Everyone loves a good dance scene in a movie – even if they’re unexpected (think Napoleon Dynamite) – so in celebration of International Dance Day here are 30 of them to enjoy.
1. Dirty Dancing
At number one it has to be that lift.
2. Footloose
Because who doesn’t want to see Kevin Bacon dance.
3. Save The Last Dance
Sara (played by Julia Stiles) got into the prestigious Juilliard School of performing arts after this dance, that’s how epic it was.
4. Tropic Thunder
There’s nothing better than seeing Tom Cruise dancing to a Flo Rida song, nothing.
5. Swing Time
It’s an old one, but it’s a classic. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers make it look so effortless.
6. Napoleon Dynamite
Napoleon absolutely nails the dance to Jamiroquai’s song Canned Heat.
7. Flashdance
Even Jennifer Lopez had to copy this dance back in 2002.
8. Mean Girls
Who doesn’t love this movie? It’s so fetch!
9. Little Miss Sunshine
Olive Hoover, played by Abigail Breslin, dances inappropriately to 70s song Super Freak in this quirky film.
10. Grease
There are many amazing dance scenes in Grease, but we love that everyone is involved in this one.
11.Saturday Night Fever
Because who doesn’t want to see John Travolta dancing in flares.
12. The Full Monty
This awkward dance is one of many in the film about six unemployed men who decide to form a male striptease act.
13. Step Up
Channing Tatum and his wife Jenna Dewan met on set for the film Step Up back in 2006 and later married in 2009. We think this is the dance that sealed the deal.
14. Hairspray
We love this musical and we love this dance to the song The Nicest Kids in Town.
15. She’s All That
One of the funniest scenes in this classic movie from the 90s.
16. Jailhouse Rock
Look at those hips move.
17. Chicago
We agree they had it coming.
18. Mary Poppins
Dick Van Dyke leads other chimney sweeps in this highly energetic dance. Just ignore his dodgy accent.
19. West Side Story
This dance scene in the musical inspired by Romeo and Juliet is amazing.
20. High School Musical
This is the film that launched Zac Efron into the world and this scene either got on your nerves or made you want to dance.
21. (500) Days Of Summer
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character in this 2009 Romantic Comedy finally believes he’s got the girl and what does he do? He dances of course.
22. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
It’s a jump to the left, a step to the right, bring your knees tight… let’s do the time warp again.
23. Risky Business
It’s Tom Cruise again, but this time he’s in his underwear.
24. Can’t Buy Me Love
A geeky kid gets everyone to do the African anteater dance, what’s not to love.
25. Drumline
Just because we wish we could do this without looking like idiots.
26. Slumdog Millionaire
The film that introduced Bollywood dance moves to the masses, Jai Ho!
27. You Got Served
This film has lots of dance battles, but this one’s the best.
28. The Mask
Jim Carrey leads Cameron Diaz in this crazy dance from the film The Mask.
29. The Artist
This silent film ended perfectly with this dance.
30. Coming To America
This over-the-top dance scene was choreographed by Paula Abdul.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article