Zac Efron Rewatches High School Musical, Neighbors, The Greatest Showman & More | Vanity Fair

Zac Efron takes a walk down memory lane as he rewatches scenes from his classic works including 'Neighbors,' 'High School Musical,' 'A Family Affair,' 'The Greatest Showman,' 'The Iron Claw' and more. Zac dishes on being blown away by Dave Franco's DeNiro accent in 'Neighbors,' getting everything in one take for 'High School Musical' without any cuts and more.
A FAMILY AFFAIR premieres globally on Netflix June 28, www.netflix.com/AFamilyAffair
Director: Funmi Sunmonu
Director of Photography: AJ Young
Editor: Jimmy Chorng
Talent: Zac Efron
Associate Producer: Emebeit Beyene
Talent Booker: Mica Medoff
Camera Operator: Lucas Vilicich
Audio Engineer: Paul Cornett
Production Assistant: Liza Antonova; Fernando Barajas
Set Designer: Leah Waters-Katz
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
00:00 Zac Efron
00:31 Neighbors
02:52 High School Musical
04:46 A Family Affair
06:50 The Greatest Showman
09:59 The Iron Claw
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[@sunfairy_19]

Not having 17 Again in this is insane

[@John_Zatanna]

(me seeing this comment before watching) whattttt

[@BRBallin1]

His best movie outside of HSM

[@sarahlisa8736]

It’s pros cause of Matthew Perry’s passing

[@Candle-wd2jv]

Charlie St. Cloud too

[@brettkimura]

Criminal 😢

[@muhdafiq3329]

Not having him talking about Hairspray is such a big crime

[@skeeter12274]

hairspray was kinda lame compared to his other movies

[@mingan3781]

@@skeeter12274 Hairspray is iconic

[@Mr21scott]

@@skeeter12274 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. It's not even CLOSE to being "lame", unless you disagree with the movie's whole premise.

[@catarina4380]

THANK YOU

[@Bjork4s]

Hairspray was freaking awesome

[@pauljohn.zac23]

Zac has no idea how important High School Musical is to us. Will forever be a part of my heart.

[@johnkamen6274]

Wtf?

[@hippityhoppityw]

i think he probably does know considering how obsessed everyone was and is with that movie LMAO

[@Gayredheadbitch94]

its a cringe fest upon rewatch, no wonder he wants to forget it ever existed

[@ACD1994]

He knows.

[@sailormoon2851]

Weirdo ​@@johnkamen6274

[@rohannapsc]

Not to have Hairspray or Dirty Grandpa in this is criminal

[@ReallyCoily]

FOR REAL!

[@TZ19999]

It's probably because of what the lead woman of Hairspray did (along with her father).

[@itsgraceaboyade-colegaming1410]

​@@TZ19999what did she do?

[@icc2010]

No mention of 17 Again, or Charlie St Cloud

[@wbae1340]

Did people actually watch dirty grandpa?

[@kunya5882]

Zac Efron seems like a genuinely nice guy

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Yeah Zac seems really down-to-earth and kind.

[@dinh5532]

Can't be that genuine when he's lying about his chin/jaw implant.

[@NicosW0rld]

@@dinh5532I have no idea why he ruined his beautiful face! He looks so bizarre now

[@TheNaturalGamer1]

He hates cats tho so

[@chriss8354]

​@@NicosW0rldHe had an accident and had to have reconstructive surgery. Look it up.

[@Chuuzus]

Zac Efron is such a legend!! i need him to know he is one of the few disney stars that raised a whole generation with High School Musical. Bet On It deserved a grammy

[@scottbarkley496]

Grow a pair

[@moviemelody2210]

@@scottbarkley496rude

[@evelinanordell]

Agree with you 👏

[@sharpayyevanss]

So many videos I watch Chuu is there, love that, same taste bro ❤😂

[@BRBallin1]

Bet On It was the cringiest performance in the whole franchise but the song is nice and he made the most out of its cringey choreography

[@kfkm]

i hope zac knows that his performance in iron claw absolutely broke so many people and that lots of people wanted to see him get awards for it

[@neginf9818]

Yes, it absolutely broke me. Especially the end. Beautiful.

