This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

List of Zac Efron Movies: Ranked Best To Worst

1. The Greatest Showman (2017)
38
8
The Greatest Showman
PG
38
8

P.T. Barnum, son of a tailor, is ambitious and visionary. After the trading company he works for shuts down, he opens a museum of oddities and later puts on a musical show with unique individuals. He succeeds; however, when he seeks approval from high audience, he puts everything – his circus, family and money – at stake for opera singer Jenny. 

Role:
Phillip Carlyle
Starring:
Rebecca Ferguson, Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zendaya
Directed By:
Michael Gracey
2. Miracle Run (2004)
10
3
Miracle Run
TV-PG
10
3
Role:
Stephen Morgan
Starring:
Mary-Louise Parker, Aidan Quinn, Jake Cherry, Bubba Lewis
Directed By:
Gregg Champion
3. The Disaster Artist (2017)
17
9
The Disaster Artist
R
17
9

Aspiring filmmaker and actor, Tommy Wiseau, forms an unlikely friendship with actor, Greg Sestero, and the two move to Los Angeles. Eventually, as Tommy, writes and directs The Room, one of the worst movies ever made, his awful behavior alienates everyone including his friends. The Room is a flop but goes on to become a cult classic.

Role:
Dan Janjigian
Directed By:
4. Hairspray (2007)
19
6
Hairspray
PG
19
6

Sixteen years old plump Tracy Turnblad loves watching a teen dance TV show The Corny Collins Show. When she gets an opportunity to dance in the show, she quickly emerges as a popular performer. However, the manager of the TV station, Velma, is not happy with Tracy’s success. Meanwhile, Tracy encourages the idea of white and Negro kids dancing together on the show every day. 

Directed By:
Adam Shankman
Awards:
MTV Movie & TV Award for Breakthrough Performance
5. Liberal Arts (2012)
10
7
Liberal Arts
PG-13
10
7

A college adviser in New York returns to his alma mater for a professor’s retirement party. He finds himself falling for a college student named Zibby, and eventually a powerful attraction springs up between them. 

Starring:
Elizabeth Olsen, Elizabeth Reaser, Allison Janney, Josh Radnor, Richard Jenkins
Directed By:
Josh Radnor
6. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)
13
7
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
R
13
7

A young law student meets a young divorced single mother named Liz, and the two begin dating. Ted helps Liz raise her young daughter. Eventually, news reports surface about a serial killer killing multiple women. Ted is arrested for the killings but Liz refuses to believe that he is guilty.

Directed By:
Joe Berlinger
7. Me and Orson Welles (2008)
8
3
Me and Orson Welles
PG-13
8
3

Me and Orson Welles is a drama film which tells the story of Richard Samuels, a young teen who is quite fond of theater. He gets the opportunity of a lifetime, when Orson Welles, a famed director, gives him a small role in his production of Julius Caesar.  

Role:
Richard Samuels
Starring:
Claire Danes, Imogen Poots, Ben Chaplin, Christian McKay, Zoe Kazan, Megan Maczko
Directed By:
Richard Linklater
8. 17 Again (2009)
25
9
17 Again
PG-13
25
9

Mike is 37 year old whose marriage to his high school girlfriend Scarlet is close to divorce and his two children are indifferent to him. Even his professional life is not good. He wishes he could be 17 years old again and begin his life afresh. One fine day, his wish comes true.

Role:
Mike O'Donnell
Starring:
Directed By:
Burr Steers
9. The Lucky One (2012)
17
6
The Lucky One
PG-13
17
6

The plot of this romance drama, based on Nicholas Sparks popular novel, follows U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault who returns after serving his duty in Iraq war. He believes that an unknown woman whose photograph he carries is his lucky charm – the reason why he survived the war. Now, he is determined to find his lady luck. He succeeds and eventually falls in love with her.

Role:
Logan
Starring:
Taylor Schilling, Blythe Danner, Jay R. Ferguson, Riley Thomas Stewart
Directed By:
Scott Hicks
10. Charlie St. Cloud (2010)
15
5
Charlie St. Cloud
PG-13
15
5

Based on the novel The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud, this film tells the story of Charlie, who loses his brother in a car crash which he survives. He receives a gift of seeing his dead brother and others whom he has lost. However, he falls in love with a girl, and when her life is at risk, he must choose between her and his brother. 

Role:
Charlie St. Cloud
Starring:
Ray Liotta, Donal Logue, Dave Franco, Kim Basinger, Charlie Tahan, Amanda Crew, Augustus Prew
Directed By:
Burr Steers
11. Parkland (2013)
8
4
Parkland
PG-13
8
4

Parkland is a historical drama film which recounts the chaotic events that occurred at Dallas’ Parkland Hospital, after US President John F Kennedy is assassinated on 22nd November 1963.

