Top 10 High School Musical Songs
The High School Musical Franchise may have ended but we're still singing along to their songs! For this list, it's pretty simple: we're sticking to songs performed in any of the three movies in the franchise. We've included songs like “Start of Something New”, “Just Wanna be With You”, “Can I Have this Dance?”, “What Time Is it?”, “Get'cha Head in the Game” and “Breaking Free”.
#10: “Start of Something New” “High School Musical” (2006)
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This is where it all began. After meeting each other at a mountain resort, Gabriella and Troy are pushed by their friends to sing karaoke together on the last night of winter break. Although they start off a little shy, as the song goes on they become more confident and their voices blend together, showing audiences the dynamic partnership that would drive the rest of the series. It’s the first time we hear Troy and Gabriella together, and their interaction is almost too cute to handle. Just like the title promises, this song gives us a hopeful new beginning and a taste of what’s to come.
#9: “Just Wanna Be with You” “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008)
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For their final high school performance, Troy and Gabriella had to bring the heat, and that’s exactly what they did with this song. This number is performed as part of the “Senior Year Spring Musical,” and it is the highlight of the show – especially given Gabriella’s unexpected return home from her early acceptance program at Stanford. The crowd loves that they have the opportunity to see Troy and Gabriella on stage one last time, and the duo doesn’t disappoint as they declare their love for each other, much like they did in the first movie. It’s a full circle performance that warms our hearts.
#8: “Fabulous” “High School Musical 2” (2007)
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Whether you love or hate her, you can’t deny that Sharpay’s pretty fabulous. She’s the filthy rich mean girl of the group, and her song serves as her personal anthem, expressing her desire for the finer things in life – like a Prada tote and a Tiffany headband. Though she’s performing the tune with her brother Ryan, Sharpay is powerful and in command as she bosses around everyone in sight. It’s a fun song that perfectly embodies her character, while also opening the door for similar themes to be explored in “High School Musical 3”’s “I Want It All.” And, nothing commands respect like a young woman who knows exactly what she wants.
#7: “You Are the Music in Me” “High School Musical 2” (2007)
Although there are multiple versions of this song, this spot has to go to the one performed by Gabriella and Troy. After Kelsi writes the song for the duo to sing in the big end of summer talent show, the two quickly pick it up, realizing it’s one of the best she’s ever written. This couple is at their best when they’re expressing their feelings for one another through song, and this piece is no exception to that rule. Their voices sound amazing together, and both their joy and energy are palpable as they perform this sweet tune in perfect unison.
#6: “Can I Have This Dance?” “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008) Even though it seemed like Gabriella and Troy weren’t going to make it, we knew in our heart that the series couldn’t end with them apart. They had multiple duets throughout the course of the franchise, but something about this one feels more mature and heartfelt than their previous routines, as the couple waltzes in the rain and promises an undying commitment to each other even though they’ll be at different schools. It’s a simple song that relies on their emotive vocals, and it shows viewers how much they’ve grown musically over the course of the films.
#5: “What Time Is It?” “High School Musical 2” (2007)
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Everyone can relate to the excitement of leaving school for the summer, and this entry encapsulates that feeling perfectly. At the start of “High School Musical 2,” the group can barely contain their joy about their summer plans, which mostly include hanging out with friends and romance by the pool. Echoing that enthusiasm, both the vocals and the dancing are fast paced, setting high expectations for the numbers that follow. This was the song of the summer back in 2007 when it peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart for a whopping 28 weeks – and we can see exactly why.
#4: “Get’cha Head in the Game” “High School Musical” (2006) Any song that can use basketballs and squeaking sneakers to make something this catchy is pretty legit in our book. In the first movie, Troy can’t get Gabriella or the musical auditions out of his head, when what he should really be thinking about is the championship. This glorious song and dance is Troy’s attempt to get himself back on track and thinking about the big game, with some help from his teammates. As a bonus, the song changes tempo halfway through, giving our main man a meaningful solo where he expresses how good it feels to sing freely. It’s the perfect pre-game pump-up song that’s guaranteed to get stuck in your head.
#3: “Bet On It” “High School Musical 2” (2007)
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As one of the best solos in the franchise, “Bet On It” is Troy’s statement of independence – and we’re totally down for it. Not only is Troy fed up with everyone trying to run his life; he also feels isolated from his peers, so he takes to the resort’s golf course to vent his frustrations. The resulting throwback to 1980s’ Michael Jackson is full of feeling and introspection as he sings about taking control back. This is one great because the lyrics are so relatable. Plus, the dance is so epic we’re using memes from it today.
#2: “We’re All in This Together” “High School Musical” (2006)
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It’s hard not to get up and dance to this one. The ultimate feel-good tune, “We’re All in This Together” is the perfect reminder that your friends always have your back. It’s a group number that features key members of the cast, including Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale, making it a celebration of teamwork and school spirit. “We’re All in This Together” also has one of the movie’s best dance sequences, with the entire school assembly breaking out into an impeccably choreographed routine. It’s a great end to a great movie. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “Gotta Go My Own Way” “High School Musical 2” (2007) - “Work This Out” “High School Musial 2” (2007) - “A Night to Remember” “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008)
#1: “Breaking Free” “High School Musical” (2006)
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Who doesn’t think of this song when reminiscing about the High School Musical franchise? The epitome of what all three movies represent, “Breaking Free” is the song featured in the first movie’s climax when Troy and Gabriella realize they can be whoever they want to be, in spite of high school stereotypes. Just like “Everyday” in the second film, it brings our favorite couple together for an inspiring duet. A powerful message to young audiences, “Breaking Free” is all about spreading your wings and not letting fear stop you from succeeding. No wonder the song was released as an official single and reached gold status, selling more than 500,000 copies.
