This movie started it all. I loved it. It is 100 percent great. The only concerns I would have is the lead being shirtless, a few 'almost kisses', and some consumerism being with Disney, but almost any Disney program will have tie-ins! Wonderful messages and role models, really good acting for Disney, and it is the best overall movie or program to ever come out of Disney!
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High School Musical
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A modern-day Grease for tweens.
Themes in this movie include: dating/crushes, friendship, peer pressure
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About High School Musical
Parents need to know that this made-for-TV movie is hugely popular with tweens -- and has spawned its own marketing empire, from CDs to clothes to video games. Its sanitized depiction of high school may not ring true to older teens, but tweens will get strong messages about acceptance and being true to yourself -- as well as about supporting your friends when they want to try something new. A father-son relationship is tested when the boy asserts his independence, and there are some near-kisses between the lead couple, but overall this is tame stuff.
Read our full review by Lucy Maher
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about peer pressure and how to resist it. How can teens stand up to friends who belittle their choices or talents?
- Are the movie's characters good role models? What do you think the filmmakers want kids to take away from watching this movie?
- Why is it important to try new things?
Our Members Say
See all 184 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
The Best Movie in the Series!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Fun for whole family
Our 5 year old has been singing these songs for over a year. she loves this movie and the other High School Musicals as well
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
My daughter loves it theres on sex no bad language its great
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
No way!
Sorry, the movie is all about popular JUNK! Please don't waste your time watching this unrealistic movie that is worthless!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
No way!
Sorry, the movie is all about popular JUNK! Please don't waste your time watching this unrealistic movie that is worthless!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
No way!
Sorry, the movie is all about popular JUNK! Please don't waste your time watching this unrealistic movie that is worthless!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
No way!
Sorry, the movie is all about popular JUNK! Please don't waste your time watching this unrealistic movie that is worthless!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
HSM ROCKS!
This movie was the bomb! My husband Jeffery brought this home to watch after we got home from my daughter's pageant! The songs are really catchy- I might even choreograph a talent routine to one for the girls' next pageant. Also, Zac Efron is adorable! The only bad part was the catty Sharpay who constantly puts down the other characters and tries to discourage them from following their dreams. Other than that SUPER GOOD!
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
12+ Great Learning Experience
i personally think this movie was GREAT!! I mean ya the dances and singing int the middle of class it the musical part of the movie. I think that it really does give you a glimpse of High School Your going to have jealous girls and a lil bit of heart break but thats just life for you.. I think if anyuthing watching these videos should really help teens cause it teaches you that no matter what friends are forever and if you truely love someone and its meant to be they will be back!
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
No way!!
Great for kids between 6-10 but not teens or me 12 I went to see the 3rd one and when someone mentioned Zac Efron (yuck) in the film all the girls were screaming it was scary!!!
- I rate this title off for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
I really dislike it. this is not realistic.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Don't waste your time
Sure, this movie is great for tweens, but for us teens, it is completely overrated! The whole "OMG Zac Efron is soooo hot" thing is really dumb. And also, a.) Who really likes High School anyway, b.) Who breaks out in song in class, and c.)I'm sure there's a school where nerds are also cool too. (I should know..... I think I'm considered a nerd and I don't think anyone in our group is part of the "OMG popular" group. HSM is a great leveler!
- I rate this title off for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
NO NO NO NO NO
All 3 of these movies are really bad for kids under 15!! I only let my 15 & 17 year olds watch it once. I was thinking about letting my 13 year old watch it but I decided no there's too much flirting and kissing and dating--ICK!! So no no no no no no no no no.....
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
wow....:(
This movie is just, wow... Sure it's good for little girls (and i guess odd piticular little boys) but I'm pretty convinced it could brain wash your child. I mean It's truly stupid. It's like "OMG lets break out in song during science class!" I mean come on. Lets be serious with ourselves. I totally believe in children having imaginations, but what's wrong with the simple disney princess movies? We've gone a little to far.
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
!
It is great. HSM is the best out of HSM2 and HSM3. I thought it was great for all ages. I loved it because it wasn't too predictable. I mean, obviously you knew Troy and Gabriella would end up together, but everything else wasn't predicted. It was very enjoyable.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
A+
it is great for kids and adults too! it has good role models and a nice plot! disney's first successful hit to date!
- I rate this title off for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Nope, Nope, Nope.
XP XP DUMB XP XP
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
Pretty lame
Ugh. I hate the high school musical series. I just can't see how singing about your high school experience is gonna make it any better! Now, you may be wonde4ring why I put sex down as one of them. Sharpay wears some low-cut dresses and is constantly trying to "catch" troy. Also, sharpay is one of those girls who "must always be perfect" and, in my opinion, is a spoiled brat!!!!! For a family movie its okay, but pretty lame.
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
its more for 4 yerolds to understand
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
Took my mind off!
I thought this was a really awesome movie! Compared to the other two this was better..! i wanted some kiss scenes and stuff but it didn't come..That was a bit you know annoying but i just loved this movie. Can never ever forget the great movie! Love it to hell!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 29% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 29% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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