Meh To Woah
Whether he's making us laugh in comedies or diving into intense biopics, Zac Efron has proven he's more than just a Disney icon. But which films truly stand out, and which miss the mark?
22. New Year's Eve
Zac Efron joined the star-studded chaos of New Year's Eve in 2011. This romantic comedy juggles multiple storylines, all converging in one glittering night of celebrations. Efron stars alongside Halle Berry, Jon Bon Jovi, Ashton Kutcher, Robert De Niro, and Michelle Pfeiffer in a movie that grossed $142 million.
New Year's Eve (2011) Trailer - HD Movie by Rotten Tomatoes Trailers
22. New Year's Eve (Cont.)
He plays Paul, an energetic bike messenger who helps a timid Ingrid, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, check off her New Year's resolutions in exchange for tickets to an exclusive party. His storyline adds a dose of charm and adventure.
New Year's Eve (2011) Trailer - HD Movie by Rotten Tomatoes Trailers
21. Firestarter
In a remake of the 1984 movie, Efron takes on a darker, more dramatic role as he plays Andy McGee. He's a father trying to protect his young daughter, Charlie, who has dangerous pyrokinetic abilities as a secret government agency hunts them down.
Firestarter - Official Trailer by Universal Pictures
21. Firestarter (Cont.)
Despite its intriguing premise, the film received lukewarm reviews, with critics feeling it lacked the tension and depth of the original. However, it showed Efron's ability to handle more serious, horror-tinged roles and proved he's more than a Disney actor.
Firestarter - Official Trailer by Universal Pictures
20. The Paperboy
High School Musical lovers would never believe that Efron would star in a thriller, but in 2012, he starred in the crime drama The Paperboy alongside Nicole Kidman and Matthew McConaughey. It was a box office bomb, but Efron's performance was memorable.
The Paperboy - Trailer by LionsgateFilmsUK
20. The Paperboy (Cont.)
This unconventional Southern noir tells the story of a newspaper journalist and his troubled relationship with a convict on death row, with plenty of steamy scenes and plot twists. Efron plays a young man caught in a messy situation with complex family dynamics.
The Paperboy - Trailer by LionsgateFilmsUK
19. Me And Orson Welles
By 2008, Efron was exploring more serious projects. In Me and Orson Welles, he plays the role of a young, aspiring actor named Richard Samuels, who gets swept up in the world of theater during the production of Orson Welles' Julius Caesar in 1937.
Me and Orson Welles Official U.S. Trailer by MeAndOrsonMovie
19. Me And Orson Welles (Cont.)
The film is a charming look at the drama behind the scenes, with Efron holding his own alongside the legendary Christian McKay. It's a unique and somewhat overlooked piece of Efron's career that shows his ability to tackle period dramas and step away from his typical teen heartthrob roles.
Me and Orson Welles Official U.S. Trailer by MeAndOrsonMovie
18. Dirty Grandpa
Starring against Robert De Niro in Dirty Grandpa was probably a dream come true for Efron. However, Michael Douglas and Jeff Bridges were also considered for the role. Although critics weren't big fans of the movie, it grossed $105.1 million against a budget of $11.5 million.
18. Dirty Grandpa (Cont.)
In Dirty Grandpa, Zac Efron plays Jason, a straight-laced young man who reluctantly accompanies his wild grandfather, played by Robert De Niro, on a road trip full of inappropriate antics. The film is a raunchy comedy that leans into shock value, with plenty of over-the-top humor and outrageous moments.
17. The Lucky One
Zac Efron trades high school musicals for heartfelt romance in The Lucky One, a classic Nicholas Sparks adaptation filled with sweeping emotions and picturesque sunsets. Efron plays Logan Thibault, a Marine who believes a mysterious photograph of a woman (played by Taylor Schilling) kept him alive during his deployment.
THE LUCKY ONE Trailer 2012 Movie - Official [HD] by Cieon Movies
17. The Lucky One (Cont.)
Naturally, he sets out to find her—because that's how fate and Sparks novels work. Their romance unfolds against the backdrop of small-town charm and just the right amount of longing gazes. While critics weren't all swooning, the film resonated with Sparks fans and performed well at the box office.
THE LUCKY ONE Trailer 2012 Movie - Official [HD] by Cieon Movies
16. High School Musical 3: Senior Year
High School Musical 3: Senior Year was available in a sing-along version with lyrics written on the screen. It follows the beloved students, including Troy, played by Efron, as they face the reality of graduation and the looming question—what's next?
High School Musical 3 - Now Or Never (Official Music Video) 4k by Disney Fan
16. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Cont.)
Between prom, friendships, romance, and those signature over-the-top musical numbers, it's a nostalgia-packed farewell to East High. The film was a commercial juggernaut and broke the records for a musical release. While it sticks to the Disney formula, Efron's performance highlighted his acting skills.
