Featuring high-energy choreographed scenes and upbeat musical numbers, everyone loves a good dance movie. Although the late 1970s may have begun the movement, ’80s dance movies perfected the subgenre and thrust it into the mainstream. The trend hit its peak in the mid-’80s when dance films weren’t just dominating the big screens, but also the airwaves. Some of the decade’s best-selling albums were dance movie soundtracks, and some would go on to win major awards at the Oscars and Grammys.
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While the 1980s were nearly oversaturated with dance movies, there are still some that have stood the test of time. Influencing not only cinema but ‘80s culture, the best ‘80s dance movies are the ones that still have fans singing along and dancing ‘til they drop.
You are watching: 20 Best ’80s Dance Movies Of All Time, Including Fame & Dirty Dancing
20
Xanadu (1980)
Directed by Robert Greenwald
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Xanadu
PG
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Romance
Release Date
August 8, 1980
Runtime
96 minutes
Director
Robert Greenwald
Writers
Marc Reid Rubel
Producers
Lawrence Gordon
Cast
See All
-
Gene Kelly
Danny McGuire
-
Olivia Newton-John
Kira
-
Michael Beck
Sonny Malone
-
James Sloyan
Simpson
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Bringing together musical film legend Gene Kelly and singer Olivia Newton-John, Xanadu is a musical fantasy adventure that defined ‘80s music and culture. Newton-John plays Kira, a muse of Olympus sent to Earth to inspire Sonny (Michael Beck), an artist, and the two of them strike up a forbidden romance.
The film’s soundtrack album was a huge hit, earning double platinum status.
While Xanadu was panned by critics and declared a box office failure, the film’s soundtrack album was a huge hit, earning double platinum status.
19
Breakin’ (1984)
Directed by Joel Silberg
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Breakin’
PG
Music
Drama
Romance
Release Date
January 10, 1984
Runtime
90 minutes
Director
Joel Silberg
Writers
Gerald Scaife
Producers
Menahem Golan
Cast
-
Adolfo Quinones
Ozone
-
Lucinda Dickey
Kelly / Special K
-
Michael Chambers
Turbo
-
Ben Lokey
Franco
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Kelly “Special K” Bennett is a classically trained dancer who meets breakdancers Ozone and Turbo in Venice Beach. The three decide to start their own dance trio, as Turbo and Ozone teach Kelly their special set of moves. They later enter into a dance competition and blow away the judges with their nontraditional style.
Although the script didn’t impress the critics, the dance scenes in Breakin’ are mind-blowing, and the film helped introduce breakdancing to the general public as a legitimate style of dancing that takes serious skill and commitment.
18
Staying Alive (1983)
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
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Staying Alive
PG
Drama
Music
Release Date
July 11, 1983
Runtime
93 minutes
Director
Sylvester Stallone
Writers
Norman Wexler
Producers
Bill Oakes
Cast
See All
-
Cynthia Rhodes
Jackie
-
John Travolta
Tony Manero
-
Finola Hughes
Laura
-
Steve Inwood
Jesse
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The sequel to Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive stars John Travolta, reprising his role as Tony Manero. Now living in Manhattan, Tony hopes to make it big as a Broadway dancer but soon finds himself in a love triangle with his girlfriend, Jackie, and another dancer named Laura. Though the movie was critically panned, it still managed to break box office records, and the soundtrack earned both Golden Globe and Grammy nominations.
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17
Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)
Directed by Sam Firstenberg
The sequel to the film released just months earlier, Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo coined a modern pop culture lexicon term and created a celebrated cliché story concept at the same time. The three core breakdancers Special K, Ozone, and Turbo return, going up against a corporate developer who wants to demolish a community rec center to build a shopping mall. Complete with dance battles and a happenin’ hip-hop soundtrack, Electric Boogaloo is an icon that must be seen to be believed.
