40 of the Best Movie Dance Scenes of All Time

June 12, 2019

Look, there are endless “best movie dance scenes” roundups out there. But our list is different.

While we have nothing but love for the gloriously awkward dance moments in films like Napoleon Dynamite and 13 Going on 30 (heart you, Jennifer Garner!), we decided to focus on scenes that involve really good dancing.

Behold, the serious dance-lover’s guide to the movies—presented without commentary, in chronological order.

Pick Yourself Up, "Swing Time" (1936)

Begin the Beguine, "Broadway Melody of 1940" (1940)

Jumpin' Jive, "Stormy Weather" (1943)

The Red Shoes Ballet, "The Red Shoes" (1948)

An American in Paris Ballet, "An American in Paris" (1951)

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You're All the World to Me (Ceiling Dance), "Royal Wedding" (1951)

Broadway Melody, "Singin' in the Rain" (1952)

Singin' in the Rain, "Singin' in the Rain" (1952)

Dancing in the Dark, "The Band Wagon" (1953)

Too Darn Hot, "Kiss Me, Kate" (1953)

Step In Time, "Mary Poppins" (1954)

Barn Dance, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1954)

Abraham, "White Christmas" (1954)

Whatever Lola Wants, "Damn Yankees" (1958)

Who's Got the Pain, "Damn Yankees" (1958)

America, "West Side Story" (1961)

Dance at the Gym, "West Side Story" (1961)

Rich Man's Frug, "Sweet Charity" (1969)

Mein Herr, "Cabaret" (1972)

Snake in the Grass, "The Little Prince" (1974)

You Should Be Dancing, "Saturday Night Fever" (1977)

Romeo and Juliet Pas de Deux, "The Turning Point" (1977)

Hand Jive, "Grease" (1978)

Rejoice, "The Wiz" (1978)

There'll Be Some Changes Made, "All That Jazz" (1979)

What a Feeling, "Flashdance" (1983)

Final Battle, "Breakin'" (1984)

Opening Sequence, "A Chorus Line" (1985)

Duo Dance, "White Nights" (1985)

The Time of My Life, "Dirty Dancing" (1987)

Max and Little Mo, "Tap" (1989)

Sing Sing Sing, "Swing Kids" (1993)

The Final Dance, "Center Stage" (2000)

Cell Block Tango, "Chicago" (2002)

Opening Scene, "Honey" (2003)

Honey (2003) Storyline: Honey is a sexy, tough music video choreographer who shakes up her life after her mentor gives her an ultimatum: sleep with him or be…