Ranking Every Movie In The ‘High School Musical’ Franchise!

Get’cha head in the game because High School Musical (2006) celebrates its 20th Anniversary on January 20! When High School Musical was initially released, it truly was the start of something new for Disney Channel, with its record-breaking premiere and its chart-topping soundtrack that was the U.S.’s best-selling album in 2006! But who says we have to let it go? Here’s our ranking of every movie in the iconic franchise!

4. Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure (2011)

Now don’t get us wrong, Sharpay, played by none other than Ashley Tisdale, is one of the most iconic high school movie divas ever! But she being the protagonist in this film forces her to grow and ultimately be nicer to the people around her… which arguably isn’t as fun to watch. The film does, however, notably feature a young Austin Butler and an even younger Bradley Steven Perry, as well as an adorable romance between Sharpay’s dog, Boi, and a pampered dog named Countess! Although this movie isn’t at the top of our list, it still holds a special, pink-sequined place in our hearts!

3. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

High School Musical 3 was the only film in the franchise to receive a theatrical release, proving the franchise’s overall popularity and success! This film also introduced a handful of new characters, which drew a lot of the plot’s focus away from the ones that fans had come to know and love. That being said, the film’s plot is arguably the most grounded, as it highlights the anxiety and fear of the future that many graduating high schoolers face. Additionally, the film’s score features some iconic songs, including the anticipation-building "A Night to Remember", Sharpay and Ryan’s flashy "I Want it All", and possibly the angstiest song in the franchise with Troy’s "Scream".

2. High School Musical (2006)

This movie is, hands down, a DCOM classic! It introduced and popularized live-action movie musicals for a whole new generation and pushed the idea that people can pursue hobbies they enjoy without having to stick to the status quo by boxing themselves into certain stereotypes. This movie definitely went soaring and flying above everyone’s expectations, so even though it didn’t bop to the top of this list, that doesn’t mean it’s not iconic!

1. High School Musical 2 (2007)

What time is it? Summertime! When it comes to watching this sequel, we like what we see and we like it a lot… it’s absolutely fabulous! Although every movie in the franchise has an iconic score, this movie includes "Fabulous", "Gotta Go My Own Way", and "I Don’t Dance", and that’s just to name a few! It also takes place during the best part of the school year -- summer vacation! Not to mention, it features an approximately 2-second cameo of Miley Cyrus dancing during the final song, "All For One". Does it get any more fabulous than that? Absolutely… not!

All of the movies in the High School Musical franchise are currently streaming on Disney+! Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!