Disney Channel Original Holiday Movie Top Ten List

Disney original holiday movies feature human and cartoon stars from the past and present. It is Disney's uncanny ability to entertain families while teaching children valuable lessons that keeps them in high demand year after year. What makes Disney Channel Holiday Original movies so special is that they are made for TV holiday movies. Movie theater annoyances are eliminated! Trips to the bathroom are hassle free, there are unlimited snacks, and you don't have to worry about rude strangers within the comfort of your own home.

Before you try to get me with a technicality, some of my choices don't exactly fit the DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) mold. DCOMs, once called Disney Premiere Movies, were sometimes shown on channels other than the Disney Channel. To me, they're all the same-Disney movies that spread holiday cheer. If you're looking for a good Disney holiday movie to watch with your kids, or if you're just in the mood to watch one by yourself, here's a list of the top ten Disney Channel Holiday Original Movies of all time.

10. Disney Channel Holiday (2005)

Disney Channel Holiday features many of the Disney Channel's most prominent stars of its time: Raven-Symoné, Alyson Michalka, Hillary Duff, Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Shia LaBeouf, and Christy Carlson Romano. Stars share their favorite holiday episodes of That's so Raven, Phil of the Future, Lizzie McGuire, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Even Stevens, and Kim Possible.

I was reluctant to even put this movie on the list because it's not a movie per say but a collection of TV shows. I justify its collective nature by keeping in mind that everything is connected with a holiday theme. That's all the continuity I need to call it a holiday movie.

9. I'll be Home for Christmas (1998)

Jake (JTT) is a self-centered college student whose carefree times quickly come to an end. We all love a character that gets served a slice of humble pie along the way. Jake races against the clock to get home before Christmas. The problem: Jake has been ditched in the desert wearing a Santa suit. This comedy is full of high jinks and setbacks as Jake struggles to get home any way he can to avoid forfeiting the vintage Porsche his dad has promised.

The nostalgia I felt after seeing my childhood TV crush, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, put this film on the list. This film proves the importance of Christmas for kids at any age.

8. The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000)

Sam (Brenda Song) and Allie (Hallee Hirsh) cause an out of control snow storm with a weather machine they find. Instead of increasing the holiday spirit, the snow kills their spirits when it threatens to keep Allie's dad away for the holiday. Santa seeks out his missing weather machine, but a fame-seeking weather man has his eye on it too.

I consider Brenda Song to be one of the most versatile Disney Channel stars. Unlike some of her peers, the characters she portrays don't seem to be obnoxiously similar. She is the primary reason this movie made the list. Fighting over a weather machine is also interesting enough to get this film on the list.

7. Twas the Night (2001)

Josh Zuckerman stars as Danny Wrigley, a fourteen year old that teams up with his bad-news uncle, Nick (Bryan Cranston). The two steal Santa's time freezing device and try delivering the presents themselves. Santa is unable to do it since he is lying unconscious from a blow from Nick. The drama continues Nick has to save his family from the thugs he has been running from.

Every movie list needs a story of reformation, and Nick's character is redeemed.

6. Eloise at Christmastime (2003)

A young girl living in New York's Plaza hotel, Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva) finds herself at the heart of most of the hotel's goings-on. She is a handful for her dedicated nanny, played by Julie Andrews. Think of her as Dylan and Cole Sprouse trapped in a little girl's body. Eloise plays cupid and helps the owner's daughter, Rachel find her true love (even if it isn't the man she is scheduled to marry).

Julie Andrews is always a winner in my book. Apparently, she's always a winner in Disney's book as well. If scheming is occurring in the name of love, I'm all for it.

5. The Christmas Visitor aka Miracle Down Under (1987)

An 1800s Australian family actively puts their faith in a Christmas miracle when a drought threatens to ruin the holidays. They go as far as trying to create a traditional Christmas to lift their spirits, but their sincerity is wrought with comedic mishaps. This holiday movie stars Dee Wallace Stone and John Waters.

A little Aussie flair puts a spin on Christmas. Showing Christmas spirit outside of America and in a different century is enough to get on this list.

4. Santa Who? (2000)

Leslie Nielsen stars as a Santa suffering from amnesia after falling from his sleigh. Santa must rely on the help of a child and a news reporter to recall his identity and save Christmas.

I know the concept of a Santa with amnesia is overdone, but I had to have at least one.

3. Mr. St. Nick (2002)

Kelsey Grammer stars as Nick St. Nicholas, the son of Santa. Reluctant to take over as the next Santa Claus, Nick chooses to live it up in Miami instead. The fate of Christmas could rely on Santa's chief elf, Jasper, and Nick's cook, Lorena. Luckily, Jasper (Brian Bedford) and Lorena (Ana Ortiz) are a little more caring than Nick.

Kelsey Grammer is one of my favorite actors, so putting this movie at the top of my list was a no-brainer.

2. A Mom for Christmas (1990)

Olivia Newton-John stars in this heart warmer as Amy, a mannequin that is brought to life when a girl wishes for a mother. Jessie (Juliet Sorci), the little girl, and her father do all they can to make sure Amy stays a part of their family for as long as possible.

Holidays and sentiment go hand in hand, and this movie delivers. A girl's wish for a mother gives us all the holiday reality check we sometimes need.

1. A Disney Christmas Gift (1982)

Though it has yet to be released on DVD, this cartoon compilation has remained popular for over twenty years. This movie features holiday themed Mickey and Donald cartoon shorts and snippets from Disney feature films like Bambi and Cinderella.

You can't really beat the classics. This holiday movie is number one on my list because it introduces younger viewers to classic Disney animation. It also proves the Christmas spirit can span across generations.

Sources:

Author Unknown, "A Disney Christmas Gift." Wikia
Author Unknown, "Disney Channel Original Movies." Disney