
16:49I need the money.
16:50Oh, what for? Grandma needs a new kidney.
16:51Brink has to make some serious decisions about the type of person he wants to be
16:55when his family is in need of money,
16:57and he starts skating for the sponsored team to earn it.
17:00He loses himself, betrays his friends,
17:02and forgets why he even started skating in the first place.
17:05Gabriela, please don't do this.
17:08When you woke up this morning,
17:09did you say to yourself,
17:11today I'm gonna talk,
17:13or today I'm gonna skate?
17:14But he eventually realizes the error of his ways and makes things right.
17:22This one is a totally underrated Disney Channel classic.
17:25The Carson family is all about motocross racing,
17:28as long as Andrew is the one behind the handlebars.
17:31Are you guys gonna race?
17:34Dad's gonna freak if he finds out.
17:36Which is why it's a good idea if he doesn't, right?
17:38But when he gets hurt before a big competition,
17:41Andrea steps up and volunteers to take his place.
17:44Look, guys would tear you up if you went out and tried to race.
17:46I mean, it doesn't matter how good you are,
17:48they'd do anything to beat you.
17:50Yeah, but they'd have to keep up with me first.
17:52The Carson kids all think this is a great idea,
17:54but their overbearing father makes it clear that motocross is no girls allowed
17:59and goes off in search of another rider.
18:01Andrea does not take this lying down, though,
18:04and disguises herself as her brother in order to compete.
18:07She even talks her mom into supporting her
18:09with her passion and determination to race.
18:12This film tears down gender stereotypes
18:14as Andy shows everyone what girl power really means.
18:17I guess I always held onto the hope
18:19that you'd be the one that'd be spared
18:20any of the pain or disappointment that comes with this.
18:23Dad, but that's part of it.
18:24I mean, if it wasn't for the bad stuff,
18:26it wouldn't make winning so great.
18:30Speaking of, it's called Halloween Town.
18:33And the residents are a bit more...
18:36exotic.
18:37Monsters, goblins, ghosts and vampires,
18:40gnomes and skeletons.
18:42Do they have dibbicks and ban-
18:43If you don't squeal with excitement
18:45when this movie pops up on your TV every October,
18:47and you hear the familiar opening music,
18:50you clearly don't know what you're missing.
18:52Halloween Town explores what the world would be like
18:54if there were another dimension hidden to mortals,
18:57where supernatural creatures live together
18:59in a perpetual state of Halloween.
19:01Dad, Dylan, this is it.
19:03Mom said they would just pretend.
19:05Tell him, this is Halloween Town, just like the book.
19:08Or maybe we-
19:09Marnie and her siblings overhear
19:11from their grandmother one Halloween
19:12that they come from a long line of witches.
19:15So, they follow her back to her dimension.
19:17This is a holiday movie that isn't at all scary.
19:21It's fun, and funny throughout,
19:23and makes you wish that there was magic in the world for real.
19:26We did it, we're witches!
19:28You can celebrate later, come-
19:29Number 11, Starstruck.
19:31Starstruck, prepare to get-
19:34Starstruck.
19:35The songs aren't as good as some other D-coms,
19:38but the story is interesting and the antics are fun.
19:41Like many D-coms, it's about two people from different worlds
19:44coming together and finding common ground.
19:47Now you wouldn't understand.
19:49Oh, so you think you're so special that a nobody like me
19:53couldn't possibly understand how hard it is to be you.
19:55But this one also shines a light
19:57on the struggles of being a celebrity.
19:59Don't worry, the movie doesn't ring
20:01the poor little rich kid bell too hard.
20:03Jessica calls out Christopher on his privileged behavior
20:06every chance she gets.
20:07But everyone likes me, why is it that you don't like me?
20:10Maybe because you think everybody likes you.
20:12It's because I'm likable.
20:13No, because you're a star.
20:15But the movie also expresses the hardships that come with fame,
20:18fortune, and dealing with the terror
20:20of constantly being in the spotlight.
20:22The premise is a bit outstanding,
20:23but the growing relationship between Christopher and Jessica
20:26feels genuine,
20:27even as they keep finding new ways
20:29of getting themselves into trouble.
20:31You brought me closer to who I really am.
20:37So come take my hand.
20:40I want the world to see what you mean to me.
20:44Number 10.
20:45The Even Stevens Movie.
20:47Stevens family, you have won an all-expense paid vacation
20:51to the beautiful island paradise of Mandolino.
20:54Whenever a TV show comes out with its own movie,
20:57you might be someone who thinks,
20:58ugh, just stick to television.
21:00But if Disney Channel had been that close-minded,
21:03we never would have gotten the glory
21:05that is The Even Stevens Movie.
