A Ranking of Every Song from High School Musical 3: Senior Year

 

Welcome Back to Disney! I hope you enjoyed my post last week where I created A Ranking of Every Song From High School Musical 2. As I mentioned in my last two posts I am doing a ranking of my favorite songs from every High School Musical movie and now we have made it to the third and final one, High School Musical 3: Senior Year. High School Musical 3: Senior Year is obviously my least favorite movie from the HSM trilogy but it is still a good Disney Channel movie. It was also the first and only theatrical release from the HSM trilogy. I have definitely not watched this movie as many times as I've watched the first and second High School Musical, but I did recently re-watch it this summer (due to the fact that I just graduated college so I thought it was kind of fitting) and I honestly liked it better than the first time I watched it as a kid. So, it's not as bad as I used to think it was but it's still not the best when compared to the others from the trilogy. I think that's just because I feel like the movie just drags on a little longer than it needs to and because it is more theater-based than the other ones were. However, having said that this movie is still a must-watch Disney Channel movie, and it still has those feel-good HSM songs that everyone knows and loves. The songs and musical numbers in this movie have something for everyone to enjoy. As there's a very eclectic mix of songs and styles of dance that they do, which is also why I thought it would be fun to rank them in order from my least to most favorite. After all the music is what makes this franchise such a hit. 

A brief note before we begin: this ranking includes all the songs included in the movie. Also, as per my last post, when I am ranking these songs, I am basically also ranking the performances of them in the movie, as well. So, not just the song itself but the overall scene/performance of it in the movie. Now, let's get into A Ranking of Every Song from High School Musical 3: Senior Year. 

(from last to first)....

#12 We're All In This Together (Grad Mix)

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This is my least favorite song from High School Musical 3: Senior Year just because we obviously hear it before in the first HSM and I prefer that more energetic, positive, and upbeat version than this one. Plus, during this scene in the movie you can't really hear the song playing in the background over their talking voices anyways. So, overall I understand and respect why this emotional, sweeping, softer and slower version exists in the movie, but it's not the best song or part of the movie and it's the most forgettable. 

#11 Senior Year Spring Musical Medley

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This song/scene from the movie is my second to last favorite because it is just an over 7 minute redo and shortened versions of all the other songs that are ranked higher on this list and it also has different characters that perform some of the songs in the scene than the first ones that performed it earlier in the movie. Obviously I like the original versions of each song from this medley that came before this Spring Musical scene in the movie. So, basically this song/scene in the movie is all the songs from throughout the movie (up to that point) combined into one 7-minute song. The scene itself is funny and entertaining. One of my favorite parts being when Sharpay and her assistant go head-to-head singing "A Night To Remember" and of course I also love Troy and Gabriella's part of the performance. This song/scene is bittersweet because it's the last musical that they put on, but it's not the best song/scene in the movie, in my opinion. However, you do get everything from synchronized dribbling, beating drums, piano ballads, dramatic stage exits, and Shakespearean balconies. I also just think it wouldn't be fair to rank this song before the others since it included multiple songs in it and it wasn't like its own, if you know what I mean.

#10 I Want It All

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This is the Broadway-esque song/scene that made me go, "Okay, this movie is definitely more theatrical than the previous ones". As this musical number from the movie screams theater. It's not the best song/scene from the movie because I obviously don't like the narcissistic messaging of the song. Plus, it's also very overly repetitive which makes it annoying at times. This song definitely has a powerful melody but the lyrics and everything else just isn't it all (no pun intended) for me.

#9 Walk Away

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This is another breakup ballad by Gabriella, but it is one of the more forgettable songs in the movie. As you know from my last HSM posts I usually love the ballads that Gabriella sings. As they usually make the top of my list, but this one just doesn't hit the same as the others do for me. It's a good ballad with a mix of vibrant instruments including the drums, piano, and trumpet, which gives off a unique vibe. The scene itself is okay but it's very quick and transitional, as it literally shows her transitioning from high school to college. It also has little choreography. I do like the part when she is walking down the stairs ready to leave and at the same time she sings "I've got to let it go" the picture frames on the wall behind her disappear. I just really liked that transition and wanted to point it out. As for the meaning and lyrics of the song I understand her reasoning for not wanting to say goodbye to Troy and her friends because it would just make it even harder for her to leave. Overall, even though this is a much different style of song that Gabriella has ever sang from the trilogy, it is still one of my least favorites from the movie and from all of Gabriella's solo breakup songs from the trilogy.

