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The best Disney Channel shows to add to your watch list

Here are the best Disney Channel shows to add to your watch list: classics like Lizzie McGuire and newbies like Bunk'd!

Written by
Danielle Valente
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What are the best Disney Channel shows, you ask? There's definitely room for debate, but we guarantee all of the series on our list are nothing short of delightful. 

Opt for fun cartoons for kids like Doc McStuffins or throwbacks like Phil of the Future (the 22nd-century man). You can even catch odes to your favorite Disney princess movies thanks to a new favorite, Princess Sophia. Naturally, Options and adventure abound! 

Of course, we can't forget the sensation that is Lizzie McGuire! When Disney+ makes its debut later this year, millennials (uh, we mean kids) can watch Hilary Duff reprise her iconic role. Needless to say, we're ready. 

When you've finished watching a few episodes of your favorite Disney Channel shows, head to theaters can check out some of the best kids' movies 2019 has on its list! 

Best Disney Channel shows

Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

1. Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004)

Experience the turbulence associated with middle school— heartbreak, mean girls, drama—alongside 13-year-old Lizzie (Hilary Duff) and her buds Miranda and Gordo. Nothing screams adolescence quite like this Disney throwback. Plus, who doesn't love when Lizzie's illustrated doppelgänger shells out her opinions? To kick the nostalgia factor into high gear, Disney revealed that Duff will reprise her role in the Lizzie McGuire reboot, which is to air on Disney+ this year. Rejoice, millennials! 

The Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

2. The Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012)

The classic coming-of-age trope gets a fantasy twist in Selena Gomez's breakout role. Follow Alex (Gomez) as she works her way through typical teen territory: friends, crushes, annoying brothers—oh!—and a few magic spells from her wizard family. 

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Hannah Montana (2006–2011)
Courtesy Disney Channel

3. Hannah Montana (2006–2011)

Miley Stewart is a typical tween by day. At night, she's pop sensation Hannah Montana who sells out arena shows and drives youngsters bonkers with her catchy tunes. However, her musical alter ego is something she keeps hidden from everyone. What will happen when both of her worlds collide? 

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (2005–2008)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney

4. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (2005–2008)

Life is certainly interesting for Zack and Cody. The twins call the Tipton Hotel their home and wreak havoc on their sweet digs. Expect a few shennanigans when they mingle with the hotel heiress, candy counter girl and the establishment's stern manager, Mr. Moseby. 

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That's So Raven (2003–2007)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

5. That's So Raven (2003–2007)

Think it's easy seeing into the future? Think again. Raven is a teenager who catches a brief glimpse of scenarios that have yet to happen. Typically, she goes out of her way to alter what she believes is on its way, which oftentimes leads to disastrous (yet hilarious) results. 

Life With Derek (2005–2009)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

6. Life With Derek (2005–2009)

In a Brady Bunch-like scenario, two teens end up vying for control of the house when their parents marry. Will Derek and Casey be able to coexist, or will it be torture for everyone involved? 

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Recess (1997–2006)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

7. Recess (1997–2006)

Recess is the throwback of every '90's kid's dream, a cartoon that can't help but make fans reminisce about their childhood. In the show, six friends at Third Street School team up to face the bullies on the playground, and you better believe this group of buddies is nothing short of epic. 

Phil of the Future (2004–2006)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney

8. Phil of the Future (2004–2006)

Fitting in when you're a teen is never easy. Imagine trying to do so when you're from a different century! That's exactly what it's like for Phil. When he and his fam set off for vacation in 2121, they end up back in time in 2004. Will this brood be able to adjust a 117-year difference? 

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Doc McStuffins (2012–present)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

9. Doc McStuffins (2012–present)

Dottie plans to follow in her mother's footsteps by becoming a doctor when she grows up. In the meantime, the ambitious kiddo decides to start practicing for her career in medicine as soon as possible. What's the sense of waiting? She tries out her techniques on her stuffed animals, who just so happen to come to life when she takes out her stethoscope. Expect some tips for healthy habits along the way! 
 
 
 

Sofia the First (2012–2018)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

10. Sofia the First (2012–2018)

Everything changes when Sofia's mom marries a king and she becomes a princess. Our leading lady receives some guidance from fan-favorite princesses like Belle and Jasmine to help ease her transition into royalty.  

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Even Stevens (2000–2003)
Photograph: Courtesy George Lange / Disney Channel

11. Even Stevens (2000–2003)

Shia LaBeouf rose to fame when Even Stevens aired in 2000. The family comedy follows middle schooler, Louis, who can't quite find a place where he belongs—even at home. He constantly goes head-to-head with his pompous big sis, Ren, the seemingly perfect sibling. 

