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This piece explores the intrigue surrounding dance routines and the tales associated with them. We’re captivated by the motivations, aspirations, life choices, and inherent talents of the characters portrayed. Questions such as these, along with many others, keep us engaged and eager to see their evolution on the silver screen. Movies focusing on dance, those delving into dance as a life aspect, or even films brimming with choreography, all find a home in this compilation of top dance movies available on Netflix.

Grease (1978)

One of the timeless musical classics that continues to captivate audiences is Grease. Although it’s not primarily focused on dance, it stands out for its iconic and indelible music and choreography sequences that have left a lasting impact on cinema history.

Grease, one of the all-time great musicals, may not be centrally about dancing, but it’s hard to ignore its powerful and enduring music and dance scenes, which have significantly shaped movie music and dance trends.

In simple terms, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John portray Danny and Sandy, two characters who couldn’t be more different, yet find themselves falling in love during a summer romance. It later transpires that they both attend the same high school, with Sandy being a newcomer to town. The story unfolds as a delightful mix of typical teenage drama, filled with humor and heartwarming moments, backed by an outstanding soundtrack and stellar performances.

Work It (2020)

In a blend of humor and emotion, we follow the story of Quinn Ackerman, an aspiring dancer who yearns for professional success. Her admission into her dream college hinges solely on her performance at a dance competition. However, there’s a significant hurdle: Quinn has never learned to dance.

She’s firmly committed to realizing her dreams, so she assembles an eclectic group of individuals who will eventually become a dance team. Their goal is to outshine the top dance crew in their school. With a bit of guidance, she hopes to master dancing and potentially demonstrate that it’s possible for underdogs to achieve success despite the odds.

Feel the Beat (2020)

In this heartwarming blend of comedy and drama, we meet April Dibrina, an aspiring dancer with dreams of shining on Broadway. However, a string of setbacks in the bustling city of New York forces her back to her roots in Wisconsin. There, she joins a local dance studio, continuing her passion for dance in a more familiar setting.

April, initially hesitant, takes on the role of mentoring an eclectic team of gifted individuals, gearing them up for a major showdown. Starting off rocky, she gradually connects with her dance crew and builds meaningful relationships, discovering a sense of joy in an experience that deviates drastically from what she anticipated.

You Got Served (2004)

Despite not being universally adored or praised, this dance film has evolved into something of a dance legend, thanks to its narrative, soundtrack, and being one of the earliest stories set within the realm of dance competitions.

This tale revolves around the cutthroat realm of street dancing, where numerous dance collectives vie for money, recognition, and notoriety. We tag along with Elgin and David, inseparable buddies who helm one of the most renowned dance squads in their locale. They’re pitted against a formidable group from another town, instigating a street showdown. Aside from demonstrating their prowess, these two friends must reconcile their disagreements and unite after a heated argument.

Leap! (2016)

In this captivating French-animated film, we’re transported back to 1880, introducing us to a destitute orphan girl named Felicie who harbors dreams of becoming a ballerina. Escaping from her rural Brittany orphanage, she pairs up with her ingenious friend Victor, an inventor. Their journey then leads them to the bustling city of Paris, only to find themselves eventually parting ways.

1) Victor assumes the role of an office assistant in Gustave Eiffel’s workshop, while Felicie finds herself in several tricky predicaments and is saved by a secretive janitor from the Paris Opera house who offers her temporary shelter. As a string of accidents unfolds, Felicie will eventually find herself at the Paris Opera Ballet, where she must demonstrate her skills and uncover her true self.

Full Out (2015)

The film is inspired by the real-life events surrounding California gymnast Ariana Berlin, whose aspirations of competing in the Olympics were tragically dashed after a car accident. However, she found solace and a new direction in her life by embracing hip-hop dance as a career instead.

Through the assistance of renowned UCLA gymnastics coach Valerie Kondo, Ariana has been offered the opportunity to rejoin gymnastics. With her guidance, Ariana achieved her ambition by clinching an NCAA Championship, demonstrating that determination, courage, and self-belief can make even the impossible possible.