[@bessythompson1472]

i got teary eyed just watching that scene again.

[@MTDedits]

justice for 17 again, my favorite zac efron movie....

[@jeffescanto]

Yeah

[@sonias9960]

He looks great

[@MilesToGoGo]

Look up Zac Efron Remembers his Lines and he talks about it there, it’s really sweet ❤

[@shaunah.creations9233]

Me too!

[@Controversial-Crime]

This!!! All time fave

[@OscarMPG1]

It's a crime that Zac wasn't nominated for best actor for the Iron Claw. And the movie itself not being nominated for best picture, best supporting actor (Holt Mcallany), best original screenplay, best sound, cinematography

[@MsTriangle]

Probably the best movie of the year

[@OscarMPG1]

It made my personal top 10 of 2023. But Oppenheimer was the best picture that year

[@kylively8884]

I think it came out to late

[@ThiagoCarvalho-bd8qt]

​@@OscarMPG1yeah, nothing beat Oppenheimer. But iron claw was for sure my 2nd favorite

[@Burstify]

My top 3 of 2023 was Oppenheimer, Godzilla Minus and Iron Claw

[@negritairame6998]

Not him taking a moment and just giving Zendaya the flowers she deserves. I too hope that they do something together soon!!🥹

[@negritairame6998]

9:22

[@bratty_31]

@@negritairame6998he def had a crush on

[@aprilisme1186]

He stumbles over pronouncing her name lol

[@VictorLugosi]

Zendaya can’t act and she’s hideous..

[@IfYouSeeCait]

the fact that he has SO many other films that could have been talked about just shows his amount of talent. hope he gets to do a part 2 one day 🤍

[@plantcraftie4141]

You can never make me dislike Zac Efron, he's too wholesome

[@darasimiAdj68]

I love how he just appreciates and uplifts all his co actors. Barely talks about himself. Great actor and seems like a great guy. Pure, honest, mature lovely and appreciates the art.

[@an-qo6by]

No it seriously still impresses me! I know it's a disney movie, but that cast was so professional and MOTIVATED. You could see that through their rehearsal footage. I think they're the last cast to make a Disney Movie where the cast was special and legit, if that makes sense?

[@cooldude321x]

Jump In would like to have a word

[@angietoonz6605]

Descendants is wonderful and the cast were all friends and professional as well. The choreo was insane. Check it out.

[@emmastrom2679]

Totally agree on that, my exact thought

[@linatwoones]

Teen beach movie is pretty great too, expert dancing and wonderfully themed songs

[@alexdofacee299]

Shout out to Zac for mentioning the backup dancer in The greatest showman "Cloud" (bartender). Speaks volume

[@HuierWone]

He exudes such humility. He keeps giving props to everyone he worked with, which is really sweet.

[@cruisematt8585]

He seems really humble. It’s so nice that he keeps giving everyone he worked with props

[@carollmacedo7590]

Ele sempre faz isso! Amo esse homem!

[@domthesickbomb]

Zac Efron is one of the few celebrities that I can happily watch any interview that he’s in

[@alexisb534]

He reminds me a lot of my brother and that’s always been comforting for me

[@JohnnyBRad]

Wish he got more recognition for Iron Claw. He was truly incredible in that

[@Missjunebugfreak]

For real. He deserved an Oscar nomination imo.

[@wendymccolm]

best of the year

[@tonistarrrk]

for reasons that are extremely personal to me, i need this to be 12 hours long starting with him watching all three hsms in their entirety.

[@catthebeautyhunter]

Musicals are *real* theatre and acting. It goes back to the beginning. So much respect for his appreciation of it and not belittling the beginning of his career in a musical with High School Musical as many Disney Stars can do.

[@h3ro_966]

Can't believe "17 again" isn't part of this cause that movie for me was the one that started to put me on notice of how great Efron's dramatic/comedic acting chops are

[@betterchapter]

Zac survived the Disney star curse, proud of him

[@Diddytrunkssss]

No he didnt

[@danlittle447]

@@DiddytrunkssssFor anyone who has a rational definition for “Disney Star Curse”, then yes he definitely survived/avoided it.

