It’s been nearly 14 years since High School Musical first premiered as a Disney Channel Original Movie and it still has a very devoted fan following. The films follow a group of friends attending East High, with a particular focus on the romance between basketball star Troy Bolton and science prodigy Gabriella Montez.
What has continued to cement the movies’ cult status is the fun, catchy songs that populate them. Anytime a lesson needs to be learned or a big declaration of love is required, there’s a musical number ready for that moment. It’s High School Musical reunion time, with the 10 best songs from the trilogy.
“WHAT I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Honestly, we had our choice of cheesy numbers featuring Ryan and Sharpay, but none quite showcases their special brand of talent like “What I’ve Been Looking For.” It’s not a great song, and reeks of every musical theater cliche possible, but they perform it like they’re on a Broadway stage.
Say what you will, but the two are consummate professionals who take their craft seriously. This is our first time seeing them in performance mode, with it very quickly becoming clear that Sharpay knows she’s the star and that no matter what she says, Ryan is her sidekick.
“I DON’T DANCE” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
Siblings Sharpay and Ryan Evans are established as the bad guys in the first movie, but it’s clear Ryan isn’t quite as cutthroat as Sharpay. He’s actually nice. In the sequel we get to see him finally break away from her when he joins the rest of the Wildcats at a staff baseball game.
Chad doesn’t think Ryan can keep up with them, so naturally things turn into a dance off. Though the song is very catchy, it’s the choreography that makes this number memorable. Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel make a great team on this duet that shows character growth for Chad and Ryan.
“BET ON IT” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
In High School Musical 2, Sharpay makes it her mission to steal Troy away from Gabriella and the rest of his friends. Being a teenage boy, he falls for the flash of the perks he gets, over the substance of his best friends and girlfriend.
When he finds out she cut everyone from the end of summer musical, he comes to his senses. Obviously, the only way he knows how to express his disappointment in himself, and vow to make things right is in the overly dramatic uptempo solo “Bet On It.”
“EVERYDAY” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
If there’s one thing the High School Musical films do better than anyone else, it’s big friendship affirming songs. After a tumultuous summer that has seen the Wildcats pulled into different directions, they belt out the recommitment to their friendship in “Everyday.”
In a twist from the first film, Troy starts alone on stage, uncertain of whether Gabriella will forgive him and show up, which of course she does. Before the song is over, the rest of the group joins them on stage, creating a joyful finale to their summer and a hopeful look at the future.
“JUST WANNA BE WITH YOU” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR
The East High kids are suffering through the same obstacles as everyone else during their senior year of high school. As the friends begin planning their futures, they start to realize that they don’t have much time left to be together.
With the trilogy coming to an end, and the cast moving on, the number feels like it has double meaning. We know life is constantly changing when you’re young, so even though it’s unrealistic to think they’ll always be together, it’s a nice way to set up the finale to everything.
“WALK AWAY” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR
If there’s one thing we learned over the course of three movies, it’s that no one can belt out a sad “we can’t be together” song like Vanessa Hudgens. “When There Was You and Me” and “Gotta Go My Own Way” in the first two movies chronicle her somewhat up and down relationship with Troy.
In the third film she delivers her most emotional performance with “Walk Away,” as Gabriella is forced to leave Troy behind and head to Stanford early. In her best solo of the franchise, the maturity and growth of Hudgens’ talent is on full display here.
“START OF SOMETHING NEW” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Every musical ever is judged by its opening number. High School Musical lets us know what we’re in for right up front with “Start of Something New.” During karaoke night on winter break, Troy and Gabriella are randomly paired together to sing a duet, and their chemistry is immediately off the charts.
The sweet, budding romance that becomes the backbone of the movies draws viewers into this world, making them care about the lives of these characters. The song also establishes the sound and style of the musical, with its sing-a-long chorus and perfect harmonies.
“YOU ARE THE MUSIC IN ME” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
As the gang settles into their summer jobs, Kelsi plays a new song for Troy and Gabriella. This hidden gem of the franchise may not be as catchy or danceable as some of the others, but the way it describes the bond between the group is lovely.
Like most musical numbers in the films, it turns into a love song between Troy and Gabriella, but before that, it’s the camaraderie amongst the friends that shines through. It’s the kind of song that makes this feel like more than a kids’ movie.
“WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Out of all the songs that feature the kids proclaiming they’ll be friends forever, “We’re All in This Together” is the undisputed best. Coming at the end of the of High School Musical, this is where we finally get to see the whole cast perform together for the first time.
We’re not saying the lyrics are especially deep or complicated, but this is the essence of the franchise on display in one musical number. Plus, we know you watched the dance along version and totally know all the choreography.
“BREAKIN FREE” - HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
The overall lesson of the High School Musical films is to believe in yourself and follow your own path. No song in the franchise embodies that better than “Breakin’ Free.” This is when Troy and Gabriella stop pretending and show everyone their true selves.
After Troy and Gabriella make up and decide they can do basketball, science and drama, their friends stage a series of tricks to get them to the stage on time. The joy as they finally get to be themselves in front of the whole school is contagious and never fails to bring a smile.
Next: Zac Efron’s 10 Best Roles, Ranked