#8 The Boys Are Back

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I was contemplating whether or not to put this song/scene before Gabriella's "Walk Away" number, but I like this one a little more just because it is more interesting and entertaining. It is also a little bit longer because the two characters Troy and Chad do more choreography and stunts. I also like that it is a rock-driven song with the electric guitars and the strong beat. There's also intense break-dancing between the two characters, as well as some pretend sword fighting, walking and sliding off of tires, pretending to drive race cars, fighting off bad guys and a smooth transition to Troy and Chad as little kids. I know it's not the best song/scene from the HSM trilogy or the movie itself but it is fun, catchy, imaginative, and the only best bros musical number we get to see of Troy and Chad. The song itself is the same. It's just a fun, sweet song to dance and sing-along to. It's all about two best friends reminiscing and doing things they used to do as kids when they had no worries in life. In other words, just celebrating a friendship for the ages. Overall, this song/scene is more hilarious than amazing but it makes you smile and laugh within the first three seconds which is always a good thing. 

#7 Just Wanna Be With You (Troy, Gabriella, Kelsi, & Ryan)

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This song/scene actually begins with Kelsi and Ryan singing it at the piano for the first 45 seconds than the rest is Troy and Gabriella singing the song about their relationship. The scene itself is them rehearsing for the Spring Musical. It's just Troy and Gabriella doing what they do best and making me wish I was in a happy, thriving relationship like them. The lyrics and meaning of the song is sweet and cute and although the poppy melody is not the most memorable it's still a great song/scene from the movie. This song is just a simple love song but I really do like it. I do feel like it's a little underrated as well, so that is why I wanted to rank it a little higher on my list. 

#6  Right Here, Right Now

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Out of all the Troy and Gabriella duets in this movie this one isn't the best, but it's still up there. I really do like this song and I have nothing against the scene itself. This song from the movie definitely makes me feel emotional and nostalgic. This scene also didn't need any flashy choreography or a huge cast to make an emotional impact, which is what I love about this scene in the movie. Some might say it's a little cheesy, but I love it. I also love the message of the song. It's all about living in the moment together away from anything or anyone. Even though the two main characters know that the future will soon separate them. I love any message like that about living in the here and now, because it's something that I'm trying to work on doing myself. The tension between Gabriella and Troy in this scene along with the couple's flowing harmonies plus the warm instrumentation make this one of the most romantic and memorable songs in the movie. Oh, and they are singing in a treehouse which makes it that much better. 

#5 High School Musical 

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I've actually grown to love this song/scene from the movie more and more as I've gotten older. I mean it is one of the most memorable songs/scenes from the film. As it is the very last song that the characters sing/perform in the movie and it rounds out the end of the trilogy. Therefore, obviously this song/scene makes me emotional every time I watch it. I do think it was very well done and it felt the most like the grand finale song/scene that they did in the first HSM. As they were all wearing the same school colors and the same energetic, fun excitement was there from the whole cast that made you feel the same watching it. From the school band, lots of celebratory choreography, to the flowy graduation gowns, Sharpay's typical stand-out pink outfit, and all the hints of nostalgia from the previous movies added in there (like the rollercoaster choreo from HSM 2) all make this one of the best songs/scenes from the film. This song/scene in the movie makes you want to get up to sing and dance along. It makes you feel all the emotions. Especially when the big red curtain comes down with the big words “High School Musical” in yellow lights behind them as they then do their iconic and final high school musical jump in the air and the characters reflect on their journey's with big smiles and some teary eyes. I also love the part when they all intertwine to form the school's logo with their caps and gowns. There's a lot of cool things that they do in this scene. It's a really great song that has a great message. This is a true High School Musical anthem. 

#4  Now or Never

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This song/scene opens the movie and let me just say it's the best one to do so. Once you see an up-close and personal sweaty Troy as he then screams "Let's Go" then you know it's going to be an iconic moment in HSM and Disney Channel history. Also, when you then hear the beginning of the song, "Sixteen, sixteen, sixteen/ Minutes left better get it done" and the loud cheering voices it automatically hypes you up for the movie. I can only imagine how good this song/scene sounded in a big movie theater. As I never saw this movie in theaters, but now I wish I kind of did. This scene in the movie is thrilling and exciting to watch because it shows Troy and the other wildcats stuck in the middle of an intense basketball game singing to this song. This is just a synthpop banger and a very memorable one at that. It's entertaining due to the basketball game and the chaos around that. It also makes you laugh and smile like during the part of the scene when Gabriella stands up in a sea of red to support Troy via song and then the red turns to white with the words "Go Wildcats!". Overall, it's a great song and an unforgettable moment from High School Musical 3. 

