Whether you know him from his early days as a Disney Channel star or his more recent roles in critically acclaimed films, Zac Efron has impacted the movie industry. Born Zachary David Alexander Efron on October 18, 1987, he would grow up to be known as Zac Efron, an American actor.
He began acting professionally in the early 2000s and rose to prominence in the late 2000s for his leading role as Troy Bolton in the High School Musical trilogy (2006–2008). Since then, he has starred in various movies, showcasing his range as an actor and proving that he’s more than just a pretty face.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into the world of Zac Efron movies. From his breakout role in High School Musical to his recent performances in more serious films, we’ll explore some of his most notable works and discuss what makes each one worth watching.
Top 10 Zac Efron Movies To Watch
Zac Efron is a beloved American actor who has won hearts with his charming looks and acting skills. He has starred in several movies, including some of the most iconic ones of our time. Here are a few of his films that you must check out.
Hairspray
First on our list of must-see Zac Efron movies is the famous 2007 musical comedy movie; Hairspray. The film takes us back to 1960s Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) is a dance-loving teen who auditions for a spot on “The Corny Collins Show” and wins. She becomes an overnight sensation, a dance, fun, and fashion trendsetter. With contagious songs and a great story, Hairspray is a wholesome entertainer that will make you happy. The movie is a fun summer watch that will make you get up and start dancing.
High School Musical 2
High School Musical 2 is a kids and family musical comedy released in 2007. During summer vacation, Troy (Zac Efron) gets a job at Sharpay’s (Ashley Tisdale) resort but doesn’t realize she has an ulterior motive for hiring him. The movie is surprisingly better than its predecessor and will enchant tweens with its snappy songs, wicked dance moves, and peppy spirit. The story is heartwarming and highlights the importance of friendship and hard work. On the list of Zac Efron movies, the High School Musical trilogy ranks highly, making it a must-see.
Neighbors
Neighbors is a comedy movie that was released in 2014. New parents Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne) move to the suburbs when they welcome an infant daughter. All goes well with the couple until the Delta Psi Beta fraternity moves in next door. Mac and Kelly try their best to get along with frat president Teddy (Zac Efron) and the other guys, but when the couple finally calls the cops during a particularly raucous frat party, a full-scale war erupts. The movie is filled with bawdy humor and is evenly spread among its well-matched stars, making it an R-rated film worth watching.
The Greatest Showman
If you love musicals with catchy tunes, then The Greatest Showman is a movie you shouldn’t miss. Starring Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, the film tells how Barnum rose from nothing to create one of the greatest shows on Earth, the Barnum & Bailey Circus. But while the movie does try to dazzle you with its stunning visuals and show-stopping performances, it falls short in portraying the complex real-life story of its subject. Nevertheless, The Greatest Showman is a fun, feel-good movie that will leave you humming its tunes long after the credits roll. This alone gets it onto our list of top 10 Zac Efron movies.
The Beach Bum
If you’re looking for a comedy with a bit of edge, then The Beach Bum is worth checking out if you are a fan of Zac Efron movies. Starring Matthew McConaughey as the titular character, the film follows the misadventures of Moondog, a fun-loving writer who lives life on his terms in Florida. While the story can sometimes be a bit unfocused, the movie’s standout performances and director Harmony Korine’s distinctive style make it a fun and entertaining ride. The movie’s R rating is well-deserved, featuring plenty of nudity, drug and alcohol use, and strong sexual content.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile
If you’re a fan of true crime stories, then Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile is a must-watch. Starring Zac Efron as notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, the film chronicles Bundy’s crimes from the perspective of his longtime girlfriend, who refused to believe the truth about him for years. While the movie’s narrative can be slightly limiting at times, Efron’s performance is captivating and elevates the film to another level. However, remember that the movie’s R rating is well-deserved, as it features disturbing and violent content.
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
Next on our list of Zac Efron movies is a movie that’s both fun and environmentally conscious, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. The film follows the story of Ted, a young boy who sets out to find a Truffula tree to win the heart of his crush, Audrey. Along the way, he discovers the Lorax, the fierce guardian of the forest, and the Once-ler, who let greed overtake his respect for nature. While the movie’s zany Hollywood production values can sometimes distract from the simplicity of the book’s message, it’s still a fun and heartwarming movie that’s perfect for the whole family.
17 Again
17 Again is a comedy movie released in 2009 and is one of Zac Efron movies must-watch films. The movie follows Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry), a high-school basketball star who threw away his bright future to marry his girlfriend and raise their child. Almost 20 years later, Mike’s marriage has failed, his kids think he’s a loser, and his job is going nowhere. He gets a chance to correct his past mistakes and change his life when he is miraculously transformed into a teenager (Zac Efron), but in trying to fix his past, Mike may be jeopardizing his present and future. The movie has a well-worn formula, but Zac Efron’s charm makes it a harmless, pleasurable teen comedy.
Scoob!
Fans of classic cartoons will enjoy watching Scoob! The film follows Scooby and the gang as they face their biggest challenge yet, a plot to unleash the ghost dog Cerberus upon the world. They discover that Scooby has a secret legacy and an epic destiny greater than anyone could have imagined. While the movie’s plot may not be the most original, its mix of humor and adventure will keep you entertained from start to finish. Plus, the movie’s nods to classic Hanna-Barbera cartoons will make any fan of the old-school comics nostalgic.
Parkland
The movie “Parkland” takes a unique approach to retelling the events that occurred after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It centers around Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where chaotic scenes unfolded as doctors and nurses tried to save the President’s life. Despite its refreshing take on the topic, the movie fails to achieve the narrative cohesion that such a subject deserves. The film is rated PG-13 for its depiction of ER trauma procedures, language, smoking throughout, and some violent images. Still, “Parkland” is worth watching for those interested in exploring alternative perspectives on one of America’s most infamous historical moments granting it a spot on our top 10 Zac Efron movies.
Conclusion
There you have it, a quick rundown of the top 10 Zac Efron movies. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted musical, a raunchy comedy, or a heart-wrenching drama, Efron has a movie that will fit the bill. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained by one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