Kim Possible (2002–2007)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney

12. Kim Possible (2002–2007)

"What's the stitch," you ask? It's that Kim Possible dominated our TV screens with her crime-fighting, butt-kicking adventures! As if high school weren't enough to tackle, the teen is also tasked with saving the world from evil masterminds! Somehow, she manages to conquer her missions as easily as cheerleading moves. 

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Liv and Maddie (2013–2017)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

13. Liv and Maddie (2013–2017)

They might look alike, but identical twins Liv and Maddie couldn't be more different. Maddie is a bball superstar home in Wisconsin while Liv is taking Tinseltown by storm. When the Hollywood starlet heads home, her glamorous ways are put on hold. Now, the two must co-exist and share a bedroom to boot! 

Phineas and Ferb (2007–2015)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

14. Phineas and Ferb (2007–2015)

Now these step brothers have room for activities! Whether it's creating a DIY beach in the backyard or constructing a roller coaster, Phineas and Ferb always have a plan. Plus, their sidekick, Perry the Platypus, is on hand to provide a dose of adorableness...when he's not fighting crime, of course. Fingers crossed their big sis doesn't rat them out! 

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Austin & Ally (2011–2016)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

15. Austin & Ally (2011–2016)

Austin and Ally are one powerful music duo. However, Ally prefers to remain out of the limelight when it comes to her song lyrics. All of that is challenged when Austin becomes music's next big thing.  

The Replacements (2006–2009)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

16. The Replacements (2006–2009)

Riley and Todd are two siblings who think they have things figured out. The orphans answer an ad that results in a new family—a secret-agent mother and thrill-seeking pop. The siblings find out that they're able to replace adults, but that's not exactly as seamless as it sounds. 

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Bunk'd (2015–2018)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

17. Bunk'd (2015–2018)

Emma, Zuri and Ravi's parents might've met at Camp Kikiwaka in Maine, but that doesn't necessarily mean these three kiddos are equipped for a summer in the great outdoors. But with time, the trio settles into a summer at sleepaway camp, but not without a few challenges along the way!

Girl Meets World (2014–2017)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

18. Girl Meets World (2014–2017)

Fans were enthralled watching Cory and Topanga's relationship blossom over the course of Boy Meets World. In this prequel, we get a taste of their lives as a married couple, but now it's time for their daughter Riley to experience all that comes along with being a teen. 

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Fish Hooks (2010–2014)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

19. Fish Hooks (2010–2014)

School is tedious enough, but Fish Hooks adds another element to the coming-of-age theme: Class takes place in a pet store and an aquarium! Get ready for pop quizzes, cliques, crushes and, you know, the occasional lobster infestation. 

The Proud Family (2001–2005)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney

20. The Proud Family (2001–2005)

Penny Proud is slowly coming into her own, but her close-knit family is always on hand to shake things up and make viewers laugh out loud thanks to hilarious hijinks. 

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Sonny With a Chance (2009–2011)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

21. Sonny With a Chance (2009–2011)

Sonny (Demi Lovato) discovers that not all that glitters in Hollywood is gold. When the teen and her mom move to L.A., she's selected to star in her all-time favorite show, So Random. However, the glamour quickly fades and Sonny is forced to make the best out of stressful situations. 

Sydney to the Max (Present)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

22. Sydney to the Max (Present)

Growing up with your granny is always awesome—especially for Sydney. She, her protective single father and effervescent grandmother are all living under one roof and trying to navigate teenhood alongside together.

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Jessie (2011–2015)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

23. Jessie (2011–2015)

They say everything's bigger in Texas, but Southern belle Jessie is certainly in store for plenty of outrageous scenarios when she leaves her hometown for a nanny job in NYC. 

Good Luck Charlie (2010–2014)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

24. Good Luck Charlie (2010–2014)

All is status quo for siblings PJ, Teddy and Gabe, until their mother has a baby a throws a monkey wrench into life as they know it. Once she packs up and returns to work, will the older siblings and their pop be able to manage the house...and the baby?!

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Brandy & Mr. Whiskers (2004–2006)
Photograph: Courtesy Disney Channel

25. Brandy & Mr. Whiskers (2004–2006)

A rabbit and pup—both of whom hail from different worlds—find themselves lost in the rain forest and struggling to cope with their new environment. But it's nothing a bit of signing and a fun adventure can't fix! 

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