Can I Have This Dance (From High School Musical 3: Senior Year) by DisneyMusicVEVO
15. The Disaster Artist
Zac Efron may have only had a small role in The Disaster Artist, but it's one of his most memorable cameos. The film tells the bizarre true story behind The Room, widely regarded as one of the worst (and most unintentionally hilarious) movies ever made.
La piu convincente interpretazione di Zac Efron - The Disaster Artist by Goku SSJ God
15. The Disaster Artist (Cont.)
James Franco stars as the eccentric Tommy Wiseau, with Efron playing Dan Janjigian, who portrayed the aggressive, over-the-top Chris-R in The Room. His scene—a hilariously intense, method-actor-style take on one of the film's most absurd moments—became an instant highlight.
La piu convincente interpretazione di Zac Efron - The Disaster Artist by Goku SSJ God
14. Gold
In one of his most intense and physically demanding roles, Efron stars in Gold, a gripping survival thriller set in a dystopian desert. The story follows two men who discover a massive gold nugget but face the brutal challenge of guarding it in extreme conditions.
GOLD Trailer (2022) Zac Efron by ONE Media
14. Gold (Cont.)
Efron's character is left to battle scorching heat and dehydration. The film is visually striking and relies heavily on Efron's solo performance, which was praised for its raw, gritty realism. While not a mainstream hit, it earned respect for its unique storytelling and Efron's dedication to the role.
GOLD Trailer (2022) Zac Efron by ONE Media
13. High School Musical 2
The Wildcats swapped the school hallways for a luxurious country club in High School Musical 2, the highly anticipated sequel that sent Disney Channel ratings into the stratosphere. This time, Troy, played by Efron, and the gang take summer jobs.
High school musical 2 by Jocel Jerusalem
13. High School Musical 2 (Cont.)
Tensions increase as Sharpay or Ashley Tisdale tries to lure Troy away from his friends with the promise of a scholarship. Featuring some of the franchise's most iconic songs—like the dramatic “Bet On It,” where Efron broods on a golf course—this sequel proved the HSM phenomenon wasn't a fluke.
Bet on It | High School Musical 2 | Disney Channel by Disney Channel
12. The Lorax
Efron went animated for The Lorax, voicing Ted, a young boy in a polluted future who sets out to find a real tree. Based on Dr. Seuss' beloved book, the movie adds a more modern, comedic twist, with Danny DeVito bringing the grumpy yet lovable Lorax to life.
12. The Lorax (Cont.)
While visually stunning and filled with environmental messages, some felt it over-commercialized the original story. Still, it performed well at the box office and introduced a new generation to Seuss' eco-conscious themes—plus, it gave us the viral "Let It Grow" meme years later.
11. Baywatch
Based on the famous TV series, this action comedy brings the iconic beachside adventure to the big screen with Zac Efron alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Efron plays Matt Brody, a former Olympic swimmer who joins the lifeguard team to bring a mix of humor and action to the film.
Baywatch (2017) - Official Trailer - Paramount Pictures by Paramount Pictures
11. Baywatch (Cont.)
The movie takes the campy, over-the-top spirit of the original series and turns it into an action-packed comedy full of slow-motion shots and playful banter. While some criticized the movie, it was a fun summer blockbuster that drew in fans for its nostalgic references and Zac's comedic flair.
Baywatch (2017) - Official Trailer - Paramount Pictures by Paramount Pictures
10. High School Musical
The movie that started it all. High School Musical turned Zac Efron into a household name, whether he liked it or not. As Troy Bolton, the basketball star with a secret love for singing, Efron won over millions of fans with his charm.
Troy, Gabriella - Breaking Free (From High School Musical) by DisneyMusicVEVO
10. High School Musical (Cont.)
Some fans don't know that Efron didn't sing all the hits because the songs were written for a tenor. Since Efron is a baritone, actor and singer Drew Seeley provided most of the singing. Though undeniably cheesy, HSM became a pop culture sensation.
Troy - Get'cha Head in the Game (From High School Musical) by DisneyMusicVEVO
9. The Greatest Beer Run Ever
Yes, this is based on a true story—one that sounds too ridiculous to be real. The movie follows John "Chickie" Donohue or Efron, a guy who decides to personally deliver drinks to his friends… who just so happen to be fighting in the Vietnam War.
The Greatest Beer Run Ever — Official Trailer | Apple TV+ by Apple TV
9. The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Cont.)
What starts as a lighthearted stunt quickly turns into a sobering realization about the realities of war. Efron delivers a solid performance, balancing comedy with emotional depth, alongside a cast featuring Russell Crowe and Bill Murray. It's a unique war story that showcases Efron's growing range as an actor.
The Greatest Beer Run Ever — Official Trailer | Apple TV+ by Apple TV
8. Scoob!
Zac Efron steps into the shoes of Fred Jones in Scoob!, a modern animated take on Scooby-Doo. This reboot attempts to reintroduce the Mystery Inc gang while expanding the Hanna-Barbera universe by bringing in characters like Blue Falcon.
