The Most Successful DCOM, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the DCOM you think is the most successful!

Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:57

Everyone has their favorite Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) that bring back fond memories of childhood and lazy afternoons spent in front of the TV. But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones stood out as truly the most successful. By participating in our voting system, you contribute to a collective effort to identify the top DCOMs as decided by viewers themselves. This constantly updating ranking provides a dynamic snapshot of which movies resonate the most with contemporary audiences and how preferences might shift over time. Your votes help paint a clearer picture of the DCOM legacy and influence which films are celebrated for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

What Is the Most Successful DCOM?

1

75
votes
High School Musical (2006)

This movie became an instant classic and launched the careers of its young cast. It was a huge commercial success, grossing over $250 million worldwide, and spawned two sequels, a spin-off series, and a stage musical.
High School Musical (2006) is a musical film that follows the story of Troy Bolton, a popular high school basketball player, and Gabriella Montez, a shy and intelligent new student. They unexpectedly audition for lead roles in their school's musical and challenge the status quo of their respective cliques. Through catchy songs, dance routines, and a heartfelt story, the characters learn about following their passions and embracing their true selves.

Genre: Musical, Drama, Romance

Release Date: January 20, 2006

Director: Kenny Ortega

Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel

Running Time: 98 minutes
2

41
votes
Craig ONeal · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Cheetah Girls (2003)

This movie was a hit with young girls and introduced the world to the talented quartet of Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, Sabrina Bryan, and Raven-Symoné. It was followed by two sequels and a successful music career for the group.
The Cheetah Girls (2003) is a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) based on the book series of the same name by Deborah Gregory. It follows the story of four teenage girls - Galleria, Chanel, Dorinda, and Aqua - who aspire to become pop stars and form a singing group called The Cheetah Girls. The movie takes place in New York City and showcases the challenges the girls face in pursuing their dreams while navigating friendship and fame.

Release date: August 15, 2003

Genre: Musical, Comedy, Drama

Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Production company: BrownHouse Productions

Distributed by: Disney Channel
3

31
votes
Camp Rock (2008)

This movie starred the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato and was a huge success among tweens and teens. It spawned a sequel and introduced many young viewers to the world of rock music.
Camp Rock is a musical television film that premiered on Disney Channel in 2008. The film follows the story of Mitchie Torres, a talented teenager who attends a summer music camp called Camp Rock. There she meets and befriends talented musicians like Shane Gray, the lead singer of the popular band Connect Three, and together they navigate the challenges and triumphs of making music and forming valuable friendships.

Release Date: June 20, 2008

Genre: Musical, Drama, Teen

Running Time: 94 minutes

Production Company: Alan Sacks Productions, Disney Channel, Disney-ABC Domestic Television

Language: English
4

23
votes
Descendants (2015)

This movie was a huge hit with its target audience of preteens and teens, and its catchy songs and stylish production design made it stand out from other DCOMs. It spawned two sequels and a successful franchise.
Descendants (2015) is a Disney Channel Original Movie that follows the story of the teenage children of Disney villains. The main characters, Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos, are given a chance to attend Auradon Prep, a prestigious school for the children of Disney heroes. The film explores themes of identity, friendship, and redemption as the four characters navigate the challenges of fitting in with the good-natured students while dealing with their own family legacies.

Release date: July 31, 2015

Genre: Musical fantasy

Running time: 112 minutes

Director: Kenny Ortega

Writer: Josann McGibbon, Sara Parriott
5

8
votes
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999)

This movie was ahead of its time and introduced audiences to a futuristic world full of technology and adventure. It was a hit with young viewers and spawned two sequels.
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999) is a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) that follows the story of Zenon Kar, a 13-year-old girl living in the year 2049. Set in outer space on a space station called Space Station 9, Zenon faces thrilling adventures as she uncovers a plot to sabotage the space station. With the help of her friends and her resourcefulness, Zenon must save the day and protect the space station.

Release date: January 23, 1999

Genre: Science fiction

Runtime: 97 minutes

Production company: Trekkie Productions

Distributor: Disney Channel
6

18
votes
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

This movie was a crossover hit, appealing to both young girls and older teens who grew up watching the Disney Channel series. It was a box office success and helped launch Hilary Duff's film career.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003) is a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) that serves as the finale to the popular television series Lizzie McGuire. It is a teen comedy film that follows the character Lizzie McGuire as she embarks on a trip to Rome, Italy, for her junior high school graduation with her classmates. Along the way, Lizzie gets mistaken for an Italian pop star, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures as she must navigate her double life and find her true self.

