It’s been nearly two decades since Zac Efron first sang and danced his way into pop culture consciousness, and in that time, he’s grown from a Disney heartthrob into one of Hollywood’s most unpredictable and quietly daring actors. While many of his early roles leaned heavily into his charm and good looks, Efron has gradually taken on projects that explore the rougher edges of fame, masculinity, and reinvention. Whether he’s crooning in a top hat, swinging a dumbbell, or disappearing into a serial killer’s smile, his body of work is as varied as it is fascinating.
But variety doesn’t always equal quality. Efron’s filmography is dotted with odd detours, uneven comedies, and more than a few “what were they thinking?” moments. Still, even in the most lackluster projects, he often brings an energy or charisma that hints at his untapped potential—or at least makes the movie bearable. That said, some of these films truly soar, showcasing a range that too often gets overlooked.
So, from the forgettable to the unforgettable, here’s a journey through every Zac Efron movie, ranked from “meh” to must-watch. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or wondering which ones are worth your time, this guide takes you through the highs, lows, and musical numbers of Zac Efron’s cinematic career.
20. Dirty Grandpa (2016)
Dirty Grandpa tries to shock its way to laughs with gross-out humor and intergenerational chaos, but ends up mostly just uncomfortable. Efron plays a straight-laced grandson dragged into spring break debauchery by his foul-mouthed grandpa, played by Robert De Niro. While the odd couple dynamic had potential, the film relies on repetitive gags and tired tropes. Efron’s effort to balance leading-man charisma with over-the-top comedy mostly falls flat. There’s a bizarre karaoke scene, a cringe-worthy attempt at romance, and an overall lack of story. Critics panned it, and audiences weren’t much kinder. Even for fans, this one’s best left in the bargain bin.
19. Firestarter (2022)
In this limp remake of the Stephen King classic, Efron plays a telekinetic girl’s protective father—but there’s little spark here. The film is visually dark, emotionally cold, and drags when it should blaze. Efron’s casting as a parent feels off, not for lack of effort but because the material gives him so little to work with. It neither builds tension nor offers compelling performances beyond surface-level panic. The source material had promise, but this version fizzles out fast. Even the fire effects look oddly cheap, undercutting any climactic suspense. Ultimately, it’s a slow burn that never ignites.
18. The Beach Bum (2019)
Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum is a chaotic, neon-colored fever dream where Efron plays a supporting role as Flicker, a pyro-loving oddball with stripes shaved into his beard. The film centers around Matthew McConaughey’s hedonistic poet, and Efron’s cameo feels like an extended Saturday Night Live sketch. He goes all in on the absurdity, from wild dance moves to vaping while preaching about the power of Creed. But despite its anarchic energy, the movie doesn’t know where it’s going—or why. It’s more of a vibe than a narrative, and not one that works for everyone. Efron earns points for fearlessness, but the end result feels like a weird detour. It’s strange, sometimes entertaining, but ultimately disposable.
17. Gold (2022)
Gold attempts to be a minimalist survival thriller but ends up as a tedious endurance test. Efron plays a drifter guarding a massive gold nugget in the desert, battling hallucinations, dehydration, and human threats. His physical transformation is impressive—dirty, sunburnt, and gaunt—but the film leans too hard on silence and ambiguity. There’s minimal dialogue, sparse story, and long stretches of not much happening. While Efron is committed, the movie offers too little emotional or narrative reward. It wants to be profound but settles for bleak. The setting is harsh, but the viewing experience is harsher.
16. We Are Your Friends (2015)
Zac Efron plays an aspiring DJ chasing a dream in We Are Your Friends, a film with big beats and a flatline plot. Despite stylish visuals and an energetic soundtrack, it never really finds its rhythm. Efron is earnest and likable, but the story plays like a poor man’s Entourage meets The Social Network. It’s a coming-of-age movie that forgets to give its characters actual growth. While it tries to deliver a message about passion and authenticity, it gets lost in EDM montages and predictable tropes. The final scene aims for catharsis but barely lands. A cool trailer, but not much else.
15. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
This raunchy comedy pairs Efron with Adam Devine as hard-partying brothers who post an online ad for respectable wedding dates—only to get out-crazied by Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza. Efron plays the slightly more grounded brother, but the movie thrives on its absurdity, not subtlety. There’s a chaotic charm to the group dynamic, but it often crosses into try-hard territory. Still, there are enough laugh-out-loud moments to keep it afloat. Efron proves again he can handle comedy, especially when playing off unhinged energy. It’s not art, but it’s a decent time if you’re in the mood for wild wedding mishaps. Just don’t expect to remember it the next day.
14. That Awkward Moment (2014)
That Awkward Moment wants to be a modern rom-com for bros, exploring the dating lives of three New York guys, but it ends up confused about its tone. Efron plays Jason, the charming commitment-phobe, opposite Imogen Poots. While the chemistry works, the script juggles too many clichés and awkward shifts from comedy to drama. It’s one of those movies where the title becomes an unfortunate prophecy. There are a few clever lines and genuine moments, but they’re buried under uneven writing. Efron does what he can, but the film can’t decide if it wants to be Friends With Benefits or (500) Days of Summer. The result is somewhere in between, and not in a good way.
13. The Lucky One (2012)
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, The Lucky One is as melodramatic and glossy as you’d expect—but also oddly hypnotic. Efron plays a Marine who believes a stranger’s photo saved his life and tracks her down after the war. The premise is romance-novel ridiculous, but he brings quiet conviction to the role. There’s rain, slow-motion longing, and a troubled past to overcome, all Sparks trademarks. While the film doesn’t challenge Efron, it gives him a leading-man moment to shine. For fans of sentimental romance, it hits the mark. For others, it might feel like emotional overkill.
12. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)
The follow-up to Neighbors brings Efron back as the lovable chaos-agent Teddy Sanders, but this time the anarchic energy feels slightly reheated. The twist is clever—female-led Greek life rebelling against campus restrictions—but the jokes don’t land as sharply. Efron leans into his character’s desperation and redemption arc, which adds some heart. Still, the freshness that made the first film great is missing. It’s serviceable, fun in parts, but not as memorable. The cast tries their best, and Efron adds value just by showing up. You’ll laugh, just not as hard or as long.
11. Charlie St. Cloud (2010)
A grief-soaked romantic fantasy, Charlie St. Cloud is earnest and emotionally heavy, sometimes to its detriment. Efron plays a young man mourning his brother while communicating with his ghost, and the role gives him space to show dramatic range. It’s beautifully shot and occasionally touching, but also deeply melodramatic. The supernatural angle is handled with too much seriousness, dragging down the narrative. Still, Efron’s performance is sincere and grounded, elevating the film. It’s a sentimental movie that wears its heart on its sleeve. Not perfect, but a stepping stone for Efron’s transition into more adult roles.
10. Liberal Arts (2012)
Though only a supporting role, Efron shines in Liberal Arts as Nat, a spontaneous, sage-like stoner who pops up with bursts of existential advice and wide-eyed warmth. The film, written and directed by Josh Radnor, is a thoughtful indie about aging, literature, and romantic disillusionment. Nat could have been a one-note character, but Efron infuses him with heart and humor. His brief appearances steal scenes and leave a lasting impression. It’s one of his most unusual roles, and one where he’s clearly enjoying the freedom to be weird. The film overall is a quiet gem with a gentle soul. Efron’s presence adds unexpected texture.
9. Baywatch (2017)
A big-screen adaptation that knows it’s ridiculous, Baywatch leans hard into parody, and Efron meets the challenge with flexed abs and deadpan wit. He plays Matt Brody, a disgraced Olympic swimmer with a chip on his shoulder and a drinking problem. Teaming up with Dwayne Johnson’s Mitch Buchannon, Efron plays the hotshot rookie trope with a self-aware smirk. The movie is full of absurd set pieces, slow-motion beach runs, and raunchy humor. It’s far from critically loved, but audiences found plenty to enjoy in its goofy charm. Efron throws himself into it—literally and comedically. Not a great film, but a fun one, and he’s a huge reason why.