16
White Nights (1985)
Directed by Taylor Hackford
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White Nights
PG-13
Drama
Thriller
Release Date
November 22, 1985
Runtime
136 minutes
Director
Taylor Hackford
Writers
Eric Hughes
Producers
William S. Gilmore
Cast
See All
-
Gregory Hines
Raymond Greenwood
-
Mikhail Baryshnikov
Nikolai ‘Kolya’ Rodchenko
-
Jerzy Skolimowski
Colonel Chaiko
-
Helen Mirren
Galina Ivanova
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Featuring award-winning songs (“Say You, Say Me” by Lionel Richie and “Separate Lives” by Phil Collins), White Nights combines ballet and tap dance with tense political drama. Russian dancer Nikolai ‘Kolya’ Rodchenko (Mikhail Baryshnikov), who defected to the U.S., finds himself trapped when his plane crashes in Siberia. He is forced to partner with tap dancer Raymond Greenwood (Gregory Hines), who defected to the Soviet Union. Together, the two men team up to plan their escape as they form a lasting friendship.
Not only does the film feature impressive dance performances from Hines and Baryshnikov, but their acting is also top-notch.
15
Voyage of the Rock Aliens (1984)
Directed by James Fargo
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Voyage of the Rock Aliens
PG
Science Fiction
Comedy
Release Date
March 9, 1984
Runtime
97 minutes
Director
James Fargo
Writers
Edward Gold, Charles Hairston
Producers
Max A. Keller, Micheline H. Keller, Mike Curb, Tino Barzie, Antony Payne
Cast
See All
-
Craig Sheffer
Frankie
-
Pia Zadora
Dee Dee
-
Ruth Gordon
The Sheriff
-
Tom Nolan
Absid (ABCD)
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Aliens, tentacled monsters, and rock ‘n’ roll — Voyage of the Rock Aliens has it all. A group of aliens lands on Earth in a guitar-shaped spaceship in search of rock and roll, and naturally, they find it at a local high school. The alien leader, ABCD, falls head over heels in love with Didi, but Didi’s rocker boyfriend Frankie won’t stand for his interstellar shenanigans. This musical B-movie spoof is hilariously and delightfully absurd, featuring tons of ‘80s fashion and rocking ‘80s music.
14
Grease 2 (1982)
Directed by Patricia Birch
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Grease 2
PG
Comedy
Musical
Romance
Release Date
June 11, 1982
Runtime
115 minutes
Director
Patricia Birch
Writers
Ken Finkleman
Franchise(s)
Grease
Cast
See All
-
Maxwell Caulfield
-
Michelle Pfeiffer
-
Adrian Zmed
-
Lorna Luft
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In this sequel to the hit 1978 musical, Stephanie, leader of the Pink Ladies (a game Michelle Pfeiffer), falls for a mysterious motorcyclist with a hidden identity known as Cool Rider (Michael Caulfield). It turns out that the Cool Rider is actually a British exchange student, Michael, who is in love with Stephanie but fears she won’t love him for who he is. Although the movie initially failed to live up to its predecessor, Grease 2 had some awesome songs, and has since gained a large cult following over the years, with newfound appreciation for the campy movie musical.
13
Flashdance (1983)
Directed by Adrian Lyne
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Flashdance
Release Date
April 15, 1983
Runtime
97 Minutes
Director
Adrian Lyne
Cast
See All
-
Jennifer Beals
-
Michael Nouri
-
Lilia Skala
-
Sunny Johnson
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Though she might be “just a steel town girl,” Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals) has big dreams of being a dancer. She hopes to attend a local prestigious dance academy, but her lack of experience and education bar the way. She falls in love with Nick, the owner of the steel mill where she works, who encourages her to pursue her goals.
Although critics didn’t love the movie, Flashdance gave the music world some of the most defining songs of a generation, and one of popular cinema’s most memorable visuals in a scene with Alex being doused by a bucket of water.
12
Tap (1989)
Directed by Nick Castle
Yet another dance movie on the list with legendary tapper Gregory Hines, Tap is a riveting drama that showcases the actor’s amazing talent. Just released from prison for burglary, Max Washington (Hines) struggles with what direction his life will now take. He reunites with his old flame, Amy, whose father, Little Mo, runs the dance studio that was once owned by Max’s father. Also featuring Sammy Davis, Jr. in his final feature film, Tap shows Hines at his best, both in his dance skills and acting ability.
