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dance movies- i wanna dance with somebody
Naomi Ackie in TRISTAR pictures I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY/ CREDIT: Emily Aragones. All Rights Reserved

Our Top 10 Dance Movies

Ben Ahrens

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Our Top 10 Dance Movies

Dance has been a source of inspiration for filmmakers since the days of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. In recent years, we’ve seen dancers take center stage in dance movies like Step Up, Black Swan, and Hairspray. So with the upcoming release of the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, we figured now is the perfect time to explore some of our favorite dance movies that get our toes tapping.

Whether you’re a fan of ballet or hip-hop, there’s sure to be a dance movie on this list that will get your feet moving. So lace up and get ready to check out our top 10 dance movies!

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Our favorite dance movies

I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Celebrate the life and musical legacy of Whitney Houston (Naomi Ackie) — the incomparable icon who transfixed generations with her one-of-a-kind R&B pop vocals. From humble beginnings as a local singing sensation, she was discovered by record executive Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci) and soon skyrocketed to global superstardom. With Naomi Ackie’s portrayal in this captivating movie, revisit all that made Whitney an unforgettable star. The film also stars Ashton Sanders as Whitney’s husband Bobby Brown, Tamara Tunie as Whitney’s mother Cissy Houston, Nafessa Williams as Whitney’s friend and assistant Robyn Crawford, and Clarke Peters as Whitney’s father John Houston. The film is set to be released at the end of this month on December 23, making it a great choice to see over the holiday season. While not specifically a part of the other dance movies on this list, Whitney Houston’s discography will make you want to groove. 

Here’s what fans are saying:

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Flashdance

Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals) is a beautiful young woman who dreams of becoming an accomplished dancer. By day, she works in a steel mill, and by night performs at her local bar to make ends meet. When Alex catches the eye of her boss Nick Hurley (Michael Nouri) — not only does he express interest but also supports her dream. With his encouragement, as well as that from former ballerina mentor Hanna Long (Lilia Skala), Alex musters up the courage to achieve something greater: auditioning for a prestigious dance conservatory with high hopes. The film also stars Sunny Johnson as Jeanie Szabo, Kyle T. Heffner as Richie Blazek, and Lee Ving as Johnny C.

The movie brought an iconic song, “Flashdance. . . What a Feeling” sung by Irene Cara, to mainstream music. The hit now holds a bittersweet memory as Cara passed away on November 25, 2022.

Here’s what fans are saying:

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Watch now on Paramount+.

Step Up

Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) and Nora Clark (Jenna Dewan) were two people from totally different worlds until fate brought them together. Tyler, a troublemaker who had found himself before the judge one too many times was sentenced to 200 hours of community service. He’s mopping floors at the Maryland School of Arts. It’s here that he meets talented dance teacher Nora. Captivated by her fire for combining hip-hop moves with classical dance routines, it wasn’t long before she asked him to help out. Upon joining forces they soon discover an impossible spark between them — ultimately inspiring each other in ways neither could have imagined. The film also stars Drew Sidora as Nora’s best friend and singer Lucille “Lucy” Avila, Mario as Nora’s other best friend and DJ Miles Darby, and Rachel Griffiths as Director Gordon.

Here’s what fans are saying:

Rent now on Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon.

Black Swan

Nina (Natalie Portman), a passionate ballerina, is faced with an electric rivalry when her company’s artistic director casts the mysterious newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) for their opening production of Swan Lake. As both dancers rehearse and rivalry turns into friendship, mysterious forces begin unleashing Nina’s dark side. The film also stars Vincent Cassel as Thomas Leroy/The Gentleman, Barbara Hershey as Erica Sayers/The Queen, and Winona Ryder as Elizabeth “Beth” MacIntyre/The Dying Swan.

Here’s what fans are saying:

Also, be sure to check out our coverage of the Black Swan New York Premiere.

Rent now on Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon.

Footloose

Ren McCormack (Kevin Bacon) has made the big move from Chicago to a small Midwestern town, where he discovers that dancing and rock music are illegal. With help from his new friend Willard Hewitt (Christopher Penn) and Ariel Moore (Lori Singer) — an unapologetically rebellious teen — Ren embarks on a mission to challenge authority and create change. But there’s just one obstacle in their way: Reverend Shaw Moore (John Lithgow). Ren and crew will have to loosen up this conservative town and fight for freedom through dance. The film also stars Dianne Wiest as Vi Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker as Rusty. There’s also a 2011 remake starring Julianne Hough as Ariel. 