8. 17 Again (2009)
In 17 Again, Efron takes on a reverse-aging role that lets him be both funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Playing a high school version of a disillusioned adult (originally played by Matthew Perry), he navigates fatherhood, regret, and a second chance at life. It’s a clever take on the body-swap genre, and Efron proves he’s more than just a teen idol. He handles comedic timing with ease but also brings emotional weight to scenes about missed opportunities. His performance is full of charm, but also grounded in a mature understanding of the character’s pain. It’s one of those rare comedies with a heart. And Efron nails it.
7. Neighbors (2014)
Neighbors was a breakout moment for Efron in adult comedy, casting him as frat king Teddy Sanders—part menace, part man-child. Opposite Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, Efron plays the charismatic antagonist whose party-hard lifestyle goes to war with suburban peace. He brings swagger, insecurity, and surprisingly layered vulnerability to the role. The movie is laugh-out-loud funny and refreshingly sharp for a genre often full of clichés. Efron’s physical comedy and presence elevate it from average to excellent. It marked a turning point in his career, showing he could hang with top-tier comedy talent. It’s wild, smart, and still holds up.
6. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
This dark biopic cast Efron as Ted Bundy—a bold and chilling move that paid off. Rather than portraying Bundy as a monster, the film focuses on his public persona and manipulation tactics, a perfect showcase for Efron’s charm used for sinister effect. It’s a terrifying reminder that evil can wear a smile. Efron delivers one of his most nuanced performances, balancing allure with menace. It’s uncomfortable to watch, which is kind of the point. He disappears into the role with eerie control. Critics were mixed on the film, but almost all praised his performance as career-defining.
5. High School Musical (2006)
The movie that started it all—High School Musical was an unexpected cultural phenomenon. Efron’s role as Troy Bolton, the jock with a hidden love for singing, launched him into stardom. The story is cheesy and wholesome, but its sincerity struck a chord with a generation. Efron’s natural charisma and chemistry with Vanessa Hudgens carried much of the film’s heart. While his vocals were dubbed in the first film, his acting presence was already undeniable. It’s not just nostalgia; there’s genuine charm here. A Disney classic that still gets people singing “Breaking Free.”
4. High School Musical 2 (2007)
A summer setting, more dance numbers, and Efron actually singing? Yes, please. High School Musical 2 took everything fans loved and turned it up a notch. From the iconic “Bet On It” solo to the poolside drama, Efron delivers full teen-idol power with confidence. He’s more comfortable in the role, and it shows. The musical sequences are sharper, the emotions a bit deeper, and the cheesiness is now part of the fun. It’s widely considered the best of the trilogy by fans. And honestly? It earns that title.
3. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)
Efron takes a victory lap in Senior Year, the franchise’s theatrical finale. With a bigger budget and more emotional stakes, the film is a polished, heart-tugging goodbye. Efron leads the charge with earnestness and a now-refined stage presence. The musical numbers are Broadway-inspired and visually striking, with Efron at the center of them all. His performance as Troy matures here, blending youthful charm with bittersweet reflection. It’s both a celebration and a send-off. And for a Disney musical, it’s surprisingly emotional.
2. The Greatest Showman (2017)
In The Greatest Showman, Efron plays Phillip Carlyle, a wealthy playwright drawn into the spectacle of P.T. Barnum’s circus. Paired with Zendaya in a swoon-worthy aerial romance, Efron reminds audiences of his musical roots while adding elegance and heart. He blends seamlessly into a cast of powerhouses, never overshadowed. His duet “Rewrite the Stars” became a global favorite, showcasing his vocal and emotional range. The movie is a visual and auditory feast, and Efron’s presence adds depth to its spectacle. It’s a film that believes in magic, and Efron helps sell the dream. He’s not just part of the show—he elevates it.
1. The Iron Claw (2023)
The Iron Claw is a revelation. Efron plays Kevin Von Erich in this heartbreaking biopic about the famed wrestling family torn apart by fame, pressure, and tragedy. Physically transformed and emotionally raw, Efron gives a career-best performance. It’s restrained, devastating, and deeply human. He carries the emotional weight of the film with quiet intensity, never overplaying it. For those who doubted his dramatic range, this is the mic drop. It’s the kind of role that redefines an actor’s legacy—and for Efron, it already has.
Leave a comment