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The Complete Ranking of Every Zac Efron Movie
Zac Efron is a versatile actor who has made a name for himself in both the world of musicals and more serious dramas. From his breakout role in “High School Musical” to his recent performances in films like “The Greatest Showman” and “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” Efron has proven himself to be a talented and charismatic actor. In this blog post, we will rank every Zac Efron movie, taking into account factors such as critical reception, box office success, and overall popularity.
1. High School Musical (2006)
It’s impossible to talk about Zac Efron without mentioning his iconic role as Troy Bolton in the “High School Musical” franchise. The first film in the series was a massive success, launching Efron into stardom and making him a household name. Efron’s performance as the charismatic basketball player who discovers a passion for singing and performing was praised by both critics and audiences alike.
2. The Greatest Showman (2017)
In “The Greatest Showman,” Efron plays the role of Phillip Carlyle, a wealthy playwright who becomes involved with P.T. Barnum’s circus. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but it was a commercial success and has gained a strong following since its release. Efron’s chemistry with his co-star, Zendaya, and his impressive vocal abilities were highlights of the film.
3. 17 Again (2009)
In this comedy-drama, Efron portrays Mike O’Donnell, a middle-aged man who magically transforms back into his 17-year-old self. “17 Again” was a box office success and showcased Efron’s comedic timing and charm. While the film may not have received critical acclaim, it remains a fan favorite and a testament to Efron’s ability to carry a film.
4. Me and Orson Welles (2008)
In this period drama, Efron stars as Richard Samuels, a young actor who gets the opportunity to work with the legendary Orson Welles. “Me and Orson Welles” received positive reviews from critics, with Efron’s performance being singled out for praise. The film may not have been a commercial success, but it showcased Efron’s range as an actor.
5. Hairspray (2007)
Based on the Broadway musical, “Hairspray” features Efron as Link Larkin, a popular teenage heartthrob. The film was a critical and commercial success, with Efron’s performance earning him praise for his dancing and singing abilities. Efron’s portrayal of Link Larkin solidified his status as a triple threat in the entertainment industry.
6. The Paperboy (2012)
In this crime drama, Efron plays the role of Jack Jansen, a young man who becomes involved in a murder investigation. “The Paperboy” received mixed reviews from critics, but Efron’s performance was praised for its vulnerability and intensity. This film marked a departure from Efron’s previous roles and showcased his willingness to take on more challenging and complex characters.
7. Charlie St. Cloud (2010)
In “Charlie St. Cloud,” Efron portrays the titular character, a young man who is haunted by the death of his younger brother. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Efron’s performance but criticizing the overall execution of the story. Despite its flaws, Efron’s emotional portrayal of Charlie resonated with audiences.
8. Baywatch (2017)
In this action-comedy film based on the popular television series, Efron plays the role of Matt Brody, a former Olympic swimmer turned lifeguard. “Baywatch” received negative reviews from critics, but Efron’s comedic timing and on-screen chemistry with Dwayne Johnson were highlights of the film. While it may not be one of Efron’s most critically acclaimed movies, it is an entertaining watch for fans of the genre.
9. That Awkward Moment (2014)
Co-starring alongside Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan, Efron plays Jason, a young man who struggles with commitment in this romantic comedy. “That Awkward Moment” received mixed reviews, with critics praising the chemistry between the three leads but criticizing the predictable storyline. Efron’s comedic performance was a standout in the film.
10. Neighbors (2014)
In this comedy film, Efron stars as Teddy Sanders, a fraternity president who clashes with his new neighbors, played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. “Neighbors” received positive reviews from critics, with Efron’s comedic performance being a highlight of the film. Efron’s ability to play both likable and mischievous characters was showcased in this role.
Zac Efron Details His ‘Shocking’ Physical Transformation For ‘Iron Claw’ Role (Exclusive)
For his bulked up role in The Iron Claw, star Zac Efron brought the legendary and groundbreaking pro-wrestler Kevin Von Erich to life on the big screen — a challenge that truly took a lot of effort and help to accomplish.
Efron walked the red carpet in an ivory suit by Reiss at the Dallas premiere of the new wrestling biopic drama, at the The Texas Theatre on Wednesday, and he spoke with ET’s Cassie DiLaura about his experience becoming the famed figure.
“This movie’s a true story, and that man, Kevin Von Erich right there, he really motivated me to get in shape for this movie,” Efron said of the real-life figure he portrayed, who was also in attendance at Wednesday’s premiere.
“The physicality he brought to the ring every single day was really unique. It changed wrestling,” Efron continued. “I knew that was going to be the hardest [thing] for me to master and get right. So, I put everything I had into it”
Kevin Von Erich and Zac Efron at the Dallas premiere of 'The Iron Claw' at the Texas Theater on Nov. 8. – Stewart Cook/Getty Images
And it seems to have paid off. As Efron explained, “He told me he was happy with it last night, so I’m stoked! I cried a little bit, if I’m going to be completely honest.”
Apart from getting in peak physical condition, the role also required Efron to rock the famed wrestler’s bowl cut ‘do and notably wrestling attire.