Scoob! - Official Trailer (2020) Zac Efron, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried by IGN
8. Scoob! (Cont.)
We follow Scooby and Shaggy as they get caught up in a superhero-style adventure while the gang tries to stop a global catastrophe. In addition to being visually impressive and packed with nostalgic nods, Efron's take on Fred added some fresh energy to the classic leader of the gang.
Scoob! - Official Trailer (2020) Zac Efron, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried by IGN
7. Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates
By 2016, Efron found a good opportunity in a movie written by Andrew Jay Cohen and Brendan O'Brien. The movie is based on two real-life brothers who placed a Craigslist ad, asking for dates for a wedding.
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX by 20th Century Studios
7. Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates (Cont.)
Zac Efron teams up with Adam Devine for a wild comedy about two brothers who post an online ad to hire dates for their sister's wedding. What follows is a hilarious, chaotic adventure as the brothers and their dates get themselves into all sorts of ridiculous situations.
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX by 20th Century Studios
6. The Greatest Showman
Despite success with comedies, Efron wanted to impress his fans with a dazzling musical. He found what he was looking for in a film that tells the story of PT Barnum and the creation of his circus, Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The Greatest Showman | Official Trailer by 20th Century Studios Indonesia
6. The Greatest Showman (Cont.)
Zac Efron plays the role of Phillip Carlyle, a wealthy playwright who joins Barnum's unconventional circus troupe. The film's vibrant musical numbers and catchy songs made it a huge box-office success. Moreover, Zac's role as a romantic lead paired with Zendaya's character was widely praised.
The Greatest Showman | Official Trailer by 20th Century Studios Indonesia
5. Hairspray
Big hair, big dreams, and big musical numbers—Hairspray was Zac Efron's first major break beyond High School Musical, and he absolutely owned it as Link Larkin, the swoon-worthy teen heartthrob. The film is a vibrant, feel-good adaptation of the Broadway musical set in the 1960s.
Hairspray (4/5) Movie CLIP - Last Minute Entry (2007) HD by Movieclips
5. Hairspray (Cont.)
Hairspray is centered around Tracy Turnblad, a big-hearted girl who dreams of dancing on a local TV show. As she fights for racial integration, Link realizes there's more to life than just being cool. With a cast featuring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Queen Latifah, Hairspray was a massive hit.
Run and Tell That - Hairspray (2007) by Robbie Hendren
4. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is the sequel to the hit comedy Neighbors, where Zac Efron returns as the lovable and somewhat misfit college guy Teddy. This time, a sorority moves in next door to Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, and chaos ensues once again.
Neighbors 2 - Official Trailer (HD) by Universal Pictures
4. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (Cont.)
The film brings back the original cast and adds a fresh twist with the sorority girls, played by Chloe Grace Moretz and others. While Neighbors 2 may not have been as fresh as the first film, it still delivered the same outrageous antics that fans loved.
3. The Iron Claw
The National Board of Review named this movie as one of the top 10 for 2023. It's a biographical sports drama about wrestling legend Kevin Von Erich, and it follows the rise and tragic downfall of the Von Erich family, one of wrestling's most famous dynasties.
The Iron Claw | Official Trailer HD | A24 by A24
3. The Iron Claw (Cont.)
Efron physically transformed for the role, bulking up to an almost unrecognizable level. The movie delivers intense wrestling sequences and a heartbreaking look at the pressures of legacy and expectation. Critics praised Efron's performance and called it one of his most powerful yet.
The Iron Claw | Official Trailer HD | A24 by A24
2. 17 Again
What if you could relive your teenage years and fix your mistakes? That's the premise of 17 Again, where Matthew Perry plays a washed-up, unhappy adult who magically transforms into his 17-year-old self—conveniently looking like Zac Efron.
Funniest Moments (Mashup) | 17 Again | TBS by TBS
2. 17 Again (Cont.)
As the younger version of himself, Efron returns to high school, reconnects with his kids (without them realizing it), and learns a thing or two about appreciating life. The film mixes comedy and love, with Efron showcasing his comedic chops and leading-man charisma.
Funniest Moments (Mashup) | 17 Again | TBS by TBS
1. Neighbors
In 2014, Neighbors fully transitioned Zac Efron into R-rated comedy territory—and he nailed it. He plays Teddy, the ultimate frat bro who, along with his rowdy fraternity, moves in next door to a suburban couple played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne.
Neighbors - Trailer by Universal Pictures
1. Neighbors (Cont.)
What starts as friendly banter quickly turns into all-out suburban warfare, with pranks and parties escalating to insane levels. Efron shines as the charming but unhinged frat leader. He balances comedy with surprising depth as his character faces the reality of adulthood.