Here’s what fans are saying:

Rent now on Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon.

Saturday Night Fever

Every week, Tony Manero (John Travolta) is stuck in a mundane life of working as a paint store clerk and living at home in his Brooklyn neighborhood. But the weekends are when he truly comes alive — hitting up the local disco with pals by his side and moves like no other. And when an epic competition comes along offering fame and fortune it gets even more exciting; especially with Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney) as partner-in-dance for this dynamic duo. As their training heats up so does something else. The film also stars Barry Miller as Bobby C., Donna Pescow as Annette, Sam Coppola as Dan Fusco, and Fran Drescher as Connie.

Here’s what fans are saying:

Watch now on Prime Video.

Dirty Dancing

This summer, Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) is determined to have a good time before she joins the Peace Corps. Much to her dismay though, it looks like that’s not in the cards; until Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), dance instructor at her family’s Catskills resort, takes an interest. Swept away by his charm and impressive moves on the dance floor, the two fall head over heels for each other — despite Baby’s father having strict rules about their relationship. Despite this conflict, she’s determined to help Johnny perform the last big dance of the summer. The film also stars Jerry Orbach as Jake Houseman and Cynthia Rhodes as Penny Johnson.

Here’s what fans are saying:

Watch now on Sling TV.

Happy Feet

Mumble (Elijah Wood), a sweet little penguin from Memphis (Hugh Jackman) and Norma’s (Nicole Kidman) family of singers, has an amazing gift — tap dancing. Unfortunately for Mumble, his inability to sing like everyone else in Antarctica makes it difficult for him to find love. This causes him to feel out of place in the world. Even though Mumble can’t croon a single note, this unlikely hero shows everyone that he doesn’t need to be a great singer to reach his destined greatness. The film also stars Brittany Murphy as Gloria, Anthony LaPaglia as Skua Boss, Steve Irwin as Trev, and Robin Williams in numerous roles as Ramón, Cletus, Lovelace, and the narrator.

Here’s what some fans and critics are saying:

Watch now on HBO Max.

Billy Elliot

From the dingy coal mines of Northern England emerged an unlikely prodigy: 11-year-old Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell). During a weekly boxing lesson, his future took a wild turn as he stumbled into a ballet class. Eventually finding himself there more often, the instructor Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters) knew she had found something special in young Billy; though her tongue was sharp and cigarettes ever present, his raw talent quickly sparked her passion for teaching again. The film also stars Gary Lewis as Jackie Elliot, Jamie Draven as Tony Elliot, and Adam Cooper as Billy at age 25.

Here’s what fans are saying:

Watch now on Starz.

Hairspray

In the 1960s, Baltimore was abuzz over Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) — a fun-loving teen who danced her way to fame on “The Corny Collins Show.” Not only did she shake up the show with her trendsetting fashion sense and iconic dance moves, but some say her star power also helped bring racial integration onto TV screens across America.

The film has a stacked cast that also stars John Travolta as Tracy’s mother Edna Turnblad, Michelle Pfeiffer as the racist and sizeist TV station manager Velma Von Tussle, Amanda Bynes as Tracy’s best friend Penny Lou Pingleton, Christopher Walken as Tracy’s father Wilbur Turnblad, Queen Latifah as Baltimore rhythm and blues radio DJ “Motormouth” Maybelle Stubbs, James Marsden as TV host Corny Collins, Brittany Snow as Velma’s bratty daughter Amber Von Tussle, Zac Efron as Amber’s boyfriend Link Larkin, Elijah Kelley as Maybelle’s son Seaweed J. Stubbs, and Allison Janney as Penny’s mother Prudence “Prudy” Pingleton. There are 2 versions, the non musical film in 1988, and the musical adaptation in 2007. 

Here’s what fans are saying:

Also, be sure to check out our coverage of the film’s premiere featuring interviews with numerous members of the cast!

Watch now on HBO Max.

Do you have any favorite dance movies that didn’t make the list? Let us know on Twitter! Looking for other movies out now? Take a look at the newest releases currently playing in theaters.

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Ben Ahrens
Ben Ahrens

Movies in theaters