11
Girls Just Want To Have Fun (1985)
Directed by Alan Metter
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Girls Just Want to Have Fun
PG
Comedy
Music
Romance
Release Date
April 12, 1985
Runtime
87 Minutes
Director
Alan Metter
Writers
Amy Spies
Cast
See All
-
Sarah Jessica Parker
-
Lee Montgomery
-
Morgan Woodward
-
Jonathan Silverman
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Named for the popular Cyndi Lauper song, this dance movie stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt in one of their earliest film roles. Parker is Janey, the daughter of a strict military father, who secretly enters a TV dance competition. With the help of her friend, Lynne, Janey sneaks out to practice with her dance partner, Jeff, with whom she falls in love. The movie is a fun nostalgic trip for Gen-Xers, and the upbeat soundtrack has viewers wanting to dance along.
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10
Beat Street (1984)
Directed by Stan Lathan
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Beat Street
PG
Drama
Music
Release Date
June 8, 1984
Runtime
105 minutes
Director
Stan Lathan
Writers
Andrew Davis, David Gilbert
Producers
David V. Picker
Cast
See All
-
Guy Davis
Kenny Kirkland
-
Rae Dawn Chong
Tracy Carlson
-
Saundra Santiago
Carmen Cararro
-
Doug E. Fresh
Himself
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A celebration of ‘80s hip-hop culture, the dance drama Beat Street is the story of a group of friends living in the Bronx. As the friends each pursue their own artistic dreams, they face a set of personal challenges that threaten to keep them apart. Underappreciated during its time, Beat Street is a loving tribute to R&B and urban culture, complete with a compelling cast of characters and impressive performances from the actors.
9
A Chorus Line (1985)
Directed by Richard Attenborough
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A Chorus Line
PG-13
Drama
Music
Release Date
December 10, 1985
Runtime
117 minutes
Director
Richard Attenborough
Writers
Arnold Schulman
Producers
Cy Feuer
Cast
-
Alyson Reed
Cassie
-
Michael Douglas
Zach
-
Terrence Mann
Larry
-
Gregg Burge
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Starring Michael Douglas and Alyson Reed, A Chorus Line is a simple plot with plenty of pizzazz. Zach (Michael Douglas) is a choreographer holding auditions for a chorus line when his ex, Cassie (Alyson Reed), shows up to audition. Despite Zach’s reluctance, Cassie joins the group of other hopeful dancers who desperately need work.
Based on the hit Broadway musical, A Chorus Line perfectly encapsulates the pressure of auditioning for the stage
Based on the hit Broadway musical, A Chorus Line perfectly encapsulates the pressure of auditioning for the stage, and memorable songs like “God I Hope I Get It” and “What I Did For Love” are catchy earworms.
8
Fast Forward (1985)
Directed by Sidney Poitier
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Fast Forward
PG
Music
Drama
Release Date
February 15, 1985
Runtime
110 minutes
Director
Sidney Poitier
Writers
Richard Wesley
Producers
John Veitch
Cast
-
Don Franklin
Michael Stafford
-
John Scott Clough
Matt Sherman
-
Tamara Mark
June Wolsky
-
Tracy Silver
Meryl Stanton
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This often-overlooked dance film was directed by Sidney Poitier, and featured a kicking ‘80s soundtrack. A teenage dance crew from Ohio travels to New York City to find their big break, but they soon realize that big city life is far more challenging than they realize. They audition for a dance competition only to be humiliated by another dance crew, and so decide to up their game. An underrated gem, Fast Forward is a compelling and inspirational drama with an uplifting story and incredible dance performances.
7
Footloose (1984)
Directed by Herbert Ross
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Footloose
PG
Romance
Drama
Music
6/10
10/10
Release Date
February 17, 1984
Runtime
107 minutes
Director
Herbert Ross
Writers
Dean Pitchford
Franchise(s)
Footloose
Cast
See All
-
Kevin Bacon
Ren
-
Lori Singer
Ariel
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Kevin Bacon stars as Ren McCormack, a teen who moves to a conservative small town where dancing and rock music have been outlawed. He causes a stir among the residents by fighting back against the town’s strict rules, meanwhile falling in love with the local preacher’s daughter, Ariel. Not only did Footloose give audiences a hit song by Kenny Loggins, but it also made Bacon a huge star, who impressed not only with his acting but his passionate dancing ability.