[@dc7034]

Showing zac the scene where it’s clearly Drew singing his part is so funny 😂

[@sabrinariley7434]

I love how these clips were about him and his acting but he complimented at least one other actor in every movie clip they showed.

[@johat1219]

It feels so incomplete not having 17 again, or The Greatest Beer Run Ever in this

[@ner.tan11]

I love how his immediate response to pretty much every scene is recognizing the talent of the people he worked with

[@crcdesigns]

That scene in the Iron Claw had me sobbing in the theaters and makes me cry now. He should've been nominated for best actor for this role

[@DCR_RANG]

“The Lucky One” and “Charlie St. Cloud” are also movies that I really enjoyed. Zac is great and seems like such a cool dude. Love a lot of his movies

[@sallydealy3970]

I haven't seen all of his movies but "Charlie St. Cloud, 17 Again and The Lucky One" are my faves so far.

[@ronnieeilert8491]

Definitely his most underrated movies!

[@terriblegamer6162]

I hope this doesn’t sound insensitive but he looks so much better now. I know he had a jaw problem and had some fillers but I think this is the best he has looked since those issues.

[@betssya.bautista2449]

I was thinking the very same thing. Maybe also his face was a bit leaner and that accentuated the jaw problem. Maybe the beard too

[@amandac.2687]

I was thinking that as well! He resembles his usual self more now

[@mariacontreras6652]

He had a pretty specific roid face due to Iron Claw. And now this is probably him being off of them. He looks back to normal and better than ever I am so happy for him.

[@darasimiAdj68]

I was thinking the same!

[@pennyinheaven]

I was thinking the exact same thing. Compared to his face in Family Affair to now in this video, his face because normal, like what you would expect Zac would look like as he matured.

[@chancejai]

The way he calls Zendaya “Zen” is so wholesome to me 🥹

[@tattooedandy93]

He has done a fair selection. Glad he did break out of the musical stage as he grew as a performer but then doing dramatic acting and then comedy shows how talented he is.

[@carollmacedo7590]

Ele falou que ama fazer musicais, porém, também gosta de diversificar seus papéis, por isso não faz musicais com muita frequência, mas ele adora.

[@rikkTV]

"I really drilled all those shots, there was no CGI there" First time in the last five years where a celebrity has said that and it's actually true

[@lucy_sylverciasroad]

Zac Efron needs more awards for his acting, so underrated. Great actor and human being. Always going to be a Zac Efron girl. This video is just perfect ❤

[@HeatherForestH]

1. He deserved all the awards for The Iron Claw. 2. LOVED him in The Greatest Showman - can't wait to see what musical film he does next :) Super underrated actor!

[@danielmullin5134]

His jaw get fixed? Looks better as far as i can tell

[@monsterking1973]

Zack role in the iron claw was incredible he give such an amazing performance

[@angelfllesh]

UM HAIRSPRAY ??!!! GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE

[@Jork005]

Uh he's not the main character there so.

[@travel5521]

@@Jork005 He isn't the main character in Greatest Showman either tho, that's Hugh Jackman. Also chill with the condescension.

[@AlzMarioWolfe]

Legit I’m so tired of everyone leaving Hairspray out, it was in his top 3 best movies for sure (not including every HSM as its own movie)

[@angelfllesh]

@@Jork005 uh it’s an ensemble film just like high school musical, and the greatest showman. in hairspray he’s the literal male lead and love interest, but nice try. ANYWAY, JUSTICE FOR HAIRSPRAY

[@HitopEiwv]

Real acting and theater are found in musicals. It starts at the very beginning. I have the utmost respect for his recognition of it and for not disparaging the start of his Disney career in a musical, High School Musical, as many other stars have done.

[@Lenci_the_Nugget]

Him calling Zendaya "Zen" is so cute. She crushed that performance.

[@yoo6231]

his face is almost back to normal! so happy for him

[@meganledford9709]

Do you feel like he kept covering the bottom half of his face when he would laugh? I couldn’t help but notice that move. He’s still crazy handsome, I hope it’s not a huge insecurity

[@KarlaAlejandraCordova-vr1sl]

I love how humble he is 🥹

[@shayc2619]

His love for Zendaya 😭♥️

[@destinycritcher3527]

I was obsessed with high school musical and so was everyone else at the time!

