Released on 20/1/2006, director Kenny Ortega's film became a global cultural phenomenon and one of the most successful high school musical movies. The story centers on two main characters who overcome prejudice to pursue their passions, highlighting the class divisions within a high school setting.

Vanessa Hudgens, 38, played Gabriella Montez, a student who joins the East High drama club and develops feelings for Troy, portrayed by Zac Efron. Following the success of "High School Musical", she continued her acting and singing career. The artist released the albums "V" (2006) and "Identified" (2008), and appeared on Broadway in the musical "Gigi" (2015).

She and Zac Efron dated after the film but broke up in 2010. In 2023, Vanessa married MLB baseball player Cole Tucker and now has two children. Photo: Disney/Just Jared

The series includes three main films, a spin-off centered on Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), and the "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" which ran for four seasons. In 2014, Vietnam produced a musical project based on the original.

Zac Efron, 39, starred as Troy, the captain of East High's basketball team. After meeting Gabriella, he developed a love for music and dance.

In a December 2023 interview with Variety, Zac Efron stated that "High School Musical" was the film that transformed his career. Before that, Zac had small roles in "CSI: Miami" and "The Guardian". After achieving fame, he maintained his appeal, appearing in "Hairspray" (2007), "The Greatest Showman" (2017), "Firestarter" (2022), and "The Iron Claw" (2023).

In 2021, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding daytime program host for his travel documentary series "Down to Earth with Zac Efron". The actor previously sold his Los Angeles, US mansion and moved to Byron Bay, Australia, where Chris Hemsworth and his wife reside, to live closer to nature. Photo: Disney/Wire Image

Ashley Tisdale, 41, played Sharpay Evans, who tried to sabotage the relationship between Troy and Gabriella. She also appeared in "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" and voiced the character Candace in the animated series "Phineas and Ferb" from 2007 to 2015.

Beyond acting, she released three albums and launched a cosmetics brand. From 2019 to 2020, Ashley co-starred with Patricia Heaton in "Carol's Second Act". In 2014, she married musician Christopher French and has two children. Photo: Disney/Instagram Ashley Tisdale

Lucas Grabeel portrayed Ryan Evans, Sharpay's twin brother. After the film, he continued acting, taking on a main role in the series "Switched at Birth", and also providing voice work for animated shows like "Family Guy", "Pinky Malinky", and "Elena of Avalor".

The 42-year-old actor is currently dating Riham EL-Ounsi, an American television writer and producer. Photo: Disney/Facebook Lucas Grabeel

Corbin Bleu played Chad Danforth, Troy's teammate, who initially opposed his friend's singing aspirations. He built a notable stage career with lead roles on Broadway, including "In the Heights" (2010), "Godspell" (2012), "Holiday Inn" (2016), and "Kiss Me, Kate" (2019). The actor competed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2013, finishing as runner-up.

In 2022, Corbin made guest appearances in seasons three and four of "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series". He is 37 years old and married Canadian actress Sasha Clements in 2016. Photo: Disney/IMDb

Monique Coleman, 46, starred as Taylor McKessie, who encouraged Gabriella to pursue her passion. The actress placed fourth in "Dancing with the Stars" in 2006 and has continued her acting career, though without major prominence.

Her impact comes from social activism. In 2010, Monique was appointed a "Youth Champion" during the inaugural United Nations International Year of Youth, raising awareness about challenges faced by young people. She founded the organization Gimme Mo to create positive change for youth and hosted a talk show of the same name on Discovery Life in 2018.

In February 2012, she married Walter Jordan but divorced after a decade together. Photo: Disney/IMDb

Olesya Rulin played Kelsi, a shy piano-playing student. In the second part of the film series, Olesya had more screen time, including a solo performance of "You Are The Music In Me" and "Work This Out". She starred in films such as "Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous" (2008), "Flying By" (2009), "Expecting Mary" (2010), and "Family Weekend" (2013).

The Russian-American actress is 40 years old. According to People in 2022, Rulin and her husband Joseph Noel Pauline welcomed their first child one year after their marriage. Photo: Disney/TMDB

KayCee Stroh's character, Martha Cox, was a member of the honor student group, known for her dance moves. Before this, she appeared in "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" as Leslie. After the "Shapetown, USA" project (2011), she acted less frequently. In 2019, KayCee returned to showcase her dance skills in "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series".

She is 42 years old, married Ben Higginson in 2009, and has two daughters. Photo: Disney/Facebook KayCee Stroh

Before playing Ms. Darbus, the drama club director in "High School Musical", Alyson Reed had a strong stage career, earning a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress for her role in "Cabaret" (1987). She also played Cassie in "A Chorus Line" (1985) and appeared in the series "Party of Five" and "Providence".

In recent years, Alyson has appeared in "How to Get Away with Murder", "NCIS", "Grace and Frankie", "Modern Family", and the film "Ad Astra" (2019). Photo: Disney/Everett Collection