45 Best Dance Movies of All Time: Ballet, Hip Hop, Ballroom, and More

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are not professional dancers, and that’s what makes this movie so intriguing. The duo fall in love while pursuing their respective career dreams (a jazz pianist for Gosling and an aspiring actress for Stone). The movie culminates in an incredible waltz, but there are plenty of footloose moments throughout the film. The movie-musical is paced by the various dance numbers, which seem to tell a better love story than any script can.

3. Take the Lead (2006)

Two different types of dancing come together in this film, where Antonio Banderas plays a renowned dancer named Pierre Dulaine. After taking a job as a teacher at a New York City school, he helps introduce the students to ballroom dancing—and not without a fair amount of ridicule. In the end, the students’ hip-hop moves meld with Dulaine’s ballroom style, creating a beautiful new style and tons of feel-good, student-teacher moments.

4. Frances Ha (2012)

Frances Ha tells the story of chaotic early days in New York City, making it work while maintaining dreams. The main character, Frances, takes on a job apprenticing at a dance company and navigates the wild world of New York City apartment hunting, losing a best friend, and opening up to the idea of being loved.

5. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

This may not be your first thought when you’re tallying your favorite movies about dance. While there may only be one main dance scene in this movie, it’s now become required watching. Jon Heder completely nails a talent show choreography scene before scampering offstage. It only took a few minutes to make this the most memorable scene in the entire film, inspiring kids around the world to learn the moves themselves. And that kind of makes it a movie about dance, right?

6. Birds of Paradise (2021)

Inspired by the novel “Bright Burning Stars,” this movie centers around Kate Sanders, a dancer from Virginia, and Marine Durand, a fellow dancer at the prestigious dance academy where they both study. This is both an edge-of-your-seat drama and a coming-of-age film, where sexual identities are explored as they both compete against each other to win a contract at the Opéra national de Paris.

7. The Greatest Showman (2017)

If you’ve ever wanted to see Zendaya and Hugh Jackman (among others) dance across the stage in elaborate costumes to painstaking choreography, settle in. The Greatest Showman follows the life of P. T. Barnum as he takes out a loan and attempts to create a show no one has ever seen before.

8. Climax (2018)

This movie is a trip in the most literal sense. The plot follows a group of dancers who attended the same party one night. After ingesting drug-laced sangria, the night dissolves into a mess of murder and terror. And while this is certainly not one for those looking for a lighthearted watch, there are some incredible dance scenes and outfits.

9. Hustlers (2019)

This movie has so many great names, it’s impossible not to drop it on your watch list: cardi B., Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Julia Stiles, Lizzo, and Keke Palmer all make appearances. The movie tells the true story of a crew of New York City pole dancers who swindled Wall Street clientele out of millions of dollars.

10. Strictly Ballroom (1992)

It’s a classic tale: a professional dancer with hopes of spicing up the ballroom dancing scene pairs up with a less-than-coordinated local girl to make their dreams of becoming national champion dancers come true. This Australian rom-com is a classic for both it’s dance scenes and the relatable plot of having to pave your own way.

11. Black Swan (2010)

The jury’s out as to whether Black Swan is actually scary. But one thing’s for sure — it’s about as dance-tastic as dance movies get. The dance sequences are incredible in this movie, but it’s also pretty disturbing. Natalie Portman plays Nina, a ballerina who becomes completely consumed by her dark leading role. Every other character in the film — including Lily, played by Mila Kunis — is portrayed through Nina’s eyes, so it’s hard to know if we ever really meet the other characters’ true selves.

12. Feel the Beat (2020)

There are lots of great dance movies on Netflix, and this one is no exception. When April’s (Sofia Carson) dreams of hitting the big time in dance are dashed, she returns hope and finds lots of fulfillment teaching dance to little ones. Alex Owens is a factory worker by day and a night club dancer by night. Her greatest dream? To get into a prestigious dance conservatory and become a full-time professional dancer.

13. Flashdance (1983)

Alex Owens is a factory worker by day and a night club dancer by night. Her greatest dream? To get into a prestigious dance conservatory and become a full-time professional dancer. We dare you not to sign up for dance classes after watching this classic.

14. Footloose (1984, 2011)

Ironically, one of the greatest dance movies of all time is about a town where dancing is not allowed. Maybe that’s why it was remade in 2011. Not only will both versions of this movie inspire you to take dance lessons, you’ll also be singing the songs on the soundtrack for the rest of your life.

15. Dirty Dancing (1987)

If dance movies were ever to be ranked, it’s a guarantee the Dirty Dancing movie would come out on top. You just can’t find romance like that final dance scene anywhere else, and you’ll walk away feeling totally pumped. With a soundtrack that reads like the best of the ‘80s, and Patrick Swayze (equal parts badass and softie) in the lead role, you can’t beat Dirty Dancing when it comes to be the best dance movies of all time.

