After making his debut as a young Simon Tam in an episode of the short-lived Fox series in 2002, FirefulZac Efron has been steadily building his career as an actor. However, despite being a series regular on The WB series, SummerlandHis career didn’t really take off until he landed the role of Troy Bolton in the 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie. High School MusicalSince then, he has not only worked steadily, but has consistently improved as an actor, earning himself a spot in the 2023 Iron Claw.
Sure, Efron is still often dismissed as a one-off teen idol by those who don’t follow his career closely, but with roles ranging from PT Barnum’s right-hand man to Ted Bundy, there’s no question that he’s grown over the years. Here, we take a closer look at the 15 best Zac Efron movies and TV shows of all time.
15. The Disaster Artist (2017)
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If Efron had played a more prominent role, the movie would have ranked higher. Entertainment Weekly“No role is too small,” wrote a critic in his review. [director James Franco’s] A parade of stars, many of whom only have a few lines. ” Efron is certainly in good company, as the “parade” of cameos also includes Sharon Stone, Bryan Cranston, Bob Odenkirk, Judd Apatow, Megan Mullally, Melanie Griffith and Josh Hutcherson. If you’ve seen Tommy Wiseau’s sadly iconic cult film, roomI highly recommend you check it out. The Disaster Artistif you haven’t already, The Disaster Artist you want To see it.
Where to watch The Disaster Artist: Max
14. Miracle Run (2004)
Many famous actors have appeared in at least one Lifetime film, and Efron is no exception. In this film, based on a true story, he plays Steven, an autistic teenager who, along with his brother Philip (Thomas Lewis), who is also autistic, struggles to prove he can survive the rigors of public school despite his disability. High School MoviesEfron was able to prove that she came to the job not just as a pretty face, so to speak, but also brought a flair for the dramatic.
Where to watch Miracle Run: Tubby
13. Charlie St. Cloud (2010)
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This film is based on a novel by Ben Sherwood. The Death and Life of Charlie St. CloudIn the film, Efron plays a Stanford-bound teenager whose future plans are suddenly derailed when his brother Sam is killed in a car accident driven by Charlie. Traumatized, Charlie wallows in guilt and depression, but an encounter with the cancer-stricken Florio (Ray Liotta) reminds him that maybe there was a reason he survived the accident, despite Sam’s death. It’s a minor drama in Efron’s oeuvre and not worth revisiting, but it did help launch him into the frontman role of his dreams.
Where to watch Charlie St. Cloud: YouTube TV
12. Lady Luck (2012)
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The words “based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks” can either alienate or draw in an audience. While the film didn’t receive great critical acclaim, many romance fans still enjoyed it. Lucky oneDespite a rather outlandish premise — a Marine (Efron) finds a photo of a beautiful woman (Taylor Schilling) while on duty in Iraq, believes it’s a lucky charm that saved his life, and vows to find her when he gets home — Efron and Schilling have solid on-screen chemistry. Sure, the sentimental scenes are over the top, but this couple is charming nonetheless.
Where to watch Lucky one: Amazon Prime Video (rental)
11. Liberal Arts (2012)
Starring as Ted Mosby how i met your motherJosh Radnor spent some time behind the camera, beginning his directorial career in the 2010s. Thank you happy, more please As with his directorial debut, Radner reprises the film’s male lead, playing Jesse Fisher, a 35-year-old college admissions officer who falls in love with 19-year-old student Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen). Efron also has a small role as Zibby’s quirky classmate Nat, but he still captures his charisma in this lesser-known film.
Where to watch Liberal art: AMC+
10. The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)
Apple TV+
In this period piece, Efron plays John “Chickie” Donahue, a New York merchant seaman who ends up delivering beer cans to friends serving overseas in Vietnam. “It’s one of those incredible real-life scenarios that you just can’t believe a guy gets caught up in,” Efron told EW at the time of the film’s release. Not only is it based on a true story, Efron even got to meet the real Donahue during production. It’s a fun, heartfelt movie that won’t blind you to critics.
Where to watch The Greatest Beer Run Ever: Hulu
9. The Greatest Showman (2017)
A musical adaptation of the life and times of P.T. Barnum. One The musical stars Hugh Jackman as a showman and Efron as Philip Carlyle, a playwright who becomes enthralled with the circus and partners with Barnum before suffering tragedy while trying to woo trapeze artist Anne Wheeler (Zendaya). Indeed, EW’s critics say the pair “bring a gentler, more lifelike sensibility to the story.”
