Top 10 Most Stacked Disney Channel Original Movie Casts

#10: “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century” (1999)

Based on a children’s picture book, this science fiction film is set in the year 2049. Kirsten Storms, who you may have also seen in another Disney Channel Original Movie, “Johnny Tsunami,” plays the title character who moves from a space station to Earth. Also starring in “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century” is one of the most iconic Disney Channel actresses: Raven, who would go on to star in “That’s So Raven,” which debuted four years after this 1999 film. “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century” was followed by the first ever sequel to a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2001, though Raven was not in that one. She was back for the third film, though!

#9: “Smart House” (1999)

Ryan Merriman, who you may also know from the 2001 Disney Channel Original Movie “The Luck of the Irish,” plays a teenage technological whiz kid in “Smart House.” Kevin Kilner plays his widowed father, whose love interest is played by Jessica Steen. And then there’s the famous Katey Sagal, who plays the computerized smart house that Steen’s character created. Sagal’s character is called PAT, short for “Personal Applied Technology—” as in, AI. Merriman’s character, still mourning his mother’s death, programs PAT to be more than just a virtual assistant; she becomes a maternal figure. With AI’s prevalence nowadays, it’s interesting to reflect on how these actors portrayed the idea of a futuristic home and whether a computer can replace a human in certain ways.

#8: “Jump In!” (2007)

For those who have seen this movie, it’s probably the first and perhaps only film about jump-roping that comes to mind. So that’s part of why we feel so nostalgic for it; but it also has to do with the memorable performances that Corbin Bleu and Keke Palmer put in as Izzy and Mary, respectively. Did you know that Bleu’s father in the movie is his actual father? Also in “Jump In!” is Shanica Knowles, who was a recurring cast member in Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana.” She plays Mary’s best friend and a member of their competitive Double Dutch team. We would definitely get it if you want to jump back in for a rewatch of this Disney Channel Original Movie.

#7: “The Even Stevens Movie” (2003)

This is of course based on the Y2K Disney Channel series “Even Stevens,” which aired from 2000 to 2003. The movie served as the finale. All the actors who portrayed members of the Stevens family in the series resumed their roles: Shia LaBeouf, Christy Carlson Romano, Nick Spano, Tom Virtue, and Donna Pescow. Others like Steven Anthony Lawrence, Margo Harshman, and A.J. Trauth did the same. In the film, the Stevens family goes on an all-expenses-paid vacation; but—surprise, surprise—things don’t quite go so swimmingly. Not only was this the last we saw of the Stevens family, but it’s one of the earliest instances of a Disney Channel Original Series ending with a movie.

#6: “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” (2009)

The series was a hit. In the middle of it—between seasons 2 and 3—there was a film that aired on Disney Channel as well. “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” attracted 11.4 million viewers at its premiere. All the familiar faces from many kids’ favorite Disney Channel series appeared in the movie—including obviously your favorite 2000s Disney Channel teenage witch played by Selena Gomez, her siblings played by David Henrie and Jake T. Austin, as well as their parents played by Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise. A theme from the movie is ‘be careful what you wish for.’ And well, what more can we ask for from this iconic cast?

#5: “Cadet Kelly” (2002)

We had to include a Hilary Duff Disney Channel movie, because few give off early 2000s Disney Channel vibes quite like her. In the midst of her “Lizzie McGuire” run from 2001 to 2004, she starred in the comedy “Cadet Kelly,” in which her character attends military school. Its premiere was the most successful of all Disney Channel Original Movies released in 2002 and one of the best-performing of the entire decade. Duff’s co-star, who plays the role of a cadet, is another well-known Disney name: Christy Carlson Romano. You may also remember Gary Cole’s performance as the “Sir” who heads the academy. But obviously Duff as the lead brings back the most throwback vibes.

#4: “Camp Rock” (2008)

This movie took us along for a musical ride with Demi Lovato, the Jonas brothers, and others. “Camp Rock” came out one year before the start of Lovato’s starring performance in the Disney Channel series “Sonny with a Chance” and one year before the series “Jonas.” It’s nostalgic to think back to a film that showcased Lovato and the Jonas brothers’ musical talents so early in their careers, given the success they’ve had since then. Oh yeah, and remember Maria Canals-Barrera from “Wizards of Waverly Place?” Sure you do. She’s also in “Camp Rock” as Lovato’s character’s mother. Alyson Stoner from “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” and “Phineas and Ferb” plays a significant role as well.

#3: “The Cheetah Girls” (2003)

Based on a book series, this film was an instant hit with 6.5 million viewers at its premiere—a record for Disney Channel at the time. “The Cheetah Girls” came out the same year as “That’s So Raven.” Raven of course plays the role of Galleria, the leader of The Cheetah Girls. With her, plus Adrienne Bailon as Chanel, Kiely Williams as Aqua, and Sabrina Bryan as Dorinda, The Cheetah Girls not only shined on screen but off it. The film’s soundtrack reached number 33 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum. They crushed it so much on screen that Disney developed them into a real-life recording group!

#2: “Halloweentown” (1998)

For many kids who grew up in the ‘90s and 2000s, this is not only one of the most nostalgic Disney Channel Original Movies, but one of the most nostalgic Halloween movies. For some, it’s become a yearly October watch. The first installment of the “Halloweentown” film series came out in 1998. Kimberly J. Brown nailed it in the role of Marnie Piper, a young witch who discovers a magical place filled with supernatural beings like ghosts, ghouls, goblins, witches, and werewolves. And of course there’s grandma Aggie, a Halloweentown native played by the legendary Debbie Reynolds. Shoutout to the whole Piper fam. The charming supernatural magical aura of “Halloweentown” lives on.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Princess Protection Program” (2009)

Stars Two Disney Channel Icons in Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato

“Dadnapped” (2009)

Familiar Disney Channel Faces like Emily Osment, David Henrie, Jason Earles, & Phill Lewis

“Under Wraps” (1997)

The First Disney Channel Original Movie

“Get a Clue” (2002)

Stars Lindsay Lohan, Whose Best Friend in the Film Is Played by Brenda Song

“Twitches” (2005)

The Most Successful 2005 Disney Channel Original Movie, Starring Tia & Tamera Mowry

#1: “High School Musical” (2006)

Are we “all in this together” when it comes to agreeing that “High School Musical” has the most nostalgic cast of any Disney Channel Original Movie? Like, seriously, this is super 2000s vibes. Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Alyson Reed, Corbin Bleu, and Monique Coleman really did something special. After “High School Musical” captured the hearts of countless youngsters growing up in the 2000s, the sequel followed suit, becoming the highest-rated premiere by far of any Disney Channel Original Movie. Through song, dance, basketball, romance, and more, this cast gave us some really memorable moments that have become positively nostalgic.

What are your top 3 favorite Disney Channel Original Movies? Let us know in the comments!