[@user-ty5tn7ex2n]

Iron Claw will forever be one of the greatest movies, had me and my boyfriend in tears at the end scene. Zac deserves the world🥹 incredible and talented actor

[@gracegilrane5108]

He’s such a legend, genuinely one of the most well rounded actors we have and I hope we see him in more dramatic/musical roles soon

[@snoopygonewilder]

I think my favorite Zac Efron movies have to be: 17 Again, Hairspray, and I really like Charlie St. Cloud

[@suzanneharaputczyk439]

Charlie St. Cloud!! Yes!! Hands down my most favorite of his younger movies.

[@ACD1994]

Would love a part 2. 17 Again, Charlie St. Cloud, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, etc

[@bodyofhope]

Thank you for mentioning Extremely Wicked. The Paperboy was another I would've liked to hear his commentary on, since he and Nicole Kidman worked on it together as well as Matthew McConaughey.

[@andydv27]

Hopefully Zac does go back into the musical world someday!! It would be awesome!!

[@Mia-elf1]

I'm too early for hsm memes here.

[@xxobrittanyg]

Ugh I love Zac Efron so much! He’s such a genuine dude. Forever childhood crush ❤

[@justinepang7753]

This just made me realize Zac's incredible range in acting.. he can truly do it all.

[@Ktls-mr4li]

he's been in so many different kinds of movies throughout his career, so much respect

[@srayj]

Charlie St. Cloud. It was early in his career, but that was one of the first times I watched him and really saw just how far he was going to go in his career.

[@Mandyb05]

I've always respected Zack. Through everything, he remained a class act, humble. I've loved him since High School and even had a High School Musical pencil case. 🤣

[@Wroredko]

Zack played a fantastic role in Iron Claw, giving a very remarkable performance.

[@jacobmccain8794]

I gasped and sobbed the entire way through Ironclaw. One of the best movies I've ever seen! Everyone in the theater was sobbing during the last scene. He should've been nominated for an Oscar!

[@lilachodan4941]

10:02 That's what I was waiting for. Him complimenting Zendaya

[@kelceynicole]

10:02?

[@bellafaery]

@@kelceynicoleit’s more like 9:27

[@SvoenDiccr]

1. He was deserving of every honor for The Iron Claw. 2. I adored him in The Greatest Showman and am eager to watch whatever musical movie he is in next. A really underappreciated actor!

[@LieiuZnins]

Zac Efron is so talented in so many ways! I cried uncontrollably at Iron Claw. He consistently exudes the ideal energy in anything he does.

[@Mood_Slime11]

His face looks back to normal

[@toonkamgle]

Zac Efron has such a range of talent!! I sobbed like a baby at Iron Claw. He always manages to bring a perfect energy to everything he's in

[@Torporcelain]

A legendary performance by none other than...Dave Franco..

[@archonjuice2461]

that scene in iron claw tore me up. especially the line "I used to be a brother"

[@ElenainMovieland]

Zac efron you are an icon please don’t ever forget that

[@superherocollege]

Of all the scenes in iron claw… did you want me to cry???!! Hands down my favorite film in the year, he deserves an Oscar!

[@GohanKanor]

I can never get enough of Zac Efron; he's just too nice.

[@LewisBavin]

He seems really genuine and sweet

[@srkndsouthparkrock]

Zac Efron is a pure gem. So humble and mature, we must protect him at all costs.

[@BRBallin1]

Zac is what peak male form looks like. Not only great looking but a likable personality because he doesn't make it about his looks at all and does it through his charm and raw talent

[@pb.j.1753]

Peak male form 🤡

[@psycherevivedby]

@@pb.j.1753ikr im cringing so hard

[@youngornitier]

@@psycherevivedby I wanna peak like him bro, I wanna come close to his peak

[@savvyaranda]

everyone’s talking about hairspray and 17 again. i want to see the lucky one cause that movie had me in tears 😭😭

[@reginachavez4139]

He is the biggest sweetheart, like every scene is just him saying how great everyone he works with is so great, and how much he enjoyed working with them. He is awesome.

