Movie musicals are often known for their upbeat tunes, fun to sing-a-long lyrics, and perhaps the most intense of all, their dance performances. However, musicals aren’t the only genre that can benefit from a showstopping dance scene. Movies of all genres use dance scenes to convey intense emotions like love and passion, and at times, even incite fear; whether one person is dancing or a whole group is performing, choreography can be an integral part of a story’s plot, bringing characters together in a way that only physical movement can.
With so many different styles to pull from and a seemingly infinite amount of music to use in the background, dance performances are a unique choice that certainly can help a movie stand out. FromAmerican PsychotoSingin' in the Rain, we rank some of movie history’s most iconic dance scenes and explore what makes them so impactful.
11La La Land - Another Day of Sun
2016’sLa La Landcertainly features its fair share of dance numbers. However, the most striking scene might be the opener, which sees all the people on a Los Angeles highway exit their cars and perform a highly extravagant number, complete with back-flips off car hoods, synchronized jumps, and colorful wardrobe that is nothing short of attention-grabbing.
The opening number perfectly sets the stage for what’s to come; like the rest of the film, the scene is daring, extravagant, and lets audiences know that the story ahead will be equally groundbreaking. The scene was so big and time-consuming that it required a whole section of real highway toclose for an entire weekend!
10American Psycho - Hip to Be Square
As the onlyhorror filmon this list,American Psychomakes use of dance in a way that many other movies in the genre have never even attempted. Dancing often elicits feelings of happiness, freedom, and self-expression. However, the main character Patrick Bateman flips this idea on its head, using dance to convey his horrifying desire to brutally murder his co-worker.
In the now iconic scene that features the Huey Lewis and The News song “Hip to be Square,” serial killer Patrick Bateman dances around as he prepares his home to carry out the horrific crime. Though this is certainly not one of the most well-choreographed scenes, the free-flowing movements seem to mirror the intensity and compulsive nature of the wicked man performing them.
9Jailhouse Rock - Jailhouse Rock
Jailhouse Rockstars the King himself, Elvis Presley, a man known for his incredible vocal talent and even better moves. The story follows Elvis as Vince Everett, a man who is sent to prison after accidentally killing a drunk man during a bar fight. While in jail, he teams up with a fellow inmate to perform on a show that will be broadcast nationwide.
The greatest scene of the film is when Elvis performs the titular song “Jailhouse Rock.” The King’s signature moves are on full display; with his hip thrusts and body jives, Elvis gives what would become a signature performance. He is backed by a group of fellow inmates, all of whom use the jail cells and prison stairways to their advantage. It is easily one of Elvis' most memorable performances and only shot him to greater stardom.
8Gentleman Prefer Blondes - Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
Like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe is another icon from the ’50s. Starring in her own collection of feature films, Marilyn’s talent and beauty captivated audiences around the world. One of her most famous works isGentleman Prefer Blondes, a 1953 film that saw Marilyn as Lorelei, a character more concerned with a man’s wealth than anything else.
The film gave audiences one of Marilyn’s greatest on-screen moments with the dance scene during “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Set on a red backdrop, Marilyn pops off the background in a hot pink gown. Here, the intricately set scene features women hanging from a faux chandelier, men in suits carrying and following Marilyn’s every move, and of course, plenty of diamonds.
Related:The Best Dance Scenes in Rom-Coms, Ranked
7West Side Story - America
The original 1961West Side Storymay just be one of the greatestmusical adaptationsever. With its timeless story about forbidden love, nuanced commentary on racial tensions in America, and expertly crafted score, the story has continued to impact audiences for decades.
One of the best performances, however, is undoubtedly “America,” which sees the Sharks go back and forth with their Puerto Rican counterparts. Here, the Puerto Rican men and women dance in unison as they switch between praising America and praising Puerto Rico. The dance itself clearly took an incredible amount of coordination and has helped cementWest Side Story’s place as a classic in American film and theater.
6Singin' in the Rain - Singin' in the Rain
Unlike some of the other entries on this list,Singin' in the Rain’s iconic dance scene is performed as a solo. Gene Kelly dazzles as Don Lockwood, a silent film star who is transitioning into the world of modern film, which now includes sound.
In what is perhaps the most memorable scene of the film, Don’s character is seen splashing about to the film’s titular song “Singin' in the Rain.” Taking place on the street, the iconic dance includes Don swinging from a streetlight, wielding his umbrella, and finding enjoyment in what is typically an uncomfortable situation. The scene is effortlessly silly and fun, making this a definite staple of 1950s film.
5Saturday Night Fever - More Than a Woman
Saturday Night Feverhelped make disco mainstream, popularizing the funky and upbeat style of music. With it’s perfectly curated soundtrack and assortment of dances to go along with each song, this film uses movement to tell the story of main character Tony Manero. Though the film has since been criticized in recent years for some of its questionable themes, it no doubt had a majorcultural impactthat lasts even today.
One of the best scenes is when Tony and his partner dance to the Bee Gee’s “More Than a Woman.” The duet allows both characters to show off their skills, illuminated by the rainbow floor below and the mirror ball above. The scene perfectly captures the essence of ’70s disco and serves almost as a time capsule for the short-lived era.
4Grease - You’re the One That I Want
Greaseis another film that is full of impressive dance scenes. Yet, the last scene of the film is often touted as the most intricate, exciting, and sexy. Not only do the dance moves themselves shine, but the costuming, setting, and the unforgettable song “You’re the One That I Want” help make this scene one of the most iconic of all time.
Sandy, who is played by Olivia Newton-John, is finally able to let loose and be the free spirit that Danny, played by John Travolta, craves. The chemistry between Newton-John and Travolta is on full display as they dance through the carnival and are backed by a myriad of dancers who only add to the high-production value of the scene.
3Footloose - Warehouse Dance
Footlooseis one of the movies on this list that is all about the importance of dance. When Ren, played by Kevin Bacon, moves to a town where dancing is outlawed, he makes it his mission to show the significance of dance and reverse the laws that prohibit him from doing his favorite activity.
In the warehouse scene, dance is used to portray Ren’s anger and frustration at his current situation; after chugging a beer, he lets loose inside an empty warehouse, dancing with as much anger and intensity as one could have. As he dances, moments flash on screen and assumably, in Ren’s mind that inspire him and push him to express himself.
2Pulp Fiction - You Never Can Tell
Quentin Tarantino’sPulp Fictionis a crime drama that tells three different but related stories. With names like Uma Thurman and John Travolta, the movie features a star-studded cast that helped to establish this hard-hitting piece as aninstant classic.
When two of the main characters, Vincent and Mia, go out for dinner, they decide to take the stage and perform the popular ’60s dance craze called “the twist.” The scene juxtaposes the rest of the film, which is notoriously violent and gory; here, the characters have some lighthearted fun in a scene that helps develop Vincent and Mia as characters while also building tension for the upcoming events.
