Top 10 Best High School Musical Duets

As we watch our favorite East High seniors prepare for college, there’s a sense of nostalgia in the air. So the spring musical, which is all about their journeys, carries an extra emotional weight. We first hear “Just Wanna Be With You” - a song intended for Troy and Gabriella - at rehearsals for the big moment. But when she goes to Stanford early and he surprises her there, Sharpay and Jimmie "Rocket Man" Zara take over. Thankfully, Troy and Gabriella make it back in time to duet the second half of the tune like only they can! The magic of the song lies in their emotion and love, specifically because it’s their story. Needless to say, it holds a special place in fans’ hearts, and for good reason.

It’s finally time for the talent show, but circumstances aren’t ideal. Though Troy makes amends with his friends, Gabriella is still gone. But when he agrees to sing with Sharpay in spite of everything, Ryan and the rest of the gang secretly hatch a plan. Unbeknownst to Sharpay, they give Troy a new song to learn under the guise that she made a last minute swap. As he sings his part, a familiar voice appears. Of course, it’s Gabriella herself! They reunite and duet the number as though they had never been apart, and mesmerize everybody with their performance in the process. We could watch this number everyday of our lives and never get sick of it!

As Sharpay and Ryan's callback audition duet, this song is full of glitz and glamor - just like them. A fast-paced and energetic number, “Bop to the Top” perfectly encapsulates what this twin duo is all about. In effect, everything from the lyrics, to the choreography, to the overall production of the number is reflective of their over-the-top and theatrical personalities. They are determined to be cast as the leads in the musical, and that definitely comes across here. While Sharpay and Ryan are the main antagonists of the first film, there's no denying the time, artistry, and craftsmanship that they put into this performance.

This touching song - another perfect Gabriella and Troy duet - is emblematic of their identity as a couple. They know big changes are coming with graduation and university imminent. And they understand that means making some major decisions about their futures, individually and together. But while they sing this track, none of that matters. It focuses on how much they love each other, and is all about soaking up every minute of the present together. As the song says, the rest can wait. It's clear they won't be able to remain in this state of bliss forever, but they can enjoy it while they sing together.

Whenever Kelsi composes a new piece, there’s no doubt it’s going to be good. And she certainly didn’t disappoint with “You Are the Music in Me”! She created it specifically for Troy and Gabriella, and it captures their feelings for each other perfectly. While Troy is initially reluctant to duet the song, he quickly comes around. It’s not long before they immerse themselves in the experience and bring Kelsi’s words and music to life. It’s her artistic vision, paired with Troy and Gabriella’s chemistry, that makes this duet so special. It’s no wonder Sharpay’s remix, while certainly entertaining, doesn’t quite compare!

What do you get when you mix baseball, music, and dancing? Well, in “High School Musical 2”, the result is an electrifying duet. As Ryan comes into his own, he’s invited to the staff baseball game. But when Gabriella asks the twin to direct their talent show number, Chad is reluctant. He doesn’t see himself as a dancer! However, Ryan challenges that notion with the ball game. As he proves he has some serious athletic skills, the two debate through this energizing song. Chad thinks he can’t dance, but his moves here prove that he can! He even warms up to the idea of doing so in the show by the end. With everything from catchy lyrics to a dance break, this moment is pure fun!

If you love adorable meet-cutes, chances are you’re a big fan of this tune. It’s the number that leads Troy and Gabriella to one another at karaoke on New Year’s Eve, after all! Neither of them initially wants to sing, but they gradually become more comfortable with the lyrics - and with each other - as the song progresses. Slowly but surely, they break out of their shells and start to connect, bringing the melody to life in the process. And they do all of that before even learning each other's names! An exciting song about new beginnings, this number foreshadows Troy and Gabriella’s love story beautifully.

When Troy gets caught up in the special treatment he's getting thanks to Sharpay, he starts neglecting Gabriella and his friends. She finally reaches her limit, and decides that enough is enough. After confronting Sharpay, she proceeds to break up with Troy with this heart- wrenching duet. He begs her to stay, but Gabriella’s message is clear: their relationship isn’t working right now, and she needs to leave for herself. She even returns the necklace he gave her at the start of the film before departing the country club. This was THE break-up duet that broke hearts everywhere in 2007. And if we’re being honest, it still hurts today. It’s just that iconic.

Performed once on the roof of the school, and a second time on Stanford’s campus, “Can I Have This Dance” expresses Troy and Gabriella’s desire to choose one another. From spending their high school prom together, to facing the future head on, they want to support each other through life’s big moments. A slow and steady song - with an eloquent waltz to match - this number is mature, moving, and sophisticated. Gabriella and Troy sing “Can I Have This Dance” twice together, and each rendition is charming, soft, and romantic. Because that’s just how deep their love is. There’s no doubt that they are a couple that’s meant to last.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“What I've Been Looking for (Reprise)”, “High School Musical” (2006)
Troy & Gabriella’s Rendition of This Tune Earns Them a Callback

“The Boys Are Back”, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008)
Troy & Chad Think About Their Childhood Days

“What I've Been Looking For”, “High School Musical” (2006)
A Fitting Glimpse Into Sharpay & Ryan’s Personalities

In “High School Musical”, Troy and Gabriella really just want to perform - and be - together. But the people around them discourage and sabotage the idea. After a series of events that jeopardize their chances, the two finally make it to the stage for the callbacks with the help of their friends. As the auditorium fills up with cheering students, they deliver a beautiful rendition of “Breaking Free”. This duet is powerful, because it emphasizes the importance of sticking together and trusting that you can do anything you set your mind to. The way Troy and Gabriella come together so effortlessly to deliver that message on stage is enough to make everyone believe it’s true. We still get chills everytime we watch them!