Premiered: January 20, 2006

On: Disney Channel

Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Lucas Grabeel, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Joey Miyashima, Bart Johnson, Olesya Rulin, Chris Warren Jr., Ryne Sanborn, Kaycee Stroh & Alyson Reed

Did anyone really realize what a cultural phenomenon High School Musical was destined to be? It’s been 12 years since the movie came out and the songs still get stuck.

When fate brings them together, jock Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and brainiac Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) audition together for the school musical. Their union disrupts the social norm at their school and everyone is determined to return them to their rightful places.

The plot may seem underwhelming, but the music is what really drives this story. And while Efron did not provide his own singing vocals in this film, songs like “Get’cha Head in the Game” and “Breaking Free” became instant classics.

As mean girl and school musical queen Sharpay, Ashley Tisdale steals the show.

Final say: Disney Channel’s golden original movie. ★★★★★