Dance has been a form of expression and entertainment for centuries, and it's no wonder that Dance movies have become a popular genre. From classic musicals to modern-day hip-hop battles, dance movies have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
That's why we've compiled a list of the top 50 best dance movies to watch, covering a wide range of styles and eras. Whether you're a fan of romantic dramas like “Dirty Dancing” or action-packed spectacles like “Step Up,” there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready to be inspired by some of the best dance movies of all time.
1. Dirty Dancing (1987)
A teenage girl named Baby (Jennifer Grey) goes on vacation with her family to a resort in the Catskill Mountains.
There, she falls in love with the resort's dance instructor, Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). Against her father's wishes, Baby begins to take dance lessons from Johnny and they soon develop a romantic relationship.
As the summer comes to an end, Baby must confront her parents and stand up for her love and newfound confidence in herself.
2. Step Up (2006)
Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) is a young man from the wrong side of the tracks who finds himself in trouble with the law.
As part of his sentence, he is required to perform community service at the Maryland School of the Arts.
There, he meets Nora (Jenna Dewan), a talented dancer who is preparing for her senior showcase.
When Nora's dance partner is injured, Tyler steps in to take his place, and the two must learn to work together to create a performance that will impress their audience and launch their careers.
3. Footloose (1984)
Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) is a teenager from Chicago who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music are illegal.
Ren is determined to change things and begins to rally the young people of the town to stand up for their right to express themselves.
Along the way, he falls in love with Ariel (Lori Singer), the rebellious daughter of the town's strict preacher (John Lithgow). With high-energy dance scenes and a classic '80s soundtrack, Footloose is a fun and inspiring Film about the power of dance.
4. Save the Last Dance (2001)
Sara (Julia Stiles) is a talented ballet dancer who moves to a new city and a new school after her mother dies in a car accident. There, she meets Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), a black student who teaches her how to dance hip-hop.
As they train for a dance competition that could change their lives, Sara and Derek also confront issues of race, class, and cultural identity.
Save the Last Dance is a powerful film that explores the power of dance to bring people together and break down barriers.
5. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Tony Manero (John Travolta) is a working-class teenager in Brooklyn who finds escape from his dead-end job and unhappy family life through his skills as a disco dancer.
He dreams of winning a dance competition and becoming the king of the disco scene. Along the way, he falls in love with Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney), a fellow dancer who challenges him to grow and change.
Saturday Night Fever is a classic film that captures the energy and excitement of the disco era while exploring themes of class, race, and gender.
6. Flashdance (1983)
Alex (Jennifer Beals) is a young woman who works as a welder by day and a dancer by night. She dreams of becoming a professional dancer and auditions for a prestigious dance school.
Along the way, she falls in love with her boss, Nick (Michael Nouri), and must confront the challenges of balancing her personal and professional aspirations.
Flashdance features iconic dance scenes set to a memorable '80s soundtrack and is a classic film that celebrates the power of dance to inspire and transform.
7. West Side Story (1961)
West Side Story is a classic musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set in 1950s New York City.
The story follows two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the forbidden romance between Tony (Richard Beymer), a former Jet, and Maria (Natalie Wood), the sister of the Sharks' leader.
With unforgettable songs like “America” and “Somewhere,” West Side Story is a timeless tale of love and tragedy that continues to captivate audiences.
8. Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan is a psychological thriller that explores the intense and competitive world of ballet.
Nina (Natalie Portman) is a dedicated ballerina who wins the lead role in a production of Swan Lake but begins to unravel as the pressure and demands of the role take their toll.
With stunning Dance Sequences and a haunting score, Black Swan is a dark and intense film that delves into the psyche of its troubled protagonist.
9. Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Strictly Ballroom is a romantic comedy about a young Australian ballroom dancer named Scott (Paul Mercurio) who rebels against the strict rules and conventions of the ballroom dance world.
With the help of his new partner, the frumpy but talented Fran (Tara Morice), Scott begins to experiment with new moves and styles but must overcome the disapproval of his family and the other dancers.
With colorful characters and energetic dance sequences, Strictly Ballroom is a fun and uplifting film about the power of following your heart.
