Disney Channel had such a range of brilliant animated shows that somehow appealed to both kids and adults alike. These series are largely available on the Disney+ streaming service internationally and still stand the test of time, whether they are retro classics or more modern hits that recent audiences might recognize.
There's not a single formula to crafting a great animated show and indeed each one from Disney Channel offered something completely different. Each was vibrant in its own way though and featured characters that really resonated with the audience, defining an era of the station.
American Dragon: Jake Long (2005-2007) - 6.6
While it's not one of the highest-rated shows on IMDb it's one of the most fondly ed amongst fans of a certain era. With great animation and a gripping action plot, American Dragon really stood out compared to other Disney Channel animated shows.
Its extensive lore was pretty unique, as titular Jake Long took on a double life, leading heroic missions by transforming into the American Dragon. The adventures were intense but there were a lot of laughs to be had along the way as Jake was accompanied by wacky companions like his sister, elderly master, and talking dog.
Lilo & Stitch: The Series (2003-2006) - 6.8
Lilo & Stitch is amongst some of Disney's most underrated movies and yet it launched an extending franchise including multiple sequels and spin-off movies, alongside a TV show that's considered to be in canon. Despite it being brought to a different medium the animation never suffered.
Fans got to see these two fantastic characters continue to interact with their wacky world as the best friends hunted down more escaped experiments. The theme tune was unmissable and the monster of the week formula somehow never got old thanks to the inventive creations.
Kim Possible (2002-2007) - 7.3
Kim Possible continues to prove itself as a bonafide franchise from the Disney Channel archives that deserves some kind of comeback. It really helped to define a very specific era of TV, with its great quips, interesting visual style, and nuanced emotional storytelling.
The series really had it all as this teenage spy and her best friend went on countless dangerous missions together, facing down erratic enemies and an arch-nemesis who just never seemed to give up. With an underlying romance and some shock twists, there wasn't much else for this to achieve!
House Of Mouse (2001-2003) - 7.5
Mickey Mouse didn't really land on Disney Channel very often. Really the character appealed to a different audience, despite the fact that he will remain one of Disney's most iconic figures. House Of Mouse felt like a very different vibe though, thanks to its fourth-wall-breaking and chaotic narrative beats.
While it boasted a number of classic Mickey and friends animated shorts, each of which could be considered a classic today, it also played host to a number of crossovers. With a weekly live show set up by the toon gang, fans got the treat of seeing the likes of Goofy and Ariel, the Beast and Hercules, or even Genie and Hades interacting with one another.
Fillmore! (2002-2004) - 7.7
There are a few shows from the Disney Channel era of animation that haven't become quite as iconic and yet in of quality continue to stand out. Fillmore! really fits into that list, despite how unique the premise was. That's partially down to the intelligent story.
Focusing on young Fillmore and his partner Ingrid, the two solve crimes together in their High School as the local Hall Monitors. It's almost ridiculous in its concept and yet each episode would weave an intricate mystery for the duo to figure out, relying on their unique array of talents.
Recess (1997-2001) - 7.9
Recess is probably the most wide-reaching of Disney Channel's animated shows thanks simply to its mass appeal. Every kid could relate to the kind of dynamics found in the schoolyard and there was a character for everyone to resonate with amongst the squad.
Each one had a very different point of view and didn't necessarily fit in with the others. This mismatch of school cultures is what made the show tick though as the jock and the nerd, or the geek and the bully hung out together in harmony. There were some really out-there plot threads throughout the show though.
Gargoyles (1994-1996) - 8.1
Gargoyles very much copied some of the other animated series of its time. It's far more action-packed than the majority of Disney Channel shows but fit in with the likes of X-Men: The Animated Series, from its style to its gorgeous and famous opening titles.
It was grim and dark and perhaps scary for kids at times, but there's no denying that the idea of gargoyles coming to life across the city is pretty cool. Interacting with their human companions, there were a range of enemies to fight off and days to save in this gripping fantasy fiction.
Phineas And Ferb (2007-2015) - 8.1
There are shows that really only appeal to kids and then there are series that adults might find themselves wanting to watch more than their own children! Phineas and Ferb might just be one of those shows thanks to its witty dialogue, crazy premises, and excellent joke writing.
There's something intrinsically funny about the setup of every episode and the series never really missed a beat. Each installment was rounded out with a catchy Phineas and Ferb song, many of which continue to live in fans' heads today. The animation was crisp and the characters evolved throughout the show.
The Owl House (2020-) - 8.2
much larger home on Disney+. It's a character piece at its core, so despite the massive fantasy world it's set in, it's ultimately all about building relationships.
That's not to say it doesn't have the kind of action or drama expected from this kind of show, but it's very much a shift in what viewers might be used to. In of its visual design, it's totally unique as well, demonstrating that even Disney Channel can continue to innovate and craft gorgeous franchises with important thematic messages.
Gravity Falls (2012-2016) - 8.9
There's a certain "style" of comedy animation that it's fair to say other channels had become known for. Disney XD played into it a bit, but it's largely defined by the types of shows found on Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, or to a greater extent (for a different audience) Adult Swim.
Gravity Falls managed to take some of those elements though and craft a series that appealed to all ages and was outrageously funny. Sure there were some deeper storylines thrown in, but the series showcased the extent of the physical comedy that could be crafted in the medium, with excellent voice acting to match.