The High School Musical franchise is perhaps the most successful product of Disney Channel ever. These movies went from being solely a DCOM to being shown in theaters because of how popular they were. The first movie focuses on Troy, a basketball star, and Gabriella, a math genius who is new to the school. They both secretly love to sing and like each other, but feel trapped by the status quo to stay in their respective social circles. The second movie shows them in the summer working at a golf resort, while Troy struggles to find the balance between his friends and his future. The third movie, shown in theaters, is their senior year, as they prepare to put on one last show and struggle to figure out their next steps in life.

The cultural impact of this movie is pretty extreme. People everywhere were shocked at the quality of these films considering that they came from Disney Channel. They have been referenced in other shows like Suite Life of Zack and Cody, mentioned in films like Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and even given the spin-off style show High School Musical the Musical the Series that single-handedly launched Olivia Rodrigo’s career. She’s now won THREE Grammy’s. These movies also launched Zac Efron’s career, who later went to star in films like The Greatest Showman, 17 Again, Baywatch, and more alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest actors (Hugh Jackman, Matthew Perry, Dwayne Johnson, etc). Kenny Ortega, the choreographer, also went on to choreograph other hit DCOMs like Descendents.

There does not seem to be a clear reason why this film was created, but is pretty consistent with the genre of early 2000s coming of age films. Though the lesson of the film, about defying social norms and choosing friendship and passion over the status quo, is not super novel, the film does it in a way that is creative- through music. There is literally a song called Stick to the Status Quo where they dance around tables about how smart people can’t dance and skaters can’t play the cello. It’s nothing short of iconic. Plus the development of Troy and Gabriella’s relationship throughout the three movies is so representative of a first love, and it’s so cute to watch them as they fall in love through their shared passion.

I do want to take a moment to discuss the personal impact these films have had on me. The first movie came out in 2006, when I was one. My parents have told me that I was singing High School Musical songs before I could read. I had a High School Musical 2 poster hanging on my wall for years, it was the first thing I would see when I woke up for years. I went to a High School Musical on Ice show, and during the song Stick to the Status Quo there is a part where Sharpay yells “everybody, QUIET!!” and I SCREAMED it at the top of my lungs making everyone look at me (I was two so it was cute). I still have High School Musical trivia games that are played through DVD. High School Musical was the movie I watched on my first ever date with my (now ex lol) boyfriend. I dressed up as Gabriella for Halloween with the red dress she wore in All in This Together at the end of the first movie. I know all of the songs, and can basically quote the whole movie. Not only are these just excellent films, but I have so many personal memories of them that make them so special. And considering how popular they were/are, I don’t think I’m alone in this.

Throughout these passion blogs, I have often ended with how many of these films are worth a watch. But High School Musical (all three!!!) are a must-watch, not only to understand the profound cultural impact they have had, but because they are REALLY good movies. I could gush about them all day and mention at least 50 different scenes that I love, but unfortunately this blog would be wayyy too long. Watch High School Musical, you’ll love it, I’d bet on it 😉