[@Bearboardsandtables]

My family met him during the filming of Iron Claw because our baby was his baby in the movie, HE IS GENUINELY NICE & DOWN TO EARTH! While the director was checking the last takes they did, we were waiting in the room, he initiated a conversation with me even if he didn’t need to. And he will try to relate to what you share in the conversation. Also, he cracks jokes off cam. He’s really nice.

[@Eechever]

He is so sweeet! always talking so well about others!

[@hsd287]

Aww he looks so cute seeing his entire journey ❤

[@HeimiSoirn]

Zac deserves praise for bringing up the backup dancer (bartender) in The Greatest Showman. speaks loudly

[@gilpineda]

he looks better here than in that new movie

[@nerissailoilo9085]

I am a High school musical kid through and through, The Greatest Showman heals my heart!! lol he does SO WELL.

[@HaleyBurnszzz]

He seems like such a genuine and funny guy, wow loved this

[@rachelabalos4621]

been waiting my whole life for this video

[@SimbaRobyn]

He’s so sweet! It’s been really great seeing him grow into the person & actor he is today ❤

[@DinoJagger]

Any Actor talking about any other Actor: "They're the best, they're great"

[@marisssaaa]

We’ve been waiting for this for so long

[@erinnicole8439]

The first time I watched The Greatest Showman was because I heard Panic! at the Disco's cover of The Greatest Show, I had no idea what I was in for and was so so pleasantly surprised. Hugh Jackman then Zac Efron then Zendaya showing up on the screen! My eyes were GLUED! This is one of those movies where I wish I could experience watching it for the first time again, instantly became a favorite. And don't get me started on High School Musical, little me had a Troy Bolton poster and bed spread lmao! Love ya Zac Efron

[@isaacchua0405]

Zac laughing at the Sam Jackson line is so genuine and funny lmao

[@maharg90]

The veins in his forearms are insane. It’s always nuts how in shape he is. He genuinely seems like an awesome dude.

[@RionPhotography]

Zac is such a genuine guy. He won’t be remembered as an amazing character actor or anything, but his genuineness as the guy next door adds so much realism to his movies.

[@jeffdurden6522]

Impossible to dislike Zac Efron

[@kristinhardin9698]

Still the love of my life. Getting butterflies all over again just watching this.

[@adrianaavila8853]

Me too. I am a simple girl. I see his name and of course I click and watch

[@jlongino51823]

Zac is 100% unbothered, kind, talented and just a regular guy. He’s one of the best.

[@xiaminfinitex]

The Greatest Showman is one of my favourite movies. That soundtrack slaps!!!

[@suzanneharaputczyk439]

Missing so many of Zac's other works. Yes, these were great, but so was Charlie St. Cloud (ugh, when his brother dies still breaks me), 17 Again, The Lucky One (tears me up), Dirty Grandpa, Baywatch (hilarious gold). I feel like Zac leaves a piece of his soul in each movie. I feel like he puts everything in and it shows every time. The behind-the-scenes stories of some of these movies, incredible. Such a great and talented actor and so underappreciated.

[@zackmileer]

The personality shines through and keeps viewers coming back.

[@hannahw2697]

High school musical lives on today! We watch them on repeat, especially in the summer. It’s so comforting to have a snack, play a game, and put on high school musical 2. ❤

[@CrystalTW]

I thought for sure 17 Again, Baywatch, and his Ted Bundy movie would’ve made it on here. At least HSM was on here. We would’ve all rioted if it wasn’t 😂

[@carleytimmerman6451]

This was so cool! It must be such a meta experience to watch yourself in a show or movie and to see how far you’ve come as an actor

[@redwanedidloff1113]

he is still wearing those shoes...loviiit... I use to call them zac efron shoes..

[@jonathanpease115]

I’m so glad you guys did Zac! Would’ve loved his solo song in HSM2 😂 but it’s so hard to fit everything into a video like this.

[@noemistephanie93]

Omg that would’ve been hilarious lol 😂

[@beesh1019]

Iron claw released back in November, which is so cool

[@atharrys]

It’s been a joy watching his career for two decades, he’s seriously so talented! 🙌