Our team compiled the best dance movies and here is what they came up with
Dance movies have been a staple in the film industry for decades, offering audiences a chance to see incredible performances, emotional stories, and exciting choreography. Many dance movies have been incredibly popular at the box office and have become cultural touchstones. Here are 18 examples of some of the most popular dance movies of all time, along with a summary, MPAA rating, box office collections, and an explanation of why they were appreciated by audiences and critics alike:
Here are the 18 best dance movies to check out on the streaming service.
1. Dirty Dancing (1987)
A romantic drama movie that tells the story of a teenage girl who falls in love with a dance instructor at a summer resort. The movie grossed over $214 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, its iconic dance scenes, and its themes of first love, self-discovery and social class. Rated PG-13
2. Flashdance (1983)
A romantic drama movie that tells the story of a welder by day and exotic dancer by night who dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. The movie grossed over $94 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Jennifer Beals, its iconic dance scenes, and its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of pursuing one’s passion. Rated R
3. Step Up (2006)
A romantic drama movie that tells the story of a street dancer who falls in love with a ballet student. The movie grossed over $65 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, its exciting dance scenes and its themes of self-expression and following one’s dreams. Rated PG-13
4. Black Swan (2010)
A psychological horror-thriller movie that tells the story of a ballet dancer who becomes increasingly unstable as she prepares for the lead role in Swan Lake. The movie grossed over $329 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Natalie Portman, its tense atmosphere and its exploration of themes of obsession, perfection and mental health. Rated R
5. Hairspray (2007)
A musical movie that tells the story of a teenager who becomes a star on a local TV dance program in 1962 Baltimore. The movie grossed over $202 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by John Travolta and Nikki Blonsky, its catchy music and its themes of inclusion, acceptance and Civil rights movement. Rated PG
6. Mad Hot Ballroom (2005)
A documentary movie that follows several New York City public school students as they prepare for a citywide ballroom dance competition. The movie grossed over $3.7 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its real-life story and its themes of self-expression and community building. Rated PG
7. StreetDance 3D (2010)
A dance movie that tells the story of a street dance crew who are set to compete in the UK Street Dance Championships. The movie grossed over $11 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Nicholas Hoult, its dance scenes and its themes of competition and friendship. Rated PG
8. Footloose (1984)
A musical drama movie that tells the story of a city boy who moves to a small town and fights to bring dancing back to the local school. The movie grossed over $80 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Kevin Bacon, its iconic music and its themes of self-expression and rebellion. Rated PG
9. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
A musical comedy movie that tells the story of Hollywood actors and performers during the transition from silent films to “talkies.” The movie grossed over $8.5 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, its iconic musical numbers and its themes of the entertainment industry and Hollywood history. Rated G
10. You Got Served (2004)
A dance movie that tells the story of two rival dance crews who compete for the opportunity to perform at a local club. The movie grossed over $38 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Omarion, Marques Houston and Meagan Good, its dance scenes and its themes of competition and friendship. Rated PG-13
11. Salsa (1988)
A romantic drama movie that tells the story of a young man who becomes a salsa dancer in New York City and falls in love with a fellow dancer. The movie grossed over $5.5 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Robby Rosa and Magali Alvarado, its dance scenes and its themes of self-discovery and romance. Rated R
12. Strictly Ballroom (1992)
A romantic comedy-drama movie that tells the story of a competitive ballroom dancer who breaks the rules and dances his own steps. The movie grossed over $60 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice and Barry Otto, its dance scenes and its themes of self-expression and following one’s dreams. Rated PG
13. The Company (2003)
A drama movie that tells the story of a young dancer who joins the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. The movie grossed over $4 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell and James Franco, its dance scenes and its themes of hard work and dedication in the world of ballet. Rated PG-13
14. Dance with Me (1998)
A romantic drama movie that tells the story of a young dancer who falls in love with a salsa dancer and trains to become a salsa competitor. The movie grossed over $26 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Vanessa L. Williams, Chayanne and Kris Kristofferson, its dance scenes and its themes of self-discovery and romance. Rated PG
15. La La Land (2016)
A romantic musical comedy-drama movie that tells the story of a jazz pianist and an aspiring actress who fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. The movie grossed over $446 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, its iconic musical numbers, and its themes of chasing one’s dreams, and the complexity of love. Rated PG-13
16. Burlesque (2010)
A musical drama movie that tells the story of a small-town girl who moves to Los Angeles and becomes a dancer at a burlesque club. The movie grossed over $89 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Christina Aguilera and Cher, its dance scenes and its themes of self-expression and following one’s dreams. Rated PG-13
17. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
A romantic comedy-drama movie that tells the story of a man who, after a stint in a mental institution, moves in with his parents and tries to win back his wife while befriending a neighbor with problems of her own. The movie grossed over $236 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, its exploration of mental health and its themes of friendship and self-discovery, and the movie was appreciated for its portrayal of an unconventional romance in the backdrop of dance competition where they both find solace and their emotional healing. Rated R
18. Take the Lead (2006)
A drama movie that tells the story of a ballroom dance instructor who volunteers to teach dance to a group of at-risk high school students. The movie grossed over $65 million worldwide and it was appreciated for its performances, particularly by Antonio Banderas and Rob Brown, its dance scenes and its themes of self-expression, mentorship and overcoming obstacles. Rated PG-13
These movies showcase different aspects of the dance world, from ballroom and salsa, to hip hop and burlesque, to the struggles and triumphs of professional dancers. Each of these movies captures the passion, dedication, and beauty of dance, and the stories behind the dancers. They have been appreciated by audiences and critics alike for the performances, choreography and emotional impact they had on viewers. They offer a window into the world of dance and the people who inhabit it.