Whether you’ll admit it or not, Disney Channel in its heyday was a huge part of our childhood, and with it their sizeable collection of original music. We love ourselves a good opening theme song, because not only did it set the tone for a new show, it stuck with you and earned a soft spot in your heart as you grew and watched the characters and seasons grow with you. So in a sappy burst of nostalgia, we decided to put together a list of all the best DC theme songs of all time, so we can all reminisce about a time where theme songs were actually good enough to be chart-toppers.
You’ll notice that the quality of music kind of awkwardly tapers out towards somewhere around 2008-09. As one indignant DC fan bluntly commented on the 2009 JONAS theme song video: “This was the start of the Disney downfall.” Indeed, Sinner Clique, indeed.
1998: The Famous Jett Jackson
We’ll be the first to admit we don’t exactly remember this series or its theme song; but we promise a quick listen will have you mightily impressed. Damn, 1990s! Such sick, awesome music.
2001: Lizzie McGuire
Perhaps not the most memorable theme song either, but definitely a top player – especially with those bouncing red dodgeballs that any 90’s kid is bound to recognise. Hmm, back when Disney Channel still didn’t force all their leads to sing their own theme song either (regardless of whether they could actually even sing).
2001: The Proud Family
Oh, hold up. You never knew Penny Proud’s catchy theme song was performed by the one and only Destiny’s Child? Well neither did we. No wonder we were so into it!
2002: Kim Possible
An all-time favourite, for sure. You’re lying if you say you don’t occasionally quip, “Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me.” before breaking out into a cheesy grin. As Ron would say, BOO-YAH.
2003: That’s So Raven
She is, and forever will be, Queen of Disney Channel. Long after Raven Symone’s reign on Disney Channel ended, her powerful vocals and sassy attitude are still a defining feature of Disney at its peak – not to mention genuinely inspirational, seeing as the show was one of the few to actively promote healthy body image throughout. Here’s a bonus inclusion for all Raven fans out there – Raven and her co-star Anneliese van der Pol (whom you’ll remember as BFF Chelsea) recently reunited for a live musical throwback, complete with everyone’s favourite “Yup, that’s me!” Such crowd-pleasers.
2005: American Dragon: Jake Long
2005 certainly was a big year for Disney Channel theme songs. First in the pack of three is this feisty animated show revolving around Asian-American Jake Long. We’ll close one eye to the fact that the show was ridden with, erm, Chinese stereotypes that sometimes bordered on being offensive, and just enjoy the harmlessly fun song.
2005: The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
Another DC classic! The pumped-up theme song paired with the fun character intros made for a seriously enjoyable track to crazy-dance to; its 2008 spin-off The Suite Life On Deck had nothing on it.
2005: The Buzz on Maggie
Here’s an underdog you probably didn’t see coming. Skye Sweetnam lent her vocals to the opening theme song that, even back then, was quite the girl power anthem. Who knew mosquitoes made such good television entertainment?
2006: Hannah Montana
With this epic show and intro came the birth of a pop culture legend – but perhaps also the toxic marketing plan of turning every Disney Channel star into a triple-threat. Thankfully, Miley actually is a natural, which is probably what contributed to Hannah Montana’s worldwide success (not to mention five whole albums under the HM moniker that did impressively well on the charts).
2007: Phineas and Ferb
There’s a hundred and four days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it…! Face it, it’s just one of those theme songs you have accidentally memorised because it was permanently on the telly. Phineas and Ferb was one of those animated shows that unexpectedly featured a lot of random musical numbers and catchy tunes; and surprisingly, we enjoyed them.
2007: Wizards of Waverly Place
Looks like we’re bringing the nostalgia to a close. Many fans agree that Wizards was one of the last few Disney Channel shows of decent quality, and while Selena Gomez might not be the most powerful singer, her voice on the catchy theme song has secured a place on our list of the best DC opening songs ever.
