A Definitive Ranking of the Most Iconic Disney Channel Series

I can confidently say that Disney Channel was the most influential part of nearly every Gen Z person's childhood. There was a wide variety of series for all interests, from Hannah Montana to The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. You were bound to have at least one show you loved, if not multiple.

I watched nearly every show that Disney Channel put out and still have strong opinions on them. Continue reading to hear my definitive ranking of the most popular live-action series.

10. Jonas

I've always enjoyed the Jonas Brothers' music, but they were never actors to me. They always played superstars in their appearances, including Camp Rock and Hannah Montana. By the time Jonas came around, they had established themselves too much as artists, and it took me out of the acting too much to enjoy it.

 

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9. Jessie

I was never a big fan of the character Jessie Prescott, and honestly, I couldn't stand Zuri just as much. The saving grace for me was Bertram and the rest of the kids, but even then, I couldn't find much entertainment in this show. It's a shame because I like Debby Ryan, but how many times do we need to see her in a smalltown-girl role?

 

8. A.N.T. Farm

I do like A.N.T. Farm, and I'm also a fan of China Anne McClain. However, his era of Disney was toward the end of my interest in the channel. Maybe the humor shifted, or I just got older, but it never held my attention to finish the show.

 

7. Good Luck Charlie

The first few seasons of Good Luck Charlie were great—good drama and humor. I was also excited to see Bridgit Mendler in a starring role because I liked Juliet in Wizards of Waverly Place. But they completely lost my interest when the Duncans had another baby. Charlie is supposed to be the youngest!

 

6. Shake It Up

As an unapologetic Zendaya superfan, Shake It Up has to receive my high praises. I really enjoyed the dynamic between her and Bella Thorne. Again, I think it was a case of me simply outgrowing Disney Channel, but I'm glad the show ended when it did.

 

5. Sonny With a Chance

If Sonny With a Chance lasted longer, it would probably be my favorite, if not No. 1, show from Disney Channel. This series had the ultimate humor, and Sonny and Chad are the best couple from Disney. I'm salty that they ended the series abruptly and without any resolution to Channy, which is why I cannot rank it any higher.

 

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4. That's So Raven

Raven-Symoné might be my favorite comedienne in any Disney Channel show. No one can flawlessly execute every line like she does. Her, Chelsea and Eddie are the most iconic trio, too. Plus, it's one of the few series to touch on real-life issues beyond romance and friendship, like fat-shaming.

I was a lot younger when this show came out, so it feels less impactful to my life, but objectively, it can be the top Disney Channel series.

 

3. The Suite Life

If this list were based on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alone, this show would rank lower for me. Like That's So Raven, I was barely in elementary school when it came out, so it doesn't feel relevant to my cognizant childhood. Suite Life on Deck is a different story. I liked Zack and Cody older, and Bailey, Woody and Marcus were a necessary addition to the franchise. And they kept some loved characters, such as London and Mr. Moseby!

 

2. Wizards of Waverly Place

A selfish part of me wishes that Selena Gomez never became a singer because her acting is phenomenal. To this day, Alex Russo is an all-time favorite fictional character of mine — and I think she might have partially shaped me into the person I am today, from fashion to attitude. But generally speaking, I thought Wizards had an intriguing storyline that kept me attached throughout its five-year run.

 

1. Hannah Montana

Hannah Montana is the moment. There is zero arguing that she had the most impact of any Disney Channel character. She's also one of the only ones to transcend past the screen, which made the franchise thrilling. Come on. Miley Cyrus was literally going on actual tours as Hannah Montana.

This series has music I loved forever, and I can go back to watch it and enjoy it as an adult. And conveniently, it was at the peak of my Disney Channel-watching days.

 

Curious about our other Disney opinions? Read HERE for our definitive ranking of our most favorite movie soundtracks.