Role:
Dr. Charles 'Jim' Carrico
Starring:
David Harbour, Paul Giamatti, Tom Welling, Billy Bob Thornton, Marcia Gay Harden, Matt Barr
Directed By:
Peter Landesman
12. Neighbors (2014)
27
12
Neighbors
R
27
12

Soon after settling down in a quiet neighborhood with their infant child, Mac and Kelly Radner find out that the Delta Psi Beta fraternity has moved in next doors. The couple endures the fraternity's noisy parties for a while in order to appear cool, but is eventually forced to call the police, initiating a bitter conflict.

Starring:
Rose Byrne, Steve Carell, Lisa Kudrow, Jake Johnson, Andy Samberg, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen
Directed By:
Nicholas Stoller
Awards:
MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Shirtless Performance, MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Duo
13. That Awkward Moment (2014)
15
7
That Awkward Moment
R
15
7

After their individual experiences of love-life, three close friends, Jason, Mikey and Daniel, decide to just have fun and stay single without commitment. Slowly the three perceive that their girls are perfect for them, and try to hide their beautifully growing romantic relationships from the other two. Situation turns awkward as each gets serious about relationship, but continues to pretend being single.

Role:
Jason
Starring:
Addison Timlin, Michael B. Jordan, Mackenzie Davis, Imogen Poots, Miles Teller, Addison Timlin
Directed By:
Tom Gormican
Awards:
MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Shirtless Performance
14. We Are Your Friends (2015)
8
5
We Are Your Friends
R
8
5

We Are Your Friends is a musical romantic drama film, which tells the story of Cole Carter, who is caught between a forbidden romance and the expectations of his friends. Meanwhile, he attempts to find the road to success.

Role:
Cole
Starring:
Jon Bernthal, Emily Ratajkowski, Shiloh Fernandez, Jonny Weston, Wes Bentley
Directed By:
Max Joseph
15. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
12
7
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
R
12
7

This film revolves around two brothers Mike and Dave, who post an online advertisement in the hope that they will find dates to bring to their sister’s wedding in Hawaii.  

Role:
Dave Stangle
Starring:
Anna Kendrick, Kumail Nanjiani, Marc Maron, Wendy Williams, Jake Johnson, Adam Devine, Aubrey Plaza
Directed By:
Jake Szymanski
16. Dirty Grandpa (2016)
14
8
Dirty Grandpa
R
14
8

Jason Kelly is an uptight lawyer set to marry his controlling fiancée Meredith. He is tricked by his foul-mouthed grandfather Lt. Colonel Dick Kelly, to take him to Daytona Beach. In the process, Jason falls in love with his old friend, Shadia, and Dick ends up marrying Shadia’s friend Lenore.  

Role:
Jason Kelly
Starring:
Danny Glover, Dermot Mulroney, Robert De Niro, Zoey Deutch, Aubrey Plaza
Directed By:
Dan Mazer
17. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)
13
8
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
R
13
8

Mac and Kelly are expecting their second child and are thus looking forward to sell their house and move into a new more spacious one. They have a buyer, but they also have a problem. Their neighbourhood house is occupied by a group of noisy sorority girls who might just scare away their prospective buyers. To prevent this from happening, they now have to join hands with ex enemy – Teddy.

Role:
Teddy Sanders
Starring:
Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammer, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Lisa Kudrow
Directed By:
Nicholas Stoller
18. The Paperboy (2012)
7
5
The Paperboy
R
7
5

Based on Pete Dexter’s 1995 novel, which in turn was inspired by a true story, the film follows a Miami reporter, who returns to his hometown in Florida to exonerate a death row inmate on the request of his girlfriend. She has fallen in love with the convict after exchanging letter with him without ever meeting him face to face.              

Role:
Jack Jansen
Starring:
Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, David Oyelowo, John Cusack
Directed By:
Lee Daniels
19. New Year's Eve (2011)
8
7
New Year's Eve
PG-13
8
7

The film depicts several intertwined stories involving varied incidents and emotions experienced by different individuals on the night of the New Year’s Eve and highlights different human elements such as love, hope, and forgiveness, second chance and promise. Second of the three romantic comedy films directed by Garry Marshall, it was a huge box office success.

Role:
Paul
Starring:
Jon Bon Jovi, Halle Berry, Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Jake T. Austin, Jim Belushi, Katherine McNamara
Directed By:
20. At Any Price (2012)
5
4
At Any Price
R
5
4

Henry Whipple, who owns a farming business, wants his son to follow in his footsteps, but the latter is interested in professional racing. When the business is threatened due to an unexpected crisis, the relationship between father and son is tested.