6
Ginger and Fred (1986)
Directed by Federico Fellini
Once famously the subject of a lawsuit brought on by Ginger Rogers (via NY Times), Ginger and Fred pays homage to one of cinema’s most notable dancing duo, Rogers and Fred Astaire. The Italian dance film stars Giulietta Masina as Amelia Bonetti, and Marcello Mastroianni as Pippo Botticella, partners who once worked together as Rogers and Astaire impersonators. The pair reunite for a live TV performance, hoping to relive their glory days. Hailed by critics, Ginger and Fred is an impressionistic work of art with exemplary chemistry between the lead actors.
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5
Fame (1980)
Directed by Alan Parker
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Fame
R
Drama
Music
Release Date
May 16, 1980
Runtime
134 minutes
Director
Alan Parker
Writers
Christopher Gore
Producers
Alan Marshall
Cast
See All
-
Barry Miller
Ralph
-
Irene Cara
Coco
-
Maureen Teefy
Doris Finsecker
-
Paul McCrane
Montgomery
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Leading the way for other ‘80s dance movies, Fame is an exuberant musical drama featuring song, dance, and powerful acting. Taking place over four years at the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in New York City, a group of students pursue their artistic ambitions while contending with personal relationships and family troubles. Featuring the award-winning song, “Fame” by Irene Cara, the movie is a must-see for music lovers and cinema fans alike.
4
Disco Dancer (1982)
Directed by Babbar Subhash
One of Bollywood’s biggest cinematic hits, Disco Dancer follows the story of Anil, aka. Jimmy, a talented disco dancer living in the slums of Bombay. When he is discovered by talent manager David Brown, Jimmy enters a disco contest against his biggest rival, Sam. With the help of his girlfriend, Rita, Jimmy traverses the grueling road to fame as several obstacles stand in his way. Featuring a soundtrack of disco Bollywood hits, Disco Dancer remains one of India’s legendary film masterpieces.
3
Blood Wedding (1981)
Directed by Carlos Saura
This Spanish dance film features famed choreographer Antonio Gades, as he leads a troupe of dancers for a performance of the play Blood Wedding by Federico Garcia Lorca. The movie features flamenco dancing to tell the dramatic tale of forbidden love, jealousy, and death. Beautifully artistic, Blood Wedding utilizes simplistic visuals and mesmerizing dance to tell a passionate story unlike viewers have ever seen before.
2
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Directed by Emile Ardolino
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Dirty Dancing
PG-13
Drama
Documentary
Romance
8/10
9/10
Release Date
August 21, 1987
Runtime
100 minutes
Director
Emile Ardolino
Writers
Eleanor Bergstein
Cast
See All
-
Jennifer Grey
-
Patrick swayze
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Set in 1963, Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) meets handsome dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) while on vacation with her family in the Catskills. When one of the resort’s dancers must bow out of an upcoming performance, Baby volunteers to take her place as Johnny’s partner. Dirty Dancing features a soundtrack of classic 1960s hits as well as popular ‘80s tunes, and the movie remains one of the best dance films of all time, as well as one of the era’s most beloved love stories.
1
Hairspray (1988)
Directed by John Waters
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Hairspray
Release Date
February 16, 1988
Runtime
92 Minutes
Director
John Waters
Cast
See All
-
Sonny Bono
-
Ruth Brown
-
Divine
-
Debbie Harry
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This quirky flick by campy filmmaker John Waters went from cult classic to mainstream, mainly thanks to the 2002 musical stage adaptation, and the 2007 film version of said adaptation. In 1960s Baltimore, teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on TV’s The Corny Collins Show. As she pursues the road to local stardom, Tracy contends with mean girl Amber Von Tussle, while also joining in the fight against segregation laws. Known mainly at the time for his controversial Trash Trilogy, Waters proved he could pull in a wider audience with this fun and hilarious musical film.
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Category: Entertainment