ROUND 1: STORY SNAG
HAIRSPRAY: The film unfolds in a vivid 1960s Baltimore, where a teen dreamer named Tracy Turnblad longs to appear on the local TV dance show. When she lands that role, the city is jolted as Black and white communities begin sharing a stage and a spotlight, reshaping the social scene.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: In the sequel to last season’s Disney Channel sensation, summer break means jobs at Sharpay’s club for East High’s students. Troy grows closer to Sharpay, widening a rift with friends who resist the changes. The plot leans on familiar beats, feeling less daring and original.
The plot of HSM2 isn’t fabulous. HAIRSPRAY takes an early lead in the round!
SCORE: HAIRSPRAY – 1
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 – 0
ROUND 2: RELEASE RUMBLE
HAIRSPRAY: The movie traces its roots to a Broadway smash inspired by an earlier film, and its cinematic release makes the big tunes feel even bigger with a cinema-scale energy.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: Yet HSM2 earns big screen buzz even though it began life on television, delivering blockbuster vibes without paying for a theater. Made-for-TV movies never looked this polished before.
The theatre can’t beat the tube! HSM2 takes Round 2!
SCORE: HAIRSPRAY – 1
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 – 1
ROUND 3: TALENT TEST
HAIRSPRAY: Both productions boast strong ensembles, but the casting shines differently. Nikki Blonsky is a standout as Tracy, Michelle Pfeiffer nails the villainous energy of Edna, and John Travolta brings an unexpected warmth to a familiar matriarch moment.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: Ashley Tisdale’s Sharpay bursts with showy bravado while Zac Efron delivers a lighthearted, memorable performance as Link Larkin. The Disney vibe is unmistakable, and it leaves a lasting impression.
HSM2’s cast leaves a distinct mark, yet HAIRSPRAY earns the nod here for a broader range of standout performances.
SCORE: HAIRSPRAY – 2
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 – 1
ROUND 4: DANCE-A-THON
HAIRSPRAY: The dance sequences pulse with period energy, echoing the era while staying true to a familiar Broadway rhythm that audiences recognize.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: The choreography leans into modernity, with routines like a Stomp-like kitchen moment during Work This Out and a basketball flourish accompanying What Time Is It? The movement feels fresh for a new century.
The hairspray moment tips Tracy’s way, as Troy scores with a slam dunk to keep the match alive!
SCORE: HAIRSPRAY – 2
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 – 2
ROUND 5: MUSIC MIX
HAIRSPRAY: The soundtrack overflows with buoyant, feel-good tracks, including Without Love and the show-stopping You Can’t Stop the Beat, songs you’ll hear again and again.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: The music in HSM2 nods to the Disney sound that launched the first film, featuring You Are the Music in Me and Everyday, a duet that stays charming but never quite reaches Broadway grandeur.
Move over, Gabriella, a new voice joins the town in a different kind of scale!
SCORE: HAIRSPRAY – 3
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 – 2
ROUND UP: Sorry, Troy, but You Can’t Stop the Beat wins the round for HAIRSPRAY. While HSM2 isn’t devoid of charm, its story, soundtrack, and performances don’t rise to the same level. HAIRSPRAY leaves Albuquerque and echoes Good Morning Baltimore with a stronger overall package.
Citations: HairSpray movie; Disney Channel’s High School Musical 2