10. La La Land (2016)
La La Land is a modern-day musical that tells the story of Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a struggling jazz musician, and Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, as they pursue their dreams in Los Angeles.
With classic Hollywood style and catchy original songs, La La Land is a charming and romantic film about the ups and downs of following your passion.
11. Singin' in The Rain (1952)
Singin' in the Rain is a classic Hollywood musical about the transition from silent films to talkies in the 1920s.
The film follows the romantic and professional struggles of Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), a popular silent film star, as he tries to make the transition to talking pictures.
With memorable song-and-dance numbers like “Singin' in the Rain” and “Make ‘Em Laugh,” Singin' in the Rain is a joyful and entertaining film that continues to delight audiences today.
12. Grease (1978)
Grease is a beloved musical set in the 1950s that tells the story of Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John), two high school students who fall in love over the summer but find their romance tested when they return to school.
With catchy songs and memorable dance sequences, Grease is a fun and nostalgic film that captures the spirit of teenage life in the '50s.
13. Center Stage (2000)
Center Stage is a drama about a group of young ballet dancers at the American Ballet Academy who struggle to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional dance.
The film follows the personal and professional lives of the dancers as they work to overcome their own insecurities and the challenges of the dance world.
With stunning dance sequences and a diverse cast of characters, Center Stage is an inspiring and entertaining film about the pursuit of excellence in the performing arts.
14. Magic Mike (2012)
Magic Mike is a comedy-drama about a male stripper named Mike (Channing Tatum) who takes a young dancer named Adam (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing and teaches him the ropes of the business.
The film explores the personal and professional lives of the dancers and their relationships with each other and their clients.
With energetic dance sequences and a talented cast, Magic Mike is a fun and provocative film that offers a glimpse into the world of male stripping.
15. Honey (2003)
Honey is a drama about a young woman named Honey Daniels (Jessica Alba) who dreams of becoming a successful hip-hop dancer and choreographer.
The film follows Honey as she struggles to make it in the competitive dance industry, while also dealing with personal and family issues.
With great dance sequences and a talented cast, Honey is an inspiring film about following your dreams and staying true to yourself.
16. Billy Elliot (2000)
Billy Elliot is a drama about a young boy named Billy (Jamie Bell) who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, despite the disapproval of his working-class family and community.
The film follows Billy as he trains with a tough but caring ballet teacher (Julie Walters) and struggles to pursue his passion in the face of adversity.
With powerful performances and beautiful dance sequences, Billy Elliot is a touching and inspiring film about the transformative power of art.
17. Shall We Dance? (2004)
Shall We Dance? is a romantic comedy-drama about a successful lawyer named John (Richard Gere) who becomes bored with his life and decides to take up ballroom dancing.
Through his dance lessons with the beautiful and talented dancer Paulina (Jennifer Lopez), John discovers a new passion for life and love.
With charming performances and beautiful dance sequences, Shall We Dance? is a heartwarming film about the power of stepping outside your comfort zone.
18. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights is a romantic drama set in 1950s Cuba about a young woman named Katey (Romola Garai) who falls in love with a local dancer named Javier (Diego Luna).
Through their dance lessons and the political upheaval in Cuba, Katey and Javier find love and passion.
With a great soundtrack and stunning dance sequences, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights is a beautiful and engaging film about the transformative power of dance.
19. Take the Lead (2006)
Take the Lead is a drama inspired by the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a ballroom dance instructor who teaches inner-city students in New York City. In the film, Pierre is played by Antonio Banderas, who brings his charm and talent to the role.
Through dance, Pierre helps his students discover their inner strength and talent, while also confronting social and economic challenges.
With inspiring performances and energetic dance sequences, Take the Lead is a feel-good film about the power of dance to transform lives.
20. You Got Served (2004)
You Got Served is a drama about a group of street dancers who compete in underground dance battles in Los Angeles.
The film follows the personal and professional lives of the dancers, who are forced to confront their own insecurities and the challenges of the competitive dance world.
With high-energy dance sequences and a great soundtrack, You Got Served is an entertaining film about the passion and dedication of urban dance culture.
21. Stomp the Yard (2007)
Stomp the Yard is a drama about a talented street dancer named DJ (Columbus Short) who is sent to a historically Black university in Atlanta after his brother is killed in a gang-related shooting.