21:07It appears your son set in a forbidden throne,
21:09destroyed a sacred royal residence,
21:11and put a curse on the entire village.
21:13The film follows the Stevens family
21:14as they vacation on a tropical island,
21:17unaware that they're actually taking part
21:19in a hidden camera reality show.
21:21Quite a first day for our unsuspecting vacationers.
21:24They still have no idea that they're on TV.
21:26Lewis, played by Shia LaBeouf
21:28back when he was still a goofy preteen,
21:30gets into about as much trouble as you would expect him to.
21:33And obviously, hilarity ensues.
21:36Don't worry, the family eventually realizes
21:38the vacation is a setup
21:39and gets back at the host of Family Fakeout.
21:42This is Lance LeBeau, and I just dropped in to say,
21:46catch ya on your own show!
21:49Number 9.
21:50Gotta Kick It Up.
21:51Come on, he's like my grandmother, always says,
21:54Yeah, she's right, you guys, we'll just chant.
21:57Yes, I can.
22:01Here's another Disney Channel movie
22:02that addresses real social issues like cultural diversity.
22:06How would you feel if we did something really innovative
22:08by taking advantage of your background?
22:10In this one, we have a group of Latina girls,
22:12including a young America Ferreira,
22:14finding themselves through dance
22:16when they convince their biology teacher
22:18to take over as the coach of their dance team.
22:20Well, yeah, you help us, I help you.
22:23Why not make it so everybody wins?
22:25Like the Cheetah Girls,
22:26it conveys a strong message about self-confidence
22:29and empowerment to its viewers.
22:31Congratulations, team, we're all going to regionals!
22:34Yeah, we're all gonna look so fine in our new uniforms!
22:40Not only that, but since the female characters
22:42are also minorities,
22:43the message becomes all the more powerful.
22:46DCOM continues to create great movies,
22:48but we still can't help but miss the days
22:50when films for younger viewers
22:51had as much substance as this one.
23:00Number 8
23:01Lemonade Mouth
23:02This one is a little bit of The Breakfast Club,
23:05a little bit of High School Musical.
23:07Five strangers meet in detention and become a band.
23:10Let the music grow you, let the melody move you,
23:15feel the beat and just let go,
23:17get the rhythm into your soul.
23:20They're first brought together by the music,
23:22but eventually forge an unbreakable bond
23:25when they realize that they're giving a voice
23:26to the disenfranchised in a school that glorifies sports
23:29and pretty much ignores everything else.
23:31We all deserve to be treated like we matter,
23:35because ladies and gentlemen,
23:36we do matter!
23:40The songs are so fun and entertaining,
23:42you'll wish you were there in person
23:44at their big concert at the Madison Square Garden.
23:46But this film is about more than just a band
23:49trying to make it big.
23:50Lemonade Mouth stands up for the little guy
23:52and takes on their corrupt school principal
23:54with the power of their music.
24:05Number 7
24:06Xenon, Girl of the 21st Century
24:09This futuristic movie is unforgettable.
24:12It introduced us to new stellar dialogue,
24:16Raven before she was Raven,
24:17and of course the out-of-this-world artist Protozoa.
24:25Xenon is a popular girl on her space station,
24:27but has to readjust when she is figuratively
24:30and literally grounded.
24:37After her parents send her down to Earth
24:46as a punishment for her rebellious behavior,
24:49she has to learn how to make friends
24:50with different walks of life.
24:52All this while trying to get back to her space station
24:55and save it from an evil plot.
24:57This film is a fun, high-stakes space adventure.
25:01Number 6
25:02Camp Rock
25:07Little? Okay, a lot? Yes? Major?
25:112008 was a simpler time,
25:13when Demi Lovato was just a fresh-faced Disney star
25:16and the Jonas Brothers were pop-rock perfection
25:18in skinny jeans.
25:19Camp Rock brought together a star-studded cast
25:22of current and future Disney stars
25:24in this movie about a music camp.
25:26Here at Camp Rock we sing!
25:28So let's hear that again.
25:33Sounds good.
25:34A little pitchy in places,
25:35but we'll fix that by the final jam.
25:37A twist on the classic tale of Cinderella,
25:39Shane Gray, lead singer of Connect 3,
25:41searches to match a face to the voice
25:43of a girl he overheard singing one day.
25:52Despite the overwhelming amount of teen drama
25:54that inevitably goes hand-in-hand
25:56with a group of aspiring musicians at summer camp,
25:59the underlying message about staying true to yourself
26:01is an important one for viewers.
26:03Not to mention you'll be singing the songs in your head
26:06long after the movie ends.
26:25This one has become a bit bittersweet
26:27considering the untimely passing of Cameron Boyce.
26:30But his performance throughout this franchise
26:32as Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil, still lives on.