“It was shocking at every point of the transformation,” Efron said. “I remember Harris [Dickinson] and I were walking out of hair and make-up and it was like the first time we had to wear the full kit, and we were both thinking, ‘What the hell are we doing here, man? How did we get into this?'”
“But I think it ended up looking really good and we had a great crew helping us out with that,” Efron added. “The hair and make-up team was epic.”
The Iron Claw follows the Von Erich family, led by patriarch and coach Fritz Von Erich (played by Mindhunter star Holt McCallany), and his sons — Kevin Von Erich (Efron), David (Dickinson), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), and Mike (Stanley Simons).
The Von Erich brothers spent the majority of their careers in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where they won multiple individual and tag team titles. The family was a pro-wrestling dynasty in the 1980s, who found both triumph and tragedy in and out of the ring.
The brothers’ untimely fates (five of Fritz’s six sons would precede him in death) led many wrestling fans to mythologize the idea of the “Von Erich curse.”
The Iron Claw hits theaters on Dec. 22.
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Zac Efron Opens Up About ‘Epic’ Transformation for ‘The Iron Claw’: ‘It Was Shocking’
Zac Efron has never shied away from a challenge for a role.
Efron, 36, opened up about transforming into Kevin Von Erich for his upcoming film, The Iron Claw, which premieres on Friday, December 22. “It was shocking at every point of the transformation,” he told Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, November 8. “I remember Harris [Dickinson] and I were walking out of hair and makeup and it was the first time we had to wear the full kit, and we were both thinking, ‘What the hell are we doing here, man? How did we get into this?’”
He continued, explaining, “It ended up looking really good … The hair and makeup team was epic.”
In addition to giving the hair and makeup departments their props, Efron shared his new workout routine to portray the famous wrestler. Von Erich, 66, “really motivated me to get in shape for this movie,” Efron said.
“The physicality he brought to the ring every single day was really unique. It changed wrestling,” he continued. “I knew that was going to be the hardest [thing] for me to master and get right. So, I put everything I had into it.”
This isn’t the first time Efron changed his appearance for a role. In 2017, he maintained a strict diet and workout routine for the movie Baywatch. Efron later opened up about how “burned out” he felt preparing for the role.
“I started to develop insomnia, and I fell into a pretty bad depression for a long time,” he told Men’s Health in October 2022. “Something about that experience burned me out. I had a really hard time recentering.”
Retired American Professional Wrestler, Kevin Von Erich and Actor Zac Efron. Omar Vega/Getty Images
Later, Efron discovered the diuretics he was taking to reduce liquids in his body were to blame. “That Baywatch look, I don’t know if that’s really attainable,” Efron said. “There’s just too little water in the skin. Like, it’s fake. It looks CGI’d. And that required Lasix, powerful diuretics, to achieve. So I don’t need to do that.”
Six months after filming wrapped, he started to feel like himself again.
During his red carpet appearance on Wednesday, Efron was asked about his late 17 Again costar Matthew Perry. He told Extra that he would be “honored” to play Perry, who died last month, in a biopic.
Thank You!
Following Perry’s sudden death in October, his friend Athenna Crosby told ET Canada that Perry wanted Efron to play a younger version of him in a film.
Zac Efron is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
“Soaring, flying, there’s not a star in heaven that we can’t reach…”
Actor Zac Efron is proving those “High School Musical” lyrics to be true, as he is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next week.
In a news release, the Walk of Fame said Efron’s ceremony will be held Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m.
Efron’s star will be the 2,767th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Efron became a household name in 2006 when he starred as Troy Bolton, the lead character in the Disney Channel original movie “High School Musical,” which became a cultural phenomenon.
Over the years, Efron has starred in numerous films, including comedies like “17 Again,” “Neighbors,” and “Baywatch;” hit musicals like “The Greatest Showman” and “Hairspray;” and more serious films like “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” in which he played notorious serial killer Ted Bundy.
In 2021, Efron hosted the Netflix travel documentary series “Down to Earth with Zac Efron,” which won a Daytime Emmy Award. The popular show released its second season in 2022.
Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in a statement that Efron’s star will be the last of the year.
“We are thrilled to honor actor Zac Efron, who began his career as a Disney alum and has reinvented himself as a leading man by playing a wide variety of great roles,” Martinez said. “What a way to end our year of star ceremonies with this very popular and gifted actor!”
Efron’s upcoming projects include starring in “The Iron Claw,” premiering in theaters Dec. 22. It tells the story of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of wrestlers in the 1960s who were plagued by misfortune and loss.
Efron also recently wrapped production on “A Family Affair,” a romantic comedy in which he will star alongside Nicole Kidman and Joey King. The film will premiere on Netflix in 2024.
Guest speakers at Efron’s Walk of Fame ceremony will include actor Jeremy Allen White, who co-stars with Efron in “The Iron Claw;” actor Miles Teller, who co-starred with Efron in the 2014 comedy “That Awkward Moment;” and director Sean Durkin, who directs “The Iron Claw.”
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