Where to watch The Greatest Showman: Disney+
8. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Wicked and Vile (2019)
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As an EW critic wrote in their review, “It’s A very innocent person, shockingly wronged, and actually a pretty good person.The film is about the notorious Ted Bundy, who kidnapped, raped, and murdered dozens of women in the 1970s. Playing a serial killer isn’t without its weight — just ask Steve Railsback — but as Mark Harmon did in his 1986 film, “The Man from Nowhere,” Bundy is a character that’s been given a lot of attention. Intentional strangerEfron delivers a masterful performance and walks away (mostly) unscathed.
Where to watch Extremely evil, shockingly wicked, vile: Netflix
7. Me and Orson Welles (2008)
Christian McKay’s performance as Welles is the main reason to see Richard Linklater’s portrayal of Orson Welles’ early career at the Mercury Theatre. (Indeed, that’s what EW’s critic wrote in his review.) But Efron plays the other main character (aka “I”), and he gets a fair bit of screen time. As young actor Richard Samuels, Efron has a lot of conflict with McKay, wooing Claire Danes, then being betrayed and heartbroken by Welles.
Where to watch Me and Orson Welles: YouTube TV
6. Zac Efron and Down to Earth (2020-2022)
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Given the amount of hard work required Iron ClawPerhaps Efron looks back on the two seasons of his Netflix travel series as a bona fide diversion. Teaming up with writer and podcaster Darin Olien, Efron travels the globe over the 16 episodes, visiting destinations like Costa Rica, France, Iceland, London, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Sardinia, and focusing on a variety of topics like green energy, nature, and sustainable living practices. While it’s definitely a show for Efron’s biggest fans, it still offers light-hearted escapist entertainment.
Where to watch Get Down to Earth with Zac Efron: Netflix
5. 17 Again (2009)
“please think about it big “Upside down,” wrote an EW critic, which is the simplest synopsis of this teen comedy, in which the late Matthew Perry plays 37-year-old Mike O’Donnell, who suddenly transforms into his 17-year-old self (Zac Efron). Mike can’t get his life back together, but he can help his son avoid the mistakes he once made. After Perry’s death, he learned that it was Perry’s wish for Efron to play him in the biopic, and admitted he was “hugely honored.”
Where to watch 17 again: Amazon Prime Video (rental)
4. Neighbours (2014)
After 3 o’clock high school musical It was inevitable that Efron would go on to college in the film, and in this Nicholas Stoller-directed film, it happened. Efron plays Teddy Sanders, president of Delta Psi Beta and the thorn in the side of the Radnor family (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne), new parents whose lives are turned upside down when the aforementioned fraternity moves in next door. EW’s reviewer stated: neighbor It is described as both “a dorm movie with thoughts about more than beer, bongs and beer bongs” and “a sharp commentary on desperately trying to remain carefree after the burdens of adulthood take over.”
Where to watch neighbor: AppleTV+
3. Hairspray (2007)
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his High School Musical Following his success, Efron was tapped to star in a musical adaptation of John Waters’ 1988 classic film, “Star Wars: Episode I,” which tells the story of teenager Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), whose life changes when she wins a dance role at an audition. The Corny Collins ShowEfron plays the show’s leading man, Link Larkin, and funny enough, director Adam Shankman initially didn’t want to cast him for the role, believing him to be “too Disney-esque.” Thankfully, Shankman’s sister persuaded Efron, and the rest is movie musical history.
Where to watch hair spray: Amazon Prime Video (rental)
2. High School Musical (2006); High School Musical 2 (2007); High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)
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Wait, you thought they’d take up three separate slots on the countdown when they could have just put together an entire series? Plus, this is the epic musical adventure that transformed Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu and their co-stars from Disney Channel wannabes to full-blown global superstars. As basketball star Troy Bolton and shy Gabriella Montez, Efron and Hudgens are the emotional heart of the movie, and dare I say it, their on-screen chemistry has never been better than when they laboriously belt out “Gotta Go My Own Way.” High School Musical 2.
Where to watch High School Musical: Disney+
1. Iron Claw (2023)
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To tell Iron Claw To say this was a transformational film for Efron doesn’t do it justice. If you didn’t know he actually bulked up to play the role of wrestler Kevin Von Erich, you’d think the muscles were just special effects. It’s incredible… and he actually gives an emotional heavyweight performance to match. Some might say you have to be a wrestling fan to appreciate the tragic tale of the Von Erich brothers (the title is borrowed from the brothers’ signature move in the ring), but don’t listen. This is a touching family drama on Efron’s shoulders.
Where to watch Iron Claw: Max