Release Date: May 2, 2003

Genre: Teen comedy

Runtime: 94 minutes

Language: English

Country: United States
7

8
votes
Halloweentown (1998)

This movie has become a beloved classic among Halloween fans and families. Its spooky charm and magical storyline made it a hit with young viewers, and it spawned three sequels.
Halloweentown is a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) released in 1998. It follows the story of Marnie Piper, a 13-year-old girl who discovers she comes from a family of witches and has magical powers. Marnie and her siblings must embark on an adventure to save the supernatural town of Halloweentown from an evil force.

Release Date: October 17, 1998

Genre: Fantasy/Comedy

Runtime: 84 minutes

Production Company: Singer-White Productions

Cast: Kimberly J. Brown, Debbie Reynolds, Judith Hoag, Joey Zimmerman
8

2
votes
Twitches (2005)

This movie starred Tia and Tamera Mowry as twin witches who discover their magical powers on their 21st birthday. It was a hit with young viewers and spawned a sequel.
Twitches (2005) is a Disney Channel Original Movie based on the popular book series of the same name written by H.B. Gilmour and Randi Reisfeld. It tells the story of two teenage twins, Alex and Camryn, who discover that they are witches with magical powers and are destined to fulfill a prophecy to save their homeland, Coventry, from an evil force. Separated at birth and raised by different families, the girls reunite on their 21st birthday and embark on an incredible adventure to unlock their powers and save their realm.

Release Date: October 14, 2005

Genre: Fantasy, Family

Running Time: 86 minutes

Production Company: Disney Channel

Based on: Twitches book series by H.B. Gilmour and Randi Reisfeld
9

10
votes
Smart House (1999)

William Dear

This movie was ahead of its time, exploring the concept of a house controlled by technology. Its innovative storyline and heartwarming message made it a hit with families, and it remains a fan favorite.
Smart House (1999) is a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) that tells the story of a high-tech house controlled by an AI named PAT (Personal Applied Technology). When a single father and his two children win a contest to live in the house for a month, they soon discover that PAT may have a mind of her own.

Release Date: June 26, 1999

Genre: Science Fiction, Comedy

Duration: 82 minutes

Language: English

Production Company: Disney Channel
10

0
votes
The Thirteenth Year (1999)

This movie was a hit with young viewers who were fascinated by the idea of a boy turning into a mermaid on his 13th birthday. Its unique storyline and memorable characters made it a fan favorite, and it remains a classic DCOM.
The Thirteenth Year (1999) is a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) that tells the story of Cody Griffin, a teenager who discovers on his thirteenth birthday that he is transforming into a merman. As Cody adjusts to his new aquatic abilities, he must navigate the challenges of high school, first love, and keeping his secret identity hidden from those around him.

Release date: May 15, 1999

Genre: Family, Fantasy, Comedy

Runtime: 95 minutes

Language: English

Country: United States

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Ranking factors for successful DCOM

Viewership ratings

The movies that received the highest viewership ratings at the time of their premiere or overall.
Critical reception

The movies that received positive reviews from critics.
Cultural impact

The movies that had a lasting impact on pop culture and influenced a generation of viewers.
Awards and nominations

The movies that received awards and nominations from prestigious ceremonies or events.
Fanbase and sales

The movies that have a dedicated fanbase and have generated significant merchandise sales.
Legacy

The movies that have continued to be popular with audiences long after their initial release.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful DCOM. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or DCOM is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2691 views
191 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each DCOM once every 24 hours. The rank of each DCOM is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful dcom

Background Information: DCOMs or Disney Channel Original Movies are made-for-TV movies that are produced by the Disney Channel. These films are often aimed at a young audience and have become a staple in the entertainment industry. Since its inception in 1997, the Disney Channel has produced over 100 DCOMs, with each film delivering a unique storyline and message. The popularity of these films has resulted in a loyal fan base and sparked numerous debates about which DCOM is the most successful. Factors that contribute to a DCOM's success include its box office gross, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. Some of the most successful DCOMs include High School Musical, Camp Rock, and The Cheetah Girls, which have all spawned sequels, merchandise, and even stage adaptations. Despite the varying opinions on which DCOM is the most successful, there's no denying the enduring appeal of these movies. They've become a defining feature of the Disney Channel brand and continue to entertain and inspire new generations of viewers.