Though this movie is unrealistic 2 a real high school it is a creative idea and it has done great over the years it's been out. It shows a unique twist to the disney culture and keeps children of young ages sucked in from the beginning to the finish. It personally wasn't my favorite thing to watch but, with that being said I did enjoy seeing all the talent that was projected from the characters. This movie was just ok for me but, it has a great presentation of entertainment involved. Not my fave, but if you like shows about unrealistic teen situations it'll be perfect for those of the younger generation. Good job. It did ok.
High School Musical
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
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
This review of High School Musical was written by Lucy Maher
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.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- 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?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on High School Musical
What’s the Story?
Filled with important messages, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is an upbeat made-for-TV movie about a pair of teens who, after discovering a mutual love of song, overcome pressure from friends to ditch their newfound hobby.
Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) meet when they are paired for a New Year's Eve karaoke contest while vacationing with their families. Once they return to East High, Troy, captain of the school's basketball team, and studious Gabriella, who has just transferred in, find out that they're in the same homeroom class and become friends. And when auditions are announced for the school's musical, the pair decides to try out. Their duet is impressive enough to earn a callback, which sparks the anger of usual lead performers Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) and her brother Ryan (Lucas Grabeel). Also unhappy are the members of Gabriella's academic decathlon team, who need her help to win an upcoming match, and Troy's teammates, who have been practicing for an important championship game. Fearful that the pair might choose singing over them, the groups work together to convince Gabriella that Troy is no longer interested in trying out for the play. But once they see how hurtful their actions are, they come clean, and Gabriella and Troy figure out a way to do everything.
Is It Any Good?
What infuses High School Musical with much of its spunk are Efron's and Hutchinson's lively performances; both come across as friendly, well-adjusted, and immensely likeable. During the song-and-dance-filled musical numbers -- including "Breaking Free," "Start of Something New," and "We're All in This Together" (all Billboard 100 hits) -- the movie sometimes feels more like a music video. The only thing that really detracts from the movie is the sugar-coated way that it portrays issues that regularly cause teens angst, such as entrenched cliques, self-esteem, and peer pressure. The world of High School Musical seems to be right next door to Pleasantville, where everything works out and everyone gets along in the end.
Movie Details
Studio: Disney, Director: Kenny Ortega
Run time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release: 5/23/2006, DVD release: 5/23/2006
MPAA Rating: NR
Run time: 98 minutes
Theatrical release: 5/23/2006, DVD release: 5/23/2006
MPAA Rating: NR
Our Members Say
See all 189 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
No concerns
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I rate this title iffy for age 5 and give it
no way
if u want to see high school musical don't bother. It is the most boring musical i have ever scene in my entire life. DO NOT WATCH WATEVER U DO!
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Bad
This movie is... um.... bad. The story line isn't interesting because you already know what is going to happen.
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
uhhh sooooo boring
boring
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
for under age 6
It's not a grease for tweens. Grease is a funny 80's movie with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. High School Musical is just plain stupid. The only people I know that watch it are under 6. You would be made fun of if you are over 8 and you watch it.
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
The Best Movie in the Series!
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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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
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
My daughter loves it theres on sex no bad language its great
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My 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!
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My 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!
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My 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!
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My 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!
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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!
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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!
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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!!!
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I rate this title off for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
I really dislike it. this is not realistic.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My 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!
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I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
- My 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.....
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
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.
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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.
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