Underrated Disney Channel Original Movies // DCOMS // Ellie J

Hi, Lovelies,

I have been in the Disney community for a while now and it is very rare I hear people talking about DCOMS! If you haven’t heard of the term ‘DCOM’ it is an abbreviation of the term Disney Channel Original Movie. Some of the more well-known DCOM movies include High School Musical, Camp Rock, and more recently Descendant’s. DCOMs were a big part of my childhood and I love re-watching them now and on my recent trip to Disneyland Paris I ended up re-watching some of the DCOMs of my childhood as well as watching ones that I had never seen or heard of. I really enjoyed watching them, so I fought I would create a list of what in my opinion are some of the most underrated DCOMs. 

Pre-warning: DCOMs are 'aimed' at children and young people so they are in no way the greatest movies of all time just light entertainment and that's probably why I love them 😂

Rip Girls (2000)

I have no memory of watching this movie when I was younger, however, the film had a sense of De Ja Vu for me when I re-watched it recently so it was highly likely I did watch it.It is a surf movie (a lot of these films are sporty and I have never been sporty) where a young girl called Sydney (Camilla Belle) gets to go back to her home in Hawaii years after her mother's death. I never hear anyone talking about this film and I enjoyed it so I felt it deserved to be on this lift. I sadly couldn't find a trailer for this movie so enjoy this clip of Gia teaching Sydney how to surf. 

Cadet Kelly (2002)

I have very fond memories of watching Cadet Kelly when I was younger, it is definitely in my top ten DCOMs. I love this film because although there is a love interest in the film, Hilary Duff's character doesn't completely change herself because of it. This film has a really positive message about relationships with your parents and the people around you as well as showing that sometimes it is okay to test authoritative figures.

Get a Clue (2002)

I forgot this film was a DCOM before getting Disney life. I distinctively remember watching Lindsay Lohan and Brenda Song in this movie, however, I had never made the connection to Disney channel. This film has a Harriet the spy feel to it which was another film I love when I was younger, it is great at showing people from different backgrounds can work together to help someone. It also shows not to make assumptions about things as there are lots of twists and turns in the plot of this film. It made me feel really nostalgic so if you are a Disney fan of the 90s or early 2000s you need to REWATCH this. I couldn't find a trailer that featured the get a clue song so I have put the music video above instead.

Go Figure (2005)

This another one for me that has to be one of my all time favorites!! When I was younger (and I have to admit even a little bit now) I love(d) figure skating films - Go figure and Ice Princess are the two that instantly come to mind. However, rather than her just being a figure skater she has to join the female hockey team in order to be able to work with an incredible coach/trainer. This is going to sound so geeky (film student mode kicks in) but for me, this film is a lot of stereotypes or I guess you could say archetypes learning to subvert. In other words, changing their hypocritical views of people. 

Starstruck (2010)

When I was discussing this blog post with one of my best friends (@beth_fairhurst) we both agreed that this had to be on the list.This film is about a girl who meets her sister's idol who she, in fact, hates they then go on to spend a few days together - I can't really reveal much more than that. I love the soundtrack of this film I still listen to it now and never fails to cheer me up! 

Let it Shine (2012)

This is where we move into some of the newer DCOMs. I really enjoyed this film, I remember watching it when it first 'premiered' on the Disney channel and it also has an incredible soundtrack. It is about three childhood friends who have somewhat grown apart from each other since their friend Roxie became a famous music artist. She then holds a competition where one of the boys wins, I have put the trailer above to tell you the rest. 

Cloud 9 (2014)

I love Dove Cameron, she is what I see is one of the new Disney channel stars, she is incredible in the Descendants movies. However, I rarely hear people talking about Cloud 9 which was where I first heard of Dove Cameron. This film is about the underdog (inside jokes) competing in a sport and proving people wrong about you. It's just a good light-hearted film. 

I hope you all enjoyed this blog post, there were a few more movies I could have added to this list but I thought I would leave it here for today. If you want a part 2 just let me know either in the comments here or on my Twitter or Instagram. 

Sending Love,
Ellie Xx

Question of the post: What is your favorite DCOM? and do you think it is underappreciated?

My Answer
This is really difficult for me but I would say either Cadet Kelly or Cowbelles, and I think both are never really mentioned in the Disney community. 

Tell me your answer in the comments below 💖