In my circle of friends we often spend time discussing Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) and sometimes we rank them as franchises. We go from comparing Cheetah Girls to Camp Rock from trying to decide which of the "High School Musical" movies are the alpha HSM movie. I am here to tell you why, without a doubt, "High School Musical 2" is the best.
1. Summer
Everything's better in the summer.
2. The old friendships we love
Come on, they're the best.
3. The country club itself
Only fabulous and over the top events can occur at a place like this.
4. The new friendships
Because Ryan deserves something nice once in a while.
5. The Pool
So many iconic scenes were filmed in this pool, including the pink piano.
6. Zeke got to bake
I'm not sure how he was qualified, but I'm willing to ignore it to let this boy be happy.
7. Bet On It
The musical number (and dance) that revolutionized the industry, honestly.
8. The iconic pool scene
Twelve year olds around the world were sure they had a grasp on adult relationships after this heartbreaking scene.
9. The less iconic, but still iconic, pool scene
Gabriella dragged Sharpay and we don't talk about this scene enough.
10. Taylor always had her eye out
Friendship goals, honestly.
11. We love to hate her
An antagonist with a crush on our leading man. Maybe not the most original, but why mess with what works?
12. The stress
Troy's panic helped to prepare us all.
13. These two
The learning new songs, the calling each other out, the synchronized stepping. Relationship goals from way back.
14. This tidbit of information
Apparently Troy knew and didn't bother telling anyone for the entire first movie.
15. Sharpay's style
Sharpay was back and as fabulous as ever, arguably with a better wardrobe than the original HSM.
16. "That's my ball."
The screenshot says it all, the tension was building, the tempers were flaring, and all of it was too good to look away from.
17. Sharpay and Ryan
They still had their ups and downs, but we saw a new side of the twins in this film.
18. The whole soundtrack
Every song in this movie has either a knock out line or is overall a bop.
19. Mr. Fulton
That man was just trying to pay his bills and not get fired because of Sharpay.
20. Dates
The adorable, and never country club approved, moments Gabrielle and Troy managed to have off the clock.
21. I Don't Dance
The whole song may be the best DCOM moment. You still know the words, don't lie.
22. Kelsi saving the day yet again
Because we all know the real hero of the trilogy.
23. Miley Cyrus' three second appearance
It seems like every time you watch this movie someone has to try and pause it so that you can all point at the screen and find her.
24. The Numbers
The first broadcast of the film on August 17, 2007 broke records, receiving 17.2 million viewers. This number made it, at the time, the most-watched basic-cable telecast in history.
25. The memories
You had a viewing party with your friends, your family, we all cried and laughed together. It was real and it was wonderful.
