All 6 Zac Efron Musicals, Ranked From Worst to Best
Zac Efron has appeared in six movie musicals, each with its own unique qualities and impact. From animated adventures to Broadway adaptations, Efron's musical career has been marked by memorable performances and iconic songs. Let's take a closer look at each of his musical movies, ranked from worst to best, and explore the reasons behind their placements.
Introduction: Zac Efron's Musical Journey
Troy, Gabriella - Start of Something New (From "High School Musical")
Zac Efron's rise to fame in the world of movie musicals began with his breakout role as Troy Bolton in Disney Channel's High School Musical (2006). Since then, he has showcased his talents in a total of six movie musicals, each contributing to his diverse portfolio as an actor and performer.
Ted (Zac Efron) & Audrey (Taylor Swift) laying on the ground next to each other in The Lorax.
However, not all musicals are created equal, and Efron's performances have varied in quality and impact. In this article, we will delve into each of Efron's musical movies, examining their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately ranking them from worst to best based on their overall impact and contribution to the world of movie musicals.
6. Dr. Seuss' The Lorax: A Missed Opportunity
The Greatest Showman | "Rewrite The Stars" Lyric Video | Fox Family Entertainment
Zac Efron's lowest-ranked musical is the animated fantasy film, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (2012). In this adaptation of the renowned children's book, Efron voiced the protagonist, Ted, alongside Taylor Swift's Audrey. Despite the musical nature of the film, Efron and Swift did not sing in The Lorax, which is seen as a missed opportunity given their musical talents.
The film ultimately falls short in comparison to Efron's other musicals, lacking the quality and impact that define his best performances. While The Lorax may have its charms, it ranks at the bottom of Efron's musical repertoire.
5. High School Musical: A Nostalgic Beginning
Troy, Gabriella - You Are the Music in Me (From "High School Musical 2")
High School Musical (2006) marked the beginning of Efron's musical journey and the start of a global phenomenon. While the film successfully launched Efron's career, its enduring appeal is rooted in nostalgia rather than its quality as a musical.
The cast of High School Musical dancing to
Efron's limited singing role in the first film, with Drew Seeley providing the singing voice for Troy Bolton, also impacts its ranking. Despite its cultural significance and iconic songs, High School Musical falls short when compared to Efron's later musical endeavors.
4. The Greatest Showman: A Theatrical Showcase
Zac Efron - Ladies' Choice (Official Video from "Hairspray")
The Greatest Showman (2017) stands as Efron's most recent musical endeavor, showcasing his growth as a performer over the years. Efron's portrayal of Phillip Carlyle, alongside Hugh Jackman's P.T. Barnum, demonstrates his theatrical prowess and dedication to the musical genre.
Anne Wheeler (Zendaya) & Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) doing acrobatics in The Greatest Showman.
While The Greatest Showman offers captivating performances and memorable songs, it falls short in leaving a lasting impression on pop culture and the musical genre, leading to its placement in the middle of Efron's musical ranking.
3. High School Musical 2: A Summer Shift
High School Musical 2 (2007) took the franchise in a new direction, moving the story from high school to a summertime country club talent show. Efron's performance as Troy Bolton sees him fully embracing his inner theater kid, delivering standout numbers and showcasing his growth as a musical performer.
The cast of High School Musical 2 dancing in the kitchen during Work It Out.
While the sequel successfully expanded upon the appeal of the first film, its departure from the high school setting and the challenges of creating a compelling story in a new environment impact its ranking. Despite its fresh batch of original songs, High School Musical 2 falls just short of the top ranks.
2. High School Musical 3: Senior Year: A Theatrical Finale
High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008) marked the theatrical release of the beloved franchise, elevating its production value and showcasing the growth of its cast, including Zac Efron. The film served as a proper sendoff for the Wildcats, with Efron delivering a passionate and theatrical performance as Troy Bolton.
Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) holding hands while Kelsi plays the piano in High School Musical 2.
The meta-musical aspect of the film, along with its standout numbers and theatrical execution, propelled High School Musical 3 to the top ranks of Efron's musical repertoire. It stands as a fitting conclusion to the franchise and a standout musical in Efron's career.
1. Hairspray: A Broadway Adaptation
Hairspray (2007) emerges as Zac Efron's best movie musical, drawing from its origins as a hit Broadway production. Efron's performance as Link Larkin showcases his singing and dancing talents, contributing to the polished musical and dance performances that define the film.
Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) sitting on a pink lounge chair next to Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) and her friends by the pool in High School Musical 2.
The adaptation managed to capture the magic of the Broadway show, with Efron's portrayal of Link standing out as one of his best musical performances. Hairspray secures the top spot in Efron's musical ranking, highlighting his prowess as a musical performer and actor.