There, DJ joins a competitive step-dancing team and learns to use his skills for a positive purpose.
With electrifying dance sequences and a talented cast, Stomp the Yard is an inspiring film about the power of dance to bring people together.
22. Honey 2 (2011)
Honey 2 is a comedy-drama about a young dancer named Maria (Katerina Graham) who returns to her Bronx roots after a stint in juvenile detention.
There, she discovers her talent for street dancing and joins a dance crew to compete in a televised competition.
With high-energy dance sequences and a talented cast, Honey 2 is a fun and inspiring film about the power of dance to help us overcome adversity and find our place in the world.
23. Honey 3: Dare to Dance (2016)
Honey 3: Dare to Dance is a drama about a young woman named Melea Martin (Cassie Ventura) who moves to South Africa to attend a prestigious dance academy.
There, she falls in love with a local dancer named Erik (Kenny Wormald) and together they form a dance crew to compete in a street dancing competition.
With stunning dance sequences set against the backdrop of Cape Town, Honey 3: Dare to Dance is an inspiring film about the power of dance to bring people together across cultures.
24. Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)
Step Up 2: The Streets is a drama about a talented street dancer named Andie (Briana Evigan) who joins a dance crew called the 410 to compete in underground dance battles.
Along the way, Andie falls in love with the crew's leader, Chase (Robert Hoffman), and must navigate the challenges of their complicated relationship.
With energetic dance sequences and a great soundtrack, Step Up 2: The Streets is an entertaining film about the passion and dedication of street dance culture.
25. Step Up 3D (2010)
Step Up 3D is a drama about a group of dancers in New York City who join forces to compete in a dance battle that could change their lives forever.
With stunning 3D dance sequences and a talented cast, including Adam Sevani reprising his role as Moose from Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up 3D is an immersive and exciting film about the power of dance to unite and inspire.
26. Step Up Revolution (2012)
Step Up Revolution is a drama about a group of dancers in Miami who use their street dancing skills to stage elaborate flash mobs in protest of a wealthy developer's plans to bulldoze their neighborhood.
With impressive dance sequences set against the backdrop of Miami's vibrant culture, Step Up Revolution is an energetic and inspiring film about the power of dance to make a difference in the world.
27. Step Up All In (2014)
Step Up All In is a drama about a group of dancers from previous Step-Up films who come together in Las Vegas to compete in a dance competition that could change their careers.
With high-energy dance sequences and a talented cast, including fan-favorite characters from previous Step-Up films, Step Up All In is a fun and entertaining film about the power of dance to bring people together.
28. Honey: Rise Up and Dance (2018)
Honey: Rise Up and Dance is a drama about a young woman named Skyler (Teyana Taylor) who dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but faces obstacles from her family and friends.
With the help of her new dance crew, Skyler discovers her own voice and learns to follow her dreams.
With impressive dance sequences and a talented cast, Honey: Rise Up and Dance is an inspiring film about the power of perseverance and self-discovery.
29. Magic Mike XXL (2015)
Magic Mike XXL is a comedy-drama about a group of male strippers who reunite for one last performance at a stripper convention in Myrtle Beach.
With energetic dance sequences and a talented cast, including Channing Tatum reprising his role as the titular character, Magic Mike XXL is a fun and entertaining film about the power of brotherhood and following your dreams.
30. Breakin' (1984)
Breakin' is a comedy-drama about a young dancer named Kelly (Lucinda Dickey) who dreams of becoming a professional dancer but faces obstacles from her conservative family.
Along with her breakdancing friends, Ozone (Adolfo Quinones) and Turbo (Michael Chambers), Kelly uses her dance skills to break down barriers and pursue her dreams.
With high-energy dance sequences and a great soundtrack featuring music by Ice-T and Chaka Khan, Breakin' is a classic film of the 1980s dance culture.
31. Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)
Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo is a comedy-drama sequel to Breakin', which follows the same group of dancers as they fight to save a community center from being demolished.
With catchy music and impressive dance sequences, Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo is a fun and entertaining film that showcases the creativity and athleticism of breakdancing.
32. The Red Shoes (1948)
The Red Shoes is a classic drama about a ballerina