Role:
Dean Whipple
Starring:
Kim Dickens, Dennis Quaid, Aaron B. Oduber, Jacob R. Oduber
Directed By:
Ramin Bahrani
21. Baywatch (2017)
15
10
Baywatch
R
15
10

Dedicated lifeguard, Mitch Buchannon, protects the Emerald Bay beaches with his elite team, which recently expanded to include three more new recruits, including disgraced former Olympian Matt Brody. Strict Buchannon constantly clashes with the frivolous Brody as they investigate drugs and deaths on the beach to uncover a dangerous plot involving mysterious Colombian businesswoman Victoria Leeds.

Role:
Matt Brody
Starring:
Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra, Dwayne Johnson, David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Kelly Rohrbach
Directed By:
Seth Gordon
22. The Beach Bum (2018)
5
4
The Beach Bum
R
5
4
Role:
Flicker
Starring:
Jonah Hill, Isla Fisher, Martin Lawrence, Snoop Dogg, Matthew McConaughey
Directed By:
Harmony Korine
23. High School Musical (2006)
12
7
High School Musical
TV-G
12
7
Role:
Troy Bolton
Starring:
Vanessa Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel
Directed By:
Kenny Ortega
24. Gold (2022)
7
8
Gold
R
7
8
Role:
Man One
25. High School Musical 2 (2007)
8
6
High School Musical 2
TV-G
8
6
Role:
Troy Bolton
Starring:
Vanessa Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel
Directed By:
Kenny Ortega
26. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)
8
6
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
G
8
6

In this final installment of ‘High School Musical’ trilogy, Troy, Gabriella and their friends at East High School are in their senior year and it’s time for them to plan their future and face the inevitable separation as they step in the real world. The Wildcats pour their feelings about school experiences and apprehensions of future in a big Spring Musical extravaganza. 

Role:
Troy Bolton
Starring:
Vanessa Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel
Directed By:
Kenny Ortega
Awards:
MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Male Performance
27. Firestarter (2022)
4
4
Firestarter
R
4
4
Role:
Andy McGee
28. Triple Play (2004)
7
3
Triple Play
7
3
Role:
Harry Fuller
Starring:
Leigh-Allyn Baker, Alyssa Gainer, Kaitlyn Gainer, Lauren Gainer
Directed By:
John Tracy
29. If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now (2006)
7
3
If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now
7
3
Role:
Cody
Starring:
Katrina Law, Jennifer Coolidge, Boris Kodjoe, Iris Almario, Bridget Brady, Matthew Miles Carter
Directed By:
Peter Lauer
30. The Big Wide World of Carl Laemke (2003)
7
3
The Big Wide World of Carl Laemke
7
3
Role:
Pete Laemke
Starring:
Leighton Meester, Bob Odenkirk, Bob Bancroft, Stephen Dunham
Directed By:
Greg Mottola
31. Hope Partlow: Sick Inside (2005)
7
3
Hope Partlow: Sick Inside
7
3
Role:
The Boyfriend
Starring:
Hope Partlow
32. Neighbors 3: Zombies Rising (2016)
6
3
Neighbors 3: Zombies Rising
6
3
Role:
Teddy Sanders
Starring:
Seth Rogen, Mick Ignis
Directed By:
Ira Rosensweig
33. The Derby Stallion (2005)
6
4
The Derby Stallion
PG
6
4
Starring:
Bill Cobbs, K.C. Clyde, Charles Black, Sarah Blackman
Directed By:
Craig Clyde

Animation Movies

Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III (2010)
9
2
Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III
TV-14
9
2
Role:
Anakin Skywalker (voice)
Starring:
Rachael Leigh Cook, Seth MacFarlane, Ahmed Best, Seth Green, Donald Faison, Donald Glover, Abraham Benrubi
Directed By:
Chris McKay
Robot Chicken
14
4
Robot Chicken
TV-MA
14
4
Starring:
Fred Armisen, Macaulay Culkin, Kyle Chandler, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Wil Wheaton, Ashton Kutcher, Billy Zane
Directed By:
Robot Chicken DC Comics Special II: Villains in Paradise (2014)
8
2
Robot Chicken DC Comics Special II: Villains in Paradise
TV-14
8
2
Role:
Superboy / Brainiac (voice)
Starring:
Alex Borstein, Giovanni Ribisi, Tara Strong, Sarah Hyland, Nathan Fillion, Alfred Molina, Seth Green
Directed By:
The Lorax (2012)
19
11
The Lorax
PG
19
11

In this feel good film, based on Dr. Seuss’s book, a twelve year old boy Ted has a tough task at hand. Audrey, his crush, desires to see a real living tree but Thneedville – the town they stay in – has nothing like nature. Even air is sold. Still Ted sets out to fulfil her wish and learns the story of Once-ler who once cut down all trees for profit and Lorax, the guardian of the trees.