Let’s Dance (2019)

This film, a comedic drama set in France, is a reimagining of the 2010 British dance movie Street Dance. The plot revolves around the character Joseph, an ardent hip-hop dancer, who defies joining his father’s company and instead chooses to chase his dreams in Paris.

Alongside his girlfriend Emma and closest friend Karim, Joseph becomes part of the Paris team led by renowned breakdancer Yuri. This dynamic individual is focused on clinching victory in an upcoming international hip-hop contest.

Honey: Rise Up & Dance (2018)

Skyler, a gifted and driven street dancer, stands at a critical juncture in her life. Desiring to follow in her sister’s footsteps, she aims to join the same dance crew her sister once trained with. Her ultimate goal is to compete for a college scholarship through this group.

However, Skyler’s family and boyfriend doubt her abilities to succeed, but this only motivates her. Determined to prove them wrong, she starts training in Atlanta’s secretive underground dance community. Tyrell, a notable figure in the scene, recognizes her potential and helps her hone her dance and hip-hop battling skills, pushing her towards greater achievements.

Battle (2018)

Amalie aspires to join a society that values appearance, wealth, and dance abilities above all else; however, when her father faces financial ruin, her world crumbles dramatically. She’s struggling to keep her predicament hidden from her school friends but may soon encounter their envy and confusion.

When she encounters a street dancer called Michael, she finds herself grappling with a difficult choice: maintaining her ties with her old friends or embracing this new relationship. Meanwhile, she finds herself ensnared in a complex tapestry of deceit. The challenge lies in how long she can sustain this secret life and whether she can remain authentic to herself in the process.

High Strung Free Dance (2018)

In this musical tale, the narrative revolves around a promising choreographer named Zander Raines, who brings together an exceptional contemporary dancer, Barlow, and a skillful pianist, Charlie, for New York’s highly anticipated upcoming Broadway production. For these gifted individuals, landing roles in Zander’s show is nothing short of a dream come true.

However, events may deviate from the original plan as Charlie develops feelings for Barlow. Meanwhile, Zander finds inspiration in her and this could lead to growing artistic rivalries among them. The central query becomes: How far are they prepared to go for love amidst these escalating tensions?

Dance Academy: The Movie (2017)

This Australian drama continues the storyline from the hit TV show of the same name, picking up after events in 2013. Since then, approximately 18 months have passed, and Tara, who suffered a broken back while auditioning for the National Ballet Company, is still grappling with the consequences of that setback.

Despite immersing herself wholeheartedly in college life, her ambition to become a professional dancer remains undiminished.

Rize (2005)

In simple terms, this David LaChapelle documentary delves into a street dance trend gaining traction in Los Angeles, revealing its artistic roots rooted in oppression. It offers a glimpse of this intense and visually captivating dance form that blends aspects of traditional African tribal rituals with rapid, athletic movements, giving it a contemporary twist.

Originating from Tommy Johnson, also known as Tommy the Clown, this dance style emerged in response to the 1992 Rodney King riots. Initially called “Clowning,” it eventually gained widespread recognition as Krumping. This dance form contrasts significantly with the glitzy hip-hop culture, embodying raw authenticity and bravery instead.

Yeh Ballet (2020)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement about an outstanding Indian production that blends the genres of musical drama with a touch of reality. This masterpiece is actually a cinematic reinterpretation of a critically-acclaimed short documentary, sharing the same title. The leading roles are gracefully filled by two promising newcomers from India, Manish Chauhan and Achintya Bose. Notable international actors such as Julian Sands and Jim Sarbh also contribute to this remarkable cast.

This narrative revolves around two incredibly talented yet financially struggling teenagers hailing from Mumbai. Their lives take a turn when they catch the eye of an unconventional ballet instructor. The pair aspires to follow their passion for dance, but they encounter challenges such as prejudice, miscomprehension, and disfavor along the way.