16. And Then We Danced (2019)

This indie film explores the demanding life of male Georgian dancers. Lead character Merab is on course to become a member of the esteemed National Georgian Ensemble with his partner Mary. But when mysterious, talented Irakli shows up, his presence leaves Merab questioning everything, including his own sexuality.

17. Full Out (2020)

Another of our favorite dance movies on Netflix is Full Out, an inspiring story of a gymnast who takes up dance after an accident derails her dreams of heading to the Olympics. The perfect Saturday night movie for besties who love dance, gymnastics, or both!

18. Center Stage (2000)

Just try to sit still during this flick. Packed with friendship, romance and oh so much dancing (incorporating lots of different genres, too), this dance movie has a little of everything. And we’re apt to believe Center Stage is partially to thank for a wave of amazing hip-hop dance movies that followed. Either way, the choreography is top-notch, and we’re still obsessed with that epic routine at the end (not to mention Jody’s iconic red dress and pointe shoes).

19. Save the Last Dance (2001)

Save the Last Dance came out on the heels of 10 Things I Hate About You, and basically cemented Julia Stiles as a darling of the '00s teen movies. Save the Last Dance contains a solid blend of ballet and hip-hop dance, and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t partially love it because Derek (played by Sean Patrick Thomas) is super dreamy.

20. The Nutcracker (1993)

This film adaptation of the famous ballet stars a still-adorable Macaulay Culkin alongside dancers from the New York City Ballet. There’s plenty of dancing, and this movie really brings the magic of the holiday season full circle. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for the best ballet movies for the holidays.

21. Chicago (2002)

Based on the musical of the same name, the film Chicago starred Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger as the iconic Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart. The movie musical incorporates classic Bob Fosse choreography which translated almost seamlessly from the stage to the big screen. Also, the dance that Velma and Roxie do together at the end of the movie is the perfect duet to try to learn with your bestie.

22. Honey (2003)

Honey is a solid staple in the dance film genre. It stars Jessica Alba as the title character, Honey Daniels, who teaches hip-hop to kids and dreams of becoming a famous music video choreographer. She gets her big break when she’s asked to star in a music video herself. Mekhi Phifer and Joy Bryant co-star as the boyfriend and best friend, respectively, who help keep our fledgling choreographer grounded.

23. Step Up (2006)

Step Up, better known as “the movie that made us fall in love with Channing Tatum,” obviously deserves a spot on this list. Like Save the Last Dance, Step Up does a good job of fusing ballet and hip hop through the interests of its main characters. In addition to Tatum, this dance film also stars Alyson Stoner and Jenna Dewan.

24. Billy Elliot (2000)

The protagonist and title character, 11-year-old Billy Elliot, could literally dance circles around most of us. Set in England in 1984, the movie follows Billy as he ditches boxing and enrolls in a ballet class to follow his real passion. This film actually has a great message, as it reminds us that we should always be true to ourselves no matter what.

25. Saturday Night Fever (1977)

Before there was Grease, there was Saturday Night Fever. Let’s face it, Danny Zuko is pretty similar to Tony Manero, John Travolta’s character in Saturday Night Fever. That iconic white suit Tony wears on the poster? It’s basically Danny’s outfit in the “Hand Jive” scene in Grease. Saturday Night Fever will go down in history as one of the best dance movies ever, and the music might make you fall in love with disco. Seriously.

26. Magic Mike (2012)

Mike Lane, played by Channing Tatum, works several jobs, but his greatest ambition is to make furniture. Along the way, however, he discovers his natural talent for dancing — and it's not all about sexy body rolls. He's actually really good! With unforgettable routines and giggle-inducing outfits, this is a dance movie unlike any other.

27. Magic Mike XXL (2015)

Channing Tatum strikes again! Not only was he amazing in Step Up and Magic Mike, he brings his unparalleled dance moves back to the big screen in Magic Mike XXL. And ... well ... thank goodness he did. This time, Mike and the boys are back, and they’re taking their show on the road. Trust us, you won’t be sorry. While the first film was a dark drama from Steven Soderbergh, the latter was a delightful story of a road trip… or, a bro-adtrip, if you will, and features a Donald Glover serenade.

28. Stomp the Yard (2007)

Stomp the Yard is a true gem among dance movies. It centers around a street dancer named DJ who goes to college and joins a fraternity. Once in school, he enters a step dancing competition with his frat brothers. Stomp the Yard offers some seriously impressive combinations that you’ll be dying to try after watching. This flick definitely tops the list of must-see dance battle movies.