#3 A Night To Remember

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I love this song and scene from High School Musical 3. It definitely deserves the top 3 spot on this list. This song/scene is the most memorable from the movie, in my opinion. I like that it includes the whole cast, as well. This musical number in the movie is not only collaborative but also very colorful and whimsical. During this scene you see the East High students preparing for prom (well what it seems to be at the beginning) when by the end it is revealed that they are just actually rehearsing for the Spring Musical. This musical number helps build anticipation and highlights the best of every character with the enchanting sets, story-like lyrics, and rhythmic music. So, overall it's just a lot of fun. Again, it's another great song to sing and dance along to. It is also very relatable to those that have already experienced prom or who are about to experience it and everything that goes along with that. As it always makes me think of my prom. I just love everything about this song and this scene in the movie. It fully embraces those musical-theater roots. You can also see and feel the characters excitement during this musical number and them really going for it. I also usually don't care for Sharpay and Ryan's over-the-top parts, but I actually even really like their parts in this scene. However, my favorite part of this scene is after the 2 minute and 45 second mark (can search that on YouTube if you'd like). I feel that this is a really underrated song/scene from High School Musical 3 which is why it is at the top of my list and for the many other reasons I just explained above.

#2 Can I Have This Dance? 

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This is another iconic Troy and Gabriella musical number. I love everything about this song and the scene itself. It's simple and sweet, which is what makes it one of the best from the movie. And the dancing and singing in the rain part makes it that much more better. The scenery with the rooftop garden is pretty, eye-catching, and unique. This song and scene from High School Musical 3 is also very warm and whimsical. As the couple ballroom dance to this beat-driven ballad, it makes you feel happy and warm inside. The acoustic strings and guitar also evoke that classic, romantic feel. I just want to give all the heart eye emojis for this song/scene in the movie. This song/scene also makes me a little emotional while watching it just because of nostalgic reasons, but I love it so much. This is definitely superior to Right Here, Right Now and is a perfect showcase of Troy and Gabriella's singing and dancing abilities, which is why it takes the #2 spot on this list. I love the dreamy, romantic, and whimsical aesthetic, the lyrics and meaning of the song itself, and the dancing in this scene. This song is so good that they performed it twice in the movie one where they dance on the rooftop and one outside at Gabriella's college (to which I also love and is another great scene in the movie).  

#1 Scream

 

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This is my favorite and the BEST song from High School Musical 3: Senior Year. One reason being because it is always the first song that I think of when I think of this movie and another reason being because if I had to choose only one song from this movie to listen to it would be this one. I mean I always wanted to be Troy in this scene just screaming and running around in an empty school building. I mean who doesn't? We all need a good scream now and then. Life can be stressful sometimes. Am I right? I also really love the deep, emotional lyrics and message of this song. This song is just filled with a rockin' piano and roaring guitars, which is also why I love it. A piano and guitar is all you need. This is definitely the most unforgettable song/scene from the movie. There's a lot of teenage angst, power, and dramatic dance moves as well as special effects that heighten the mood of this song and scene. I always loved this song from High School Musical 3 as a kid (Radio Disney Jams Vol. 11 anyone?) and I still love watching and listening to it to this day. Again, I mean what's more iconic then Zac Efron (Troy) dancing and singing out his emotions and anger? Nothing. From the hundreds of raining basketballs, to the rotating four walls, to the added sounds and lights of thunder, to a screaming Troy all make this the BEST song/scene from High School Musical 3 and a close second to Troy's other solo musical number "Bet On It" from High School Musical 2. The message of this song is also really relatable and important. For example, when it says

                                               The day the door is closed

                                               The echoes fill your soul 

                                               They won't say which way to go 

                                               Just trust your heart

                                               To find what you're here for

                                               Open another door 

                                               But I'm not sure anymore.....

This is a great message to anyone about just trusting your heart when making decisions, when questioning things, or trying to find yourself and your purpose in life and understanding that when one door closes another one is always open. 

Well, that concludes A Ranking of Every Song from High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Creating this list was not that difficult at all just because I had recently re-watched this movie and have been familiar with the songs since forever. Plus, my favorites have never really changed that much and since it's not my favorite movie from the HSM trilogy it makes it easier since all the songs aren't like they are in High School Musical 2 with every song (except Humhumu) being a banger. I definitely have a different perspective of this movie and the songs at the age I am now than when I was a kid watching it and listening to them. Therefore, I highly recommend if you haven't seen this movie or have seen it but not in a very long time that you go and watch it and let me know what you think about it. I would also love to know your favorite songs from the movie, as well . So, let me know in the comments below and come Back to Disney next week for more!