Girl (2018)

Hailing from both The Netherlands and Belgium, this drama revolves around a resolute 15-year-old named Lara who harbors a deep passion for becoming a professional ballerina. With her father firmly in her corner, Lara aims to demonstrate to all that she possesses the talent to excel at the highest level.

However, there’s a challenge that may add unnecessary complexity to Lara’s life. Upon joining the elite ballet school, Lara will discover that her physique doesn’t respond ideally to rigorous ballet training due to a biological fact – she was born as a male.

Driven To Dance (2018)

Paige, a budding ballerina, aspires to join a prestigious dance company. As she gears up for her audition, she must persuade both her mother and herself that she possesses the talent and determination needed to succeed in the competitive realm of dance.

Step Up (2006)

Among the most cherished dance films from the last two decades, there’s one that spins a contemporary tale of two disparate souls finding romance despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. One character, Tyler Gage, is a Baltimore street dancer who resides with his foster parents in a financially struggling community.

Nora Clark, a talented ballet dancer born with advantages, happens to spot Tyler performing in the parking lot of her school, the Maryland School of Arts. This is where Tyler serves his community service, having been caught vandalizing its stage. Under unique circumstances, they find themselves partnered for a dance and soon develop feelings beyond just their shared passion for dance.

Magic Mike XXL (2015)

In this follow-up to the widely acclaimed Magic Mike film, we find ourselves three years later after Mike has swapped his stripping career for managing his own furniture business. Meanwhile, his former dance troupe, the Kings of Tampa, are en route to a stripper convention in Myrtle Beach and happen to stop by his town.

Mike chooses to embark on a road trip with them, aiming to reconnect and enjoy old times. However, things take an unexpected turn as Mike expresses his regrets to his friends and requests assistance. Not everyone may wholeheartedly approve of Mike’s current lifestyle, leading to tension throughout their journey to the convention.

I’m No Longer Here (2019)

In this captivating and intelligent Mexican drama, we’re transported to the mountainous region of Monterrey, where a close-knit group of friends and a local street gang called Los Terkos pass their time by attending gatherings, dancing, and flaunting their attire and gang affiliations.

As a cinephile, I’d say: This film isn’t just about grooving to the tunes and dance moves; it’s a gripping tale of rapid-fire drug conflicts that shape the lives of these young souls, often unwillingly. Ulises Samperio is our protagonist, a youth who had to flee his hometown and seek refuge in New York. However, when he learns that his entire gang is in peril there, he finds himself grappling with second thoughts about his decision and longing for the familiar comfort of home.

Into the Beat (2020)

The charming, soulful German musical drama, reminiscent of the highly acclaimed American dance film “Save the Last Dance,” shares similarities in both narrative and ambiance. This production revolves around the character Katya Orlow, a talented ballet dancer who serendipitously explores hip-hop dancing.

Following her newfound passion for a distinct dance style, Katya has started contemplating her long-held dream. Soon, she’ll be faced with a challenging choice: either uphold her family’s tradition and aspirations or persist in her recent discovery of love.

Step Sisters (2018)

Jamilah is a young woman who possesses everything she desires and believes that her future will shine brilliantly, as per her own designs. As the head of her sorority and leader of her dance team, she confidently anticipates attending Harvard University.

However, when Sigma Beta Beta members bring shame to the school, it falls upon Jamilah to intervene and guide them towards victory in a step dance competition. Along the way, they’ll encounter numerous setbacks and hardships, but these challenges will also teach them the value of solidarity and supporting one another.

Break (2018)

In this blend of dance and drama, we encounter Lucie, a budding dancer who has recently experienced a tragic accident and is now on the path to recovery following her emergence from a coma. Eager to persist in her dancing journey, Lucie starts rehearsing for an upcoming performance alongside her dance partner.

This film isn’t just about dancing; it’s also a heartfelt family drama focusing on a young girl’s journey to find her long-lost father and uncover the truth. Along her path of self-discovery, Lucie will gain valuable insights into herself and encounter a transformative romantic experience.

