The holiday season means different things to different people, but perhaps, for everyone, it means a time of family, relaxation, and nostalgia. So, what better time to go back to some good old Disney Channel Original Movie favorites and relive the magic from the perspective of being young, in ridiculous situations, and getting into trouble?
They don't necessarily have to be Christmas-based to be watched during the holidays. Many people grew up with these movies, making them iconic in both their popularity and their nostalgia.
You Wish!
You Wish (2003) is a classic careful-what-you-wish-for movie. Alex Lansing finds that nothing in his life is going right. He's not appreciated, he's overshadowed by his younger brother, and he can't get the attention of the girl he likes. But, by a miraculous happenstance involving a magical coin, all his dreams come true. Although everything is exactly as he wished it to be, Alex soon realizes that he misses what he had.
Lemonade Mouth
The 2012 Disney Channel Original Movie Lemonade Mouth is one for those who love a little music in the holiday season. The movie is about a group of high schoolers who meet in detention and their journey to form the band "Lemonade Mouth." They learn that being in a band isn't without its challenges as outside forces and inside insecurities threaten to break the group apart.
The Ultimate Christmas Present
The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000) stars Brenda Song in the role of Sam and Halle Hirsh in the role of Allie. The two girls don't exactly want to go to school during the holiday season, but who does?
So, when they stumble upon a machine that has the ability to control the weather, guess who's giving themselves a white Christmas. But, they soon find that playing with the atmosphere has its repercussions.
'Twas The Night
Crime, family, a Christmas scheme, and Santa Claus. 'Twas The Night (2001) is no conventional holiday movie. The film follows Danny Wrigley, a young teenager, and his troublesome uncle Nick Wrigley. The two find themselves in some trouble when they discover their Christmas could take a violent and threatening turn. So, what do they do? Why, steal Santa's sleigh, of course!
Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!
Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas! (2011) is based on the Disney show Good Luck Charlie starring Bridgit Mendler. Such was its success that a holiday movie was created with the loveable family. The movie takes the Duncans to Palm Springs—well, at least half of them. The other half, Amy and Teddy, find themselves separated from the group when Teddy decides to go her own way for Christmas.
Kim Possible Movie: So The Drama
Kim Possible Movie: So The Drama (2005) isn't a canned live-action take on the animated series; it's the original animated series. The movie includes a Dr. Drakken scheme that might actually work, Shego, Kim, a new love interest for the junior prom, and Ron and Bueno Nacho. Kim wears a new battle-suit and shows that she can have a balanced life, and Ron overcomes his fears and reveals his feelings for her.
The Color Of Friendship
The Color Of Friendship (2000) is a memorable, inspirational, and informative Disney Channel Original Movie based on a true story. Set in the year 1977, the film explores the assumptions society has about class and race as seen through the lives of two young girls. Mahree Bok leaves apartheid South Africa for a semester abroad in Washington where she meets Peiper Dellums, the daughter of her host family. Neither is what the other was expecting.
Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension
Phineas and Ferb are two of the most inventive animated brothers on Dinsey Channel. Both the series and multiple films have the same brilliant cast, with names such as Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Alyson Stoner, Ashley Tisdale, and Vincent Martella.
Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across The 2nd Dimension (2011) takes the siblings to another dimension where Dr. Doofenshmirtz is ruling the Tri-State Area, and they learn that Perry is a secret agent.
Wizards Of Waverley Place: The Movie
The Wizards Of Waverley Place series was four seasons long and a magical Disney Channel hit, and the movie didn't disappoint, either. The Russo's have gone on holiday, but hijinks waits for no man. Due to their choice to visit some heavily magical places, Alex finds herself caught up with The Stone Of Dreams and a man who is willing to take advantage of the Russo family magic.
Alex, Max, and Justin find themselves thrown into a time-sensitive situation where their existence is on the line. There's plenty of sibling banter, along with a serious decision that must be made.
The High School Musical Movies
Who needs the excuse of the holidays to watch the High School Musical movies? They starred an up-and-coming cast of actors, singers, and dancers including Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, and Monique Coleman.
The films' soundtracks included songs that quickly became ones that were sung out loud in school hallways and chosen in karaoke. High School Musical shaped a generation who knew they could do whatever their hearts desired.