Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Zac Efron

When Simone Biles won gold at the Rio Olympics, little could she have expected that it would only be one of her high points of the day. The whole Final Five squad couldn’t believe their eyes when Zac Efron walked in, but Simone was especially floored. Efron is super sweet and humble, and it’s clear that he’s a big fan of theirs, too. If you’re looking for a feel-good moment to brighten your day, this is it. Winning gold medals? Been there, done that, if you’re Biles. But meeting Zac Efron? Now that’s next-level excitement! We bet if she got back on the floor, she’d jump higher than ever. Celebrities, eh? They’re just like us!

Although Efron got his big break in the Disney Channel original movie “High School Musical,” we didn’t really get to hear his true singing voice until the 2007 sequel. We can only imagine the kids who went to high school with him wondered why they didn’t use his real singing voice in the first movie. They had probably watched him in his actual high school musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Thanks apparently to his old drama teacher and Jimmy Kimmel, we got a fun glimpse of that performance, too. Efron has come a long way since then, but we’re thrilled he’s still got the moves.

In 2024, Efron starred as egotistical Hollywood actor Chris Cole in the Netflix rom-com “A Family Affair.” Chris embarks on a relationship with Brooke, the mother of his ex-personal assistant, Zara. Their on-screen chemistry is hilariously tense, but behind the scenes, they actually seem like great friends. Throughout the press trail, we were treated to insights of what their relationship is truly like, and it’s equal measures sweet and funny. It’s clear that they’re huge admirers of each other and are happy to cheer each other on in interviews. It looks like they have a lot of fun together; we hope they team up for another film in the future. Maybe this time as besties!

During the press tour for “The Greatest Showman,” Efron, along with Hugh Jackman and Zendaya, joined James Corden for one of his classic Crosswalk Musicals. While Efron’s not the most vocal during rehearsals, the confusion on his face is priceless. You could just tell he was thinking, “What on earth did I sign up for?” But once they hit the streets of New York, Efron brought his all-singing, all-dancing talents to the performance, and it’s fantastic. They lead the ensemble in numbers from “On The Town,” “Guys and Dolls,” and “The Greatest Showman.” The tricycle bit was just the icing on the cake, although nothing compared to his wig for the big “Fame” finale!

It takes an actor with impeccable comedic flair to step into the shoes of the late great Matthew Perry. Turns out that Zac Efron was the perfect fit! In the movie, he plays a 17-year-old version of Perry’s character, a former star athlete who peaked in high school. Efron did a great job capturing Perry’s sarcastic wit and awkward charm. Plus, his comedic timing and natural charisma made him believable as a teenager struggling to navigate high school life with the wisdom (and baggage) of a middle-aged man. He even had Perry’s approval, with the late actor voicing that if his life ever became a biopic, he’d cast Efron to play him.

Back in 2009, Efron made his debut as host on “SNL” and showed he was up for anything, even poking fun at himself. He kicked off with a monologue thanking his tween fans for his rise to stardom. After that, he showed off his silly side in sketches like “I Am Your Mother” and “Gilly: Science Fair.” However, we’d say the highlight of the evening was the parody of “High School Musical 4,” where Troy reveals that life after East High isn’t a feel-good musical. In the real world, bursting into song won’t start a choreographed dance—people just think you’re strange. Thankfully, Troy Bolton will always have a place in the Disney family.

When Adam Shankman brought “Hairspray” to the silver screen, he wasn’t initially sold on casting Efron as teen heartthrob Link Larkin. He felt Efron’s audition leaned too much on his Troy Bolton persona, but, his sister and co-producer, convinced him otherwise. And she was right—Efron delivered the goods. He does an excellent job of playing the initially self-absorbed Link, who learns to open his heart and mind to change. Plus, his musical talents never fail to get our hearts racing. Seriously, we, like Tracy, can hear the bells whenever Efron's on screen! If it were our call, he’d be our top choice for this movie’s Link Larkin every single time.

Ellen was known for asking personal questions and getting her guests involved in quirky “bits.” So, when Efron and Taylor Swift appeared together on her show, they flipped the script. They surprised the host with a funny, customized rendition of Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks.” They hilariously sing about all the weird things Ellen had put them through in past visits. The performance is upbeat, light-hearted, and full of good humor. Efron and Swift showcase their musical and comedic harmony, and Ellen is clearly loving every minute of it. Seriously, why haven’t these two teamed up for a song yet? They sound incredible together! Okay, we so need this to happen!

Efron couldn’t have had an easier time holding our awe throughout this movie. Talk about being “The Greatest Showman!” However, there’s just one scene that takes our breath away every time. In this stunning number, he joins Zendaya, who plays Anne Wheeler, in a mesmerizing performance combining soaring aerial acrobatics and evocative vocals. The duo’s chemistry is off the charts, and they make every note and move feel incredibly real. You can tell that these two have some serious chemistry off-camera, and they have turned that up to the max here. It’s easy to believe that they are truly in love. It really feels like their partnership was written in the stars.

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

A Dramatic-ish Reading of Olivia Rodigo’s “Bad Idea Right?”, “W Magazine”
Now We’re Waiting to See Efron Join Rodrigo on Stage

Playing Teddy Sanders, “Neighbors” (2014)
He Even Makes a Loud, Arrogant & Immature Frat President Seem Somewhat Charming

Snack Tasting, “LADbible TV”
Maybe They Should Have Started with the Mild British Snack in This Round

Taking On the Role of Ted Bundy, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” (2019)
It’s Almost Criminal How Good He Is in This

A Secret Talent, “The Graham Norton Show” (2007-)
We Bet That Could Get Him Out of a Few Parking Tickets

Ah, the moment that launched 1,000 memes. By Disney Channel standards back then, this scene is peak teen angst. Although “Scream” from the third film is a close second. Yet, Efron brings a natural charisma to Troy that makes him easy to root for, even when he’s unsure of himself. As if we couldn’t love it more, Efron revealed that he improvised the entire scene, and they shot it in roughly three hours. Can we retroactively give him an Emmy for that? He deserves it! Efron also mentioned that, despite the rushed schedule, there was a particular moment in the original movie where he felt they were onto something extraordinary. Too bad he didn’t “Bet on It!”

What’s your favorite Zac Efron moment? Let us know in the comments.