We haven’t been the same since we watched Lemonade Mouth for the first time. Its catchy tunes, trendy outfits, and likable characters changed the chemical makeup of our young brains. This is the magic of Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMS).  We chose ten of those movies that we think are a must watch:

Lemonade Mouth

Words can’t describe the effect this movie had on our generation. Lemonade Mouth changed our lives. This movie is about a band that forms in detention, and they later go on to be super famous after making it past their personal obstacles. The music in this movie was at the toppest of all tiers. Songs like “Determinate” and “She’s So Gone” were almost too good. The casting in this movie was also great, with the lead being Bridgit Mendler who stars in Good Luck Charlie. I still rewatch this movie often because it will always be more than just a nostalgic movie; it’s an incredible movie.

Camp Rock

Looking back on Camp Rock, it’s difficult to imagine that we ever believed it to be the best of cinema, but maybe that’s what makes it special. Set at a summer music camp, the film follows Mitchie (Demi Lovato) as she meets Shane Gray (Joe Jonas) and becomes the next big thing at Final Jam, the camp’s talent show. Secrets are revealed and relationships are put to the test. If there’s one thing Disney does right, it’s music. My friends and I quickly fell in love with the songs and wanted to be just like the teens from Camp Rock.

High School Musical

The High School Musical trilogy will probably go down as three of the most iconic DCOMs of all time. These movies follow theater kids Troy (Zac Efron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), Ryan (Lucas Grabeel), Chad (Corbin Bleu), Taylor (Monique Coleman) and other side characters who go through the trials and tribulations of high school while they are also performing in their school musicals. There are tons of music numbers throughout each of the movies such as “We’re All In This Together,” “Fabulous,” and “Bet On It.” These songs have gained extreme popularity throughout the years and still remain relevant. These movies were so popular that the cast went on a world tour and there is a spinoff show on Disney Plus called High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Hannah Montana: The Movie

It’s no secret that some of the best DCOMs are the ones that are based off an already popular Disney Channel show. This is no exception when it comes to Hannah Montana: The Movie. With a whole different setting and new songs, the best of Hannah Montana the show was elevated in the movie. We get to see Hannah return to her country roots and humble herself as she lives a more “normal” life, and even falls in love. This new side of Hannah Montana was fun to watch and the music was some of the best of her career.

16 Wishes

This movie was so special. I feel like this movie is underrated, I never hear people talk about it. This movie follows Abby Jensen (Debby Ryan) who has been planning her sixteenth birthday party since she was little. She’s always kept a list of sixteen wishes that she wants to come true on/after her sixteenth birthday. After a magical fairy shows up out of nowhere and grants her wishes all day, Abby soon learns that she should’ve been careful what she wished for. This movie was always special to me because it kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. Whenever it aired on Disney Channel I got so excited.

Let it Shine

Let it Shine, in our opinion, is one of the most underrated Disney Channel Original Movies. It’s one of the only films with a mostly Black cast. The movie follows Cyrus (Tyler James Williams) as he enters an anonymous music competition and wins, but then his friend claims he made the music. The music had a different feel to it, with elements of rap and hip hop, shying away from the more pop style songs Disney was known for. I still know the rap from “Don’t Run Away” and you may or may not catch us blasting this song in the car.

The Wizards of Waverly Place Movie

This movie had me imagining what it would be like if all of a sudden my parents didn’t remember me at all. This is what happens to Alex Russo (Selena Gomez) when she wishes her parents had never met while on vacation in the Caribbean. Using their magical powers, Alex and her siblings reverse the wish by finding the Stone of Dreams. Any avid fan of Wizards of Waverly Place was excited for this movie, and it didn’t disappoint. At the time, it had the second most watched premiere of a Disney Channel Original Movie.

Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas

There is just no movie like this one. First of all, I will argue with anyone that Good Luck Charlie was the best show on Disney Channel, without a doubt. This movie made die-hard Good Luck Charlie fans love the show even more. This movie was about the Duncan’s going on a family Christmas vacation to Palm Springs. When they get on the plane to leave, a flight attendant offers a free round trip ticket to any destination for anyone willing to give up their seat. The main character, Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) immediately says yes and leaves the plane, her mom, Amy (Leigh-Allyn Baker) is forced to go with her. As the movie progresses, Teddy and Amy take a bus, an old car that falls apart, bikes, and their own two feet to try to get to Palm Springs with the rest of their family. The end of the movie is iconic when Amy announces she’s pregnant. This whole movie keeps you engaged the entire time and it will always have a special place in my heart.

Freaky Friday

Although this movie is a remake of a 1976 classic, it’s better. This movie is about a teenage mother and daughter who have a troubled relationship. Things soon become worse after the family visits a chinese restaurant and a magic fortune cookie causes the mother and daughter to switch bodies. After a series of events, the two eventually become close by the end of the movie when they return to their normal bodies. I was enthralled the first time I watched this movie; I thought the concept of switching bodies was so cool and fun to think about. Not to mention two icons Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis who made the movie as iconic as it was. I’ll always love Freaky Friday.

Teen Beach Movie

Teen Beach Movie was an instant hit for us and many other viewers. Mack (Maia Mitchell) and Brady (Ross Lynch) get trapped in a beach movie set in the ‘60s and have to find a way back to present day or else they disappear forever. The dance numbers in this movie are unmatched. To this day, we listen to “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’” and may or may not scream the lyrics. This film came out at a time when we were in our Disney Channel prime, and we firmly believe that this might be the best Disney movie of recent years.