High School Musical is full of catchy songs, wild dance numbers, and some pretty unrealistic scenarios. But believe it or not, there are moments in the movie that actually nail the high school experience. Here are the top ten times HSM got it right.
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# 1. Awkward First Days
Remember when Troy and Gabriella met during that karaoke contest? Yeah, nothing says “welcome to high school” like awkwardly singing in front of a crowd and then unexpectedly meeting again at school. While this Disney scenario is slightly unrealistic, most students know that awkward feeling all too well.
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# 2. The Pressure of Being Perfect
Sharpay is the queen of drama and perfection. Her song “Fabulous” perfectly sums up her need for perfection. High school is filled with students trying to keep up grades, have perfect appearances, and fit into social circles. Sharpay is certainly not the odd one out.
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# 3. Friendship Drama
Ryan and Sharpay may be siblings, but they definitely have their share of fights. Friendships in high school can be just as complicated. Even the less dramatic Chad and Troy can’t seem to maintain their picture perfect friendship. One day you’re besties, the next you’re not speaking—classic!
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# 4. The Love Triangle
Troy, Gabriella, and Sharpay’s love triangle is a major plot point. In real life, while less common, love triangles pop up too, and they can get super messy. Crushes become a big deal in high school, and it’s not out of the norm for two people to like the same person…
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# 5. Extracurricular Overload
In HSM, characters are juggling sports, drama club, work, and academics. In reality, many students sign up for every club and activity, only to end up overwhelmed. This is not far off from your average North Allegheny High School Student. Spoiler: Maybe we should take the hint and not always fall for the glitz and glamor.
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# 6. The Cafeteria Politics
The cafeteria scene shows how cliques form and where everyone sits. High school lunch tables are a battlefield of social status. First day in the NASH cafeteria is a race to claim a table and a choice of whether you sit with the jocks, the theater kids, or the art crowd. It’s a serious decision!
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# 7. Unexpected Talents
Just like the musical auditions, high school is often filled with unexpected plot twists where you discover a hidden talent of a classmate. How many people unknowingly had a best friend with an amazing voice? Who sat next to a quiet kid who turned out to be a speech and debate state champion?
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# 8. The Power of Music
While the singing might be a bit much, music really does bring people together. From pep rallies to school dances, the right song can change the vibe of an entire event. Students at NASH can be caught popping an AirPod in to play their favorite song on the way to their next class, or, as some needed study motivation.
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# 9. Teachers Who Care
Ms. Darbus, the drama teacher, genuinely cares about her students’ success. Our NASH teachers certainly go above and beyond to support their students, whether it’s in academics or personal growth. Ms. Darbus may not exist in real life, but she exemplifies and mirrors the amazing teachers who do.
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# 10. Graduation Pressure
The final countdown to graduation is a huge deal, just like in HSM. Students feel the pressure to decide on colleges and careers, and the stress can sometimes feel like a musical number gone wrong.
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While High School Musical may exaggerate some things, it also captures the highs and lows of high school life. We may not spontaneously burst into dance anymore, but perhaps Disney is right to remind us to remember that “We’re All in This Together.”