Role:
Ted (voice)
Starring:
Betty White, Ed Helms, Danny DeVito, Taylor Swift
Directed By:
Kyle Balda, Chris Renaud
The Replacements
5
3
The Replacements
5
3
Starring:
Michael York, Bonnie Wright, Jim Cummings, David McCallum, Tom Arnold, Bruce Campbell, Tara Strong
Directed By:
Heather Martinez, Robb Pratt
Scoob! (2020)
7
5
Scoob!
PG
7
5

Shaggy and Scooby learn that a villain named Dick Dastardly is planning to capture Scooby Doo. Therefore, the gang sets out to solve their biggest and most challenging mystery that also connects with a plan to unleash the legendary ghost dog named Cerberus upon the world.  

Role:
Fred Jones (voice)
Starring:
Will Forte, Amanda Seyfried, Tracy Morgan, Gina Rodriguez, Billy West, Ken Jeong, Mark Wahlberg
Directed By:
Tony Cervone

TV Shows

Firefly
35
4
Firefly
TV-14
35
4
Starring:
Adam Baldwin, Joss Whedon, Summer Glau, Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin
Directed By:
Entourage
27
4
Entourage
TV-MA
27
4
Starring:
Christian Slater, Fran Drescher, James Cameron, Peter Dinklage, Malcolm McDowell, Nadine Velazquez, Jessica Simpson
Directed By:
Julian Farino, Mark Mylod, Daniel Attias, David Nutter, Ken Whittingham
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service
19
5
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service
TV-14
19
5
Starring:
Cote de Pablo, Troian Bellisario, Kunal Nayyar, Janina Gavankar, David Keith, Hal Holbrook, Danica McKellar
Directed By:
ER
13
4
ER
TV-14
13
4
Starring:
Julie Bowen, Diane Ladd, Carl Weathers, Jared Padalecki, Don Cheadle, Mariska Hargitay, Marin Hinkle
The Guardian
8
3
The Guardian
8
3
Starring:
Will Ferrell, Corey Feldman, Simon Baker, Kerry Washington, Aaron Paul, Rita Moreno, Chris Pine
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
8
3
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
TV-14
8
3
Starring:
Jimmy Fallon, Jodie Sweetin, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, Kel Mitchell, Kristen Wiig, Demi Lovato
Directed By:
Dave Diomedi
Heist
7
3
Heist
TV-14
7
3
Starring:
Ted Danson, Danny Trejo, Marika DomiƄczyk, Dougray Scott, Steve Harris, David Walton
Directed By:
Andy Wolk, Ed Bianchi
Summerland
6
3
Summerland
6
3
Starring:
Kellan Lutz, Carmen Electra, Taylor Lautner, Lori Loughlin, Merrin Dungey, Ryan Kwanten, Jesse McCartney
Directed By:
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
9
4
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
TV-G
9
4
Starring:
Adrienne Bailon, Dylan Sprouse, Tahj Mowry, Cole Sprouse, Brenda Song, Jaden Smith, Nathan Kress
Directed By:
Rich Correll, Jim Drake, Lex Passaris, Danny Kallis, Kelly Sandefur
CSI: Miami
10
5
CSI: Miami
TV-14
10
5
Starring:
Paul Wesley, Anthony Michael Hall, Eric Roberts, Maggie Grace, Julie Benz, Aisha Tyler, Michael Jai White
Directed By:
Vanessa Hudgens: Say Ok (2007)
5
3
Vanessa Hudgens: Say Ok
5
3
Role:
Love Interest
Starring:
Vanessa Hudgens, Vanessa Hudgens
High School Musical Cast: I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (2006)
6
3
High School Musical Cast: I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You
6
3
Role:
Zac Efron
Starring:
Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel
Seven Bucks Digital Studios
1
3
Seven Bucks Digital Studios
1
3
Starring:
Jack Black, George Clooney, Pauly Shore, John David Washington, Kevin Hart, Ivan Reitman, Troy Garity
Directed By:
Scott Brown, Mo Darwiche, Ryan Moody

Zac Efron Awards

People's Choice Awards
Winner Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor 2013
Winner Favorite Movie Star Under 25 2011
MTV Movie & TV Awards
Neighbors Best Shirtless Performance 2015
Neighbors Best Duo 2015
That Awkward Moment Best Shirtless Performance 2014
High School Musical 3: Senior Year Best Male Performance 2009
Hairspray Breakthrough Performance 2008