Step Up: Revolution (2012)

In Miami, the fourth installment of the highly successful and adored dance series introduces Emily, a newcomer with dreams of turning professional as a dancer. Not long after her arrival, she finds herself smitten by Sean, a charismatic young leader of an innovative dance group known as The Mob, who are famous for their intriguing flash mobs.

In response to a wealthy entrepreneur’s plan to demolish the historic community where The Mob resides, Emily and Sean make the choice to transform their artistic performances into expressions of protest, sacrificing their personal aspirations to take a stand for a more significant purpose.

Cuties (2020)

Despite receiving mixed reactions, likely because of its sensitive subject matter, it’s important to note this movie, serving as an eye-opener, revolves around Amy, an 11-year-old girl who becomes part of a dance troupe at her school known as the Cuties.

Over time, she starts transforming her appearance, actions, and overall lifestyle to match the attitudes and perspectives of the girls she’s associating with. Alongside these changes, she becomes more conscious of her own feminine qualities and allure, a realization that will deeply disturb her mother.

Pop, Lock n’ Roll (2017)

This engaging music-drama revolves around Raps, an exceptionally gifted street dancer specializing in hip-hop who believes wealth and fame equate to happiness. Through a stroke of luck, he ascends to professional stardom. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a stunning woman, leading him into uncharted territory.

In simpler terms, we could say that she is the spouse of a past gangster from Brazil, who transitioned into becoming a successful movie producer. Rapper must ponder whether he’s prepared to jeopardize both his career and life to attain genuine happiness.

Burlesque (2010)

In a simpler and more conversational manner: Christina Aguilera portrays the character of Ali, a young woman from Iowa who works as a waitress at the Burlesque Lounge. This lounge is managed by Tess, a former dancer who’s trying her best to keep her small theater afloat. As the story unfolds, Ali becomes captivated by burlesque and eventually develops a passion for it herself.

Ever since she was young, Ali harbored a dream of performing publicly by singing, acting, and dancing. With the encouragement of her recent acquaintances and peers, she’s finally getting a chance to step into the limelight herself. However, it seems almost too good to be true if everything continues as it is now. As Ali takes center stage at the Lounge, her past is poised to re-emerge, threatening to disrupt her newfound success.

Faith, Hope & Love (2019)

This story tells us about two individuals, Jimmy Hope and Faith Turley, who are going through tough times – Jimmy after losing his wife, and Faith dealing with a struggling dance studio following her divorce. However, they unexpectedly find solace and joy in each other’s company as their paths cross.

1. She decides to participate in a “Pro vs Amateur” dance contest to gather funds for its preservation, and she requires an amateur dancer as her companion.

2. Jimmy’s younger daughter dreams of her father finding new love, and it seems like her wish may come true when he partners with Faith in the dance competition.

Flashdance (1983)

This film is one of the most celebrated and widely adored dance movies ever made, boasting a captivating plot, an unconventional protagonist, a cherished soundtrack, and brimming with fantastic choreography and dance sequences.

Alex Owens, a young woman hailing from Pittsburgh, juggles two contrasting roles – a welder by day and an exotic dancer at night. Her ultimate dream, however, lies in the world of ballet, where she aspires to attend a prestigious school. Despite her unyielding efforts, she faces repeated rejections, with critics suggesting that her skills are not yet up to par.

La La Land (2016)

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone truly shone in the enchanting musical by Damien Chazelle, a film depicting dreams and optimism about the existence of beauty and art in our world. Stone portrays Mia, an ambitious actress who spends her days serving coffee to Hollywood stars while simultaneously pursuing her own acting ambitions at auditions.

Gosling portrays Sebastian, a jazz musician who plays in a rundown bar to get by. Following a tragic event, they find themselves falling in love, but their aspirations – goals they’ve worked tirelessly for – could potentially create tension in their relationship.

2025-05-23 10:48