29. Shall We Dance? (2004)

In this flick, we watch the burgeoning romance blossom between buttoned-up lawyer John Clark, played by Richard Gere, and his dance teacher Paulina, played by Jennifer Lopez. What ensues is a magical foray into the world of ballroom dance. Not only is it one of the best dance movies ever, it's one of JLo's best films, too.

30. Burlesque (2010)

The classic small-town-girl-heads-to-the-big-city story gets a campy, vampy update in this film. Starring Christina Aguilera, Cher, and Kristen Bell, it's filled with drama, divas, and more Swarovski crystals than you can imagine.

31. Dance with Me (1998)

Equal parts dance and romance, this drama stars Vanessa Williams as a stuck up ballroom dancer and Chayanne as the free-spirited Rafael Infante. They enter a dance contest together and sparks fly.

32. The Company (2003)

Part movie, part documentary, The Company gives a glimpse into the incredibly tough life of a professional ballet dancer with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. It’s not a lighthearted flick, but you’ll be moved nonetheless, especially if you’ve ever studied ballet.

33. Fame (2009)

This remake of the 1980's classic also deserves a place on the list of best dance movies. Its cast features dance luminaries like Bebe Neuwirth and Debbie Allen, as well as household names like Kelsey Grammer and Megan Mullally.

34. Showgirls (1995)

When it comes to this quirky movie, some love it, some hate it. But we can all agree that Showgirls is a pretty accurate portrayal of the life of a Vegas showgirl. The movie shows the hard work, hard choices, and hard realities that Nomi Malone (played by Saved by the Bell's Elizabeth Berkley) must face if she wants to be a star.

35. White Nights (1985)

Real life dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov stars as a ballet dancer who has defected from the Soviet Union and is desperately trying to escape, all while still dancing, of course. The film features tons of inspiring dance scenes and also stars a young Gregory Hines, Helen Mirren, and Isabella Rosellini.

36. Dancers (1987)

Ballet greats Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alessandra Ferri and the completely adorable Julie Kent are caught in a love triangle in this classic dance movie. It’s worth a watch if you’re looking for great dance scenes with a splash of romance.

37. Leap! (2017)

We've got to include this computer-animated cartoon in our list of best dance movies. It chronicles the story of a young orphan (voiced by Elle Fanning) who gets into a dance school in Paris and sets out to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer, against all odds. The heartwarming film emphasizes the importance of not only having technique, but having passion.

38. You Got Served (2004)

This is one of the greatest hip hop dance movies that showcases not only hip hop, but the unparalleled moves of Omarion. When it comes to dance battle movies, this one’s pretty much what started it all. Showcasing some bangin’ moves from two top Los Angeles street dance crews, things come to a head as they compete for both money and respect. You’ll even see Steve Harvey in this film!

39. Swing Time (1936)

In this classic Hollywood film, Fred Astaire plays Lucky Garnett. Lucky is part dancer, part gambler—and wholly entertaining. He heads to New York to make a fortune, and falls head over heels for a dance teacher played by the one and only Ginger Rogers.

40. The Turning Point

In case you’re looking for yet another love story with Mikhail Baryshnikov at the helm, The Turning Point is a great choice. Starring the legendary dancer alongside Hollywood big-wigs Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft, the back-and-forth drama in this movie encompasses a lot more than just the dance floor!

41. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)

Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights has a lot in common with the original Dirty Dancing. Both center on a shy tee who comes alive in a new city and falls in love with a local—only this time, it's in Havana, and the dancing is filled with Latin spice.

42. West Side Story (1961)

Watch as Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, and Rita Moreno dance their hearts out in this classic movie musical that won ten Academy Awards.

43. High Strung (2016)

Set against the glamour backdrop of Manhattan, this modern dance film tells the story of a privileged ballerina who falls in love with a struggling violinist. It culminates, of course, with a dance competition.

44. The White Crow (2019)

This biographical dance film, directed by Ralph Fiennes, follows the esteemed career of one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, Rudolf Nureyev. He escapes the Soviet Union and seeks asylum in France, where he continues to dance until he dies due to health complications from AIDs.

45. Gotta Kick It Up (2002)

It’s a (heartfelt) tale as old as time — or at least feel-good teen movies about community and tackling tough things. A dance team from Southern California (including Yolanda, played by American Ferrera, and Daisy, played by Camille Guaty) talk their new teacher (Ms. Bartlett, played by Susan Egan) into leading their team, leading to an eventual rebellion against the Juilliard-trained coach. This is a story of finding common ground... and there's definitely a moment where the girls sneak off to compete in an intramural competition without Ms. Bartlett. What's a dance movie without drama!

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