26:36This movie puts a twist on Disney's own classic fairy tales
26:38by telling a new story from the point of view
26:41of the descendants of the villains.
26:43Yeah, you know what?
26:44I totally do not blame you for your mother
26:45trying to kill my parents and stuff.
26:48Oh, my mom's Aurora.
26:50Sleeping Beauty!
26:52Yeah, I've heard the name.
26:53Carlos and his friends Mal, Maleficent's daughter,
26:56Evie, the evil queen's daughter,
26:58and Jay, Jafar's son,
27:00are destined to grow up just like their parents.
27:03But they discover that they can choose their own destiny.
27:06The story is very interesting
27:08and the singing and dancing are pretty spectacular.
27:11Start a chain reaction, never let it stop,
27:14then send it off, oh yeah.
27:18Number four, Cadet Kelly.
27:20And it's a very caring, very structured,
27:22which will be good for you, military school.
27:27Military school?
27:28Early 2000s, Hilary Duff makes everything better.
27:32There's just something endearing
27:33about her character's peppy can-do attitude
27:35and tendency to fall down and run into things.
27:38Especially in this classic film
27:39where she's transferred to a military school
27:41after her mom marries a general.
27:43Some things are just gonna have to change around here.
27:46You're gonna change a school that's been around for 100 years?
27:49I don't think so.
27:50Undoubtedly, Hilary's character finds it hard to relate
27:52to her new stepfather and peers.
27:54But in time, comes to develop an interest
27:57in the school's drill team.
27:58Watching her perfect the art of spinning
28:00and throwing guns around is fascinating to say the least.
28:03And the dance-off between Hilary and her on-screen enemy,
28:06played by Christy Carlson Romano,
28:08is clearly the best part.
28:10We could watch it again and again.
28:13And we do.
28:29If a movie about a group of teenage girls
28:31reaching for their dreams of musical stardom
28:33sounds like your cup of tea,
28:34then you're in for a treat.
28:37Galleria, Chanel, Dorinda, and Aquanet
28:39join up to compete in their performing art school's talent show,
28:42but are also offered a deal with a record label.
28:45I'm looking for the next big thing.
28:47And I think that thing might just have spots.
28:52The movie wouldn't be interesting
28:53without some drama between the friends,
28:55so there's plenty going on in each of their personal lives,
28:58causing some temporary fallouts.
29:00What's wrong with that?
29:01It's not our music.
29:02It's not your song, so you wanna walk.
29:04But of course, the girls reunite and all is well
29:06when they literally sing a dog out of a manhole.
29:10Never underestimate the power of the Cheetah Girls.
29:28As much as we love Disney Channel movies,
29:30they can be a bit formulaic.
29:32This is one of the few that breaks the mold.
29:36Piper and Mari become unlikely friends when Mari,
29:38a white South African during the time of apartheid,
29:41joins Piper, a black American and her family in the U.S.,
29:44for a student exchange program.
29:46Mari and Piper teach each other about their different worlds
29:49and learn lessons about tolerance and acceptance
29:51during the troubling time.
29:53How many different words do they have for whites?
29:55Just white.
29:57It's kind of out of character for Disney Channel
29:59to focus a story so heavily on race relations,
30:02as it usually plays things more safely.
30:04Whether you want to admit it or not, you know I'm right.
30:07Why else do you think your own government
30:09would hide books and movies and stupid TV shows
30:12from its own people?
30:13What are they so afraid of?
30:14But this film dives in unafraid
30:16and tackles the issue of racism in a way
30:18that is still very relevant today.
30:21Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel
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30:37Number 1
30:38High School Musical
30:42Did you expect anything else?
30:44There's no denying the franchise's popularity,
30:47success and enormous influence.
30:49In fact, a mockumentary TV show called
30:52High School Musical The Musical The Series,
30:54set at the same school that the first flick was filmed,
30:56made its debut in 2019 on Disney+.
31:00Speaking of the original that started it all though,
31:02this was when basketball star Troy Bolton
31:04and shy newcomer Gabriela Montez
31:06shook up the status quo by auditioning
31:09for their school's musical.
31:18The songs are catchy and the actors have great chemistry.
31:22Not to mention the film's sequel could have easily been a flop,
31:25but many agree it was even better than the first,
31:27holding the record for the highest-rated
31:29Disney Channel movie ever.
31:32Whether you're obsessed with Troy and Gabriela,
31:39share Sharpay's ambition,
31:41or admire Ryan's many hats,
31:43there's something in this classic for everyone.
31:54Which Disney Channel movie do you have on repeat?
31:57Let us know in the comments.
32:00Do you agree with our picks?
32:02Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
32:04And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell
32:07to be notified about our latest videos.