Buzzfeed recently released a list of 50 Disney Channel Original movies ranked by feminism. So I’ve decided to share my top 5 favorites and Buzzfeed’s explanation as to why these movies helped move feminism forward for teenagers and pre-teens everywhere.
Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century:
We’re going to get a lot of flack for not putting this higher, but HEAR US OUT. We love the Zenon trilogy (OK, not Z3, but Zequel was good). We also love the songs (although “Supernova Girl” is slightly misogynistic). We respect Zenon for her strong friendships with other women, her ability to rise to the level of powerful enemies, and her use of femininity as a weapon. (As in, she literally uses an earring to save her space station.) Still, by Z3, she’s a bit of a space basic — she still hasn’t shaken her obsession with Proto Zoa and silver high-top boots.
Motocrossed:
Andy is simply the hottest lady disguised as a man marketed to preteens of the period (sorry, She’s the Man and Mulan). She completely owns the world of competitive motocross disguised as her brother, after her dad forbids her from participating because it is a “man’s sport” and her brother gets injured. By the close of the film, Andy has not only convinced her father that women are good enough to compete, but she has become an inspiration for the entire racing community. Our favorite scene is the very end when bad boy/love interest Dean asks Andy aka Andrea for a job, and she tells him he will have to prove himself. Nothing gets us more turnt than a woman in charge making men do work.
Model Behavior:
Technically, this is a Wonderful World of Disney movie, but we are choosing to include it here because 1) it was continually played on Disney Channel during our youth, and 2) Justin Timberlake. Long before he starred as Sean Parker on The Social Network, the boy band legend was the only really memorable element about this alleged female empowerment tale by way of a Parent Trap–like plot. The two main characters claim to find themselves at the end of the film, but they really find fulfillment with boys. Thankfully, one of these boys is Justin Timberlake.
High School Musical:
After years of shows that categorically promoted high school stereotypes, Disney Channel finally wised up and made High School Musical. All forms of femininity and masculinity are subverted and called into question. Don’t get me started on Martha, the hip-hop dancer, or Zeke, who makes crème brulées, or the stoner who plays the cello — all unsung feminist heroes of High School Musical. The plot is, in many ways, a less hard-hitting version of Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off, but the songs raise the bar for all future Disney Channel Original Movies (and all movies in general). Lest we forget, this is the movie that caused Zefron to be a thing. Alternate title of the movie: Gabriella and Troy Take on the Patriarchy!
High School Musical 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk9yEyO9djg
We’re allowing this on the list since HSM 2 is the highest-rated movie premiere on Disney Channel, and also because of the extraordinary dance numbers, “I Don’t Dance” and “Bet on It.” The plot isn’t built on interrogating stereotypes like that of the first High School Musical, but we have to give a nod to the development of Zeke’s character as a strong male cook (Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off aired so Zeke could cook). Plus, Gabriella demanding that her boyfriend support her and put in the work in their relationship is a pretty great message on how dating should function.
Check out Buzzfeed’s full list of the 50 Disney Channel Original Movies ranked by feminism here!
Happy Throwback Thursday!
–Laura
