The level of inspiration that comes from movies can certainly vary, as some films make people want to pack a bag, buy a one-way plane ticket, and head for unknown adventures all on their own. There are movies that make people want to be a better partner or a more involved parent due to the wholesome feeling that characters are able to create on the screen. Then, there are movies that send goosebumps down your arms as songs are sung and/or people hit the dance floor and unleash their passion. These films are the ones we’re talking about right now.
Think back to when you last danced in your kitchen, at (or on) a table, or just on a simple dance floor. Did you feel like you were one with the music and everything else around you simply did not matter? With movies that deal with dancers, a certain nostalgia arises that makes most of us think back to when we were children who danced with passion and had fun as we watch these characters carry out their passion. Competitions then come up, and stakes are often high when it comes to dance battles; some of those stakes may only deal with pride and respect, but that is still a big deal to many people.
If you are a fan of that inspired feeling or just love to get up and groove on your own two feet, check out these 10 unforgettable dance battles in movies.
10 The Dance at the Club — White Chicks (2004)
The dance battle that takes place in the nightclub in White Chicks is possibly the single greatest scene in the entire film. Lisa, Karen, and Tori face off against the Vandergeld sisters, and hilarity ensues. When Brittany and Tiffany’s friends begin to walk away in defeat, Kevin and Marcus (disguised as Brittany and Tiffany) make their way to the front and let Heather and Megan know that their battle is not over. The “girls” then begin a break-dancing routine while their opponents are left doing some basic moves that receive a lot of booing from the crowd.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
When the first part of the battle is going on, Kevin and Marcus are quietly cheering for their girls from the sidelines. Then, when they see their new friends hanging their heads in defeat, they come to their rescue in the most epic way possible. No one would ever expect the real Brittany and Tiffany to breakdance, but that was not even a thought that crossed the guys’ minds. They simply wanted to show up a couple of mean girls for the sake of their friends. The spins, flips, and whole routine have gone down in history as plenty of fans have videoed themselves trying to replicate the memorable dance battle. Stream on DIRECTV
9 The Bachelorette Party — Bride Wars (2009)
Bachelorette parties are supposed to be memorable, but after a certain number of shots — and who knows what else — most of the details are often forgotten. However, in Bride Wars, when two brides clash at a strip club during their parties, memories are certainly made for all. Seeing Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway get down and dirty on the stage is certainly something everyone needs to witness at least once in their lives.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
Firstly, Hudson is in a pink wig, and Hathaway is still slightly orange from her spray-tan-gone-wrong when their characters hit the stage. At first, the two brides-to-be are neck and neck with their sassy moves, but when Emma (Hathaway) breaks free from her handcuffs and hits the rope like Miley Cyrus in “Wrecking Ball,” there is no doubt about the real winner in this dance battle. Stream on Max
8 Born to Hand Jive — Grease (1978)
During a televised school dance, in Grease, Danny and Sandy join in on the hand jive competition. Everyone, regardless of whether they’re in the competition or sitting on the sidelines, seems to be grooving to the music and having a great time. While Danny and Sandy’s dancing is a lot more PG than others on the dance floor, they still managed to look like they were having the most wholesome fun.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
It’s nostalgic for many and absolutely chaotic for others, but this dance breakout scene is memorable for all. Think back to your last school dance; it likely wasn’t televised for all to see, but did people actually dance? Were there competitions held and a certain dance that everyone, no matter their clique, knew and could really get into? The hand jive competition is fast and fun, but most importantly, it shows just how music and dancing can bring together so many people who are all very different.Stream on Max
7 Final Dance in the Rain — Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)
After Andie’s former dance crew cast her out when they discover she is pursuing a better life for herself in Step Up 2: The Streets, everyone in the audience wanted to see her show them all up. Luckily, with her new “rag tag” group full of unique dancers who have all felt a bit out of place within the prestigious dance academy, she and her new crew are able to dominate The Battle of The Streets.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
Mixing different styles of dance along with having a unique music track is nothing new in the Step Up franchise, but what makes this specific dance battle so memorable is that Andie’s new crew uses the rainfall as an added element in their already great routine. It’s visually appealing to see how cutting through and splashing around in the water enhances their routine. It also proves that they are much more talented than their competition as they do not complain one bit about having to dance in harsher conditions. Rent on YouTube or Google Play
6 National Championship — Strictly Ballroom (1992)
There are rules for good reasons in many circumstances, but when it comes to dance in Strictly Ballroom, Scott Hastings just simply cannot be bothered to follow certain regulations. Scott has stirred up some conversation over the years as he proudly shows off his eccentric and elaborate moves on the dance floor, but not many people want to see this unique young man succeed.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
During the final competition in Baz Luhrmann’s film, Scott and his dance partner make quite the entrance as they begin a passionate and fiery Paso Doble. They do not care to stick to “strictly ballroom” moves or a traditional style. Instead, they show the crowd what it means to put their hearts into their work. Even when the music is cut off and everything seems like it’s about to come to a close, the audience surprises the pair and claps out the beat, so they can continue dancing. It’s an incredible moment where people come together for the sake of passion rather than perfection. Stream on Fubo
5 The Opening Rumble Between Jets and Sharks — West Side Story (1961)
In a tale as old as time, two people from different walks of life fall in love, but their families and friends will not accept or allow their relationship to happen. West Side Story is a musical drama based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but within this film, there is a lot of aggressive dancing and tension between the rival groups. The opening scene paints a perfect picture of just how much the Jets and Sharks hate one another, but it does so in style.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
The opening musical number between the Jets and the Sharks is so iconic because viewers get an idea of their rivalry through a “dance fight.” The two groups do not exclusively take turns dancing, but rather they move about the streets looking for one another and brawling while dancing. It’s a hard situation to pull off, but the choreography here perfectly sets the mood and tension for the film. Stream on Tubi
4 The Final Battle at World Jam — Step Up 3D (2010)
The final dance battle in Step Up 3D is legendary, as the House Pirates crew faces off with the House of Samurai crew. It is a long-awaited battle as there are personal tensions between the two leaders, and Natalie must make a choice about whether to stick with her brother or her newfound dance family.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
The choreographer pulled out all the stops with the House Pirates’ dance routine. From Natalie making a comeback and rejoining her family to the kids, who had been admiring the crew for the longest time, getting a moment to shine in the competition, everything came together perfectly. Many fans will say that the light show built into the costumes is what makes this battle so memorable, but others would argue that it is the fan-favorite Moose leading the team during the unique twist that really takes the cake. Rent on Apple TV or YouTube
3 The Final Battle — Stomp the Yard (2007)
DJ Williams has always been an independent young man in Stomp the Yard, who wanted to have the spotlight among his friends, but when he joins the Theta Nu Theta fraternity, he quickly realizes that he has to either be a team player or walk away forever. With the death of his brother still fresh in his mind, DJ wants to prove to himself and everyone else that he is capable of being a part of something that is bigger than himself.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
The final dance battle between the fraternity step teams is something that will go down in movie history. DJ makes a comeback after being temporarily suspended, and he and his team give the competition all they’ve got. From traditional stepping to street dancing and crumping, their routine blows the other team (who cheated by stealing dance moves) out of the water. Stream on Hulu
2 Stifler Hitting the Dance Floor — American Pie Wedding (2003)
The infamous Stifmeister finds himself in a bit of a pickle while at a bar with his friends in American Pie Wedding. Rather than allowing a rather large man named Bear to just dismiss his needs, Stifler decides to begin a dance battle. Of course, with Stifler’s peculiar need to always be the most eccentric one in the room, all eyes are on him as he challenges his competitor to the dance floor.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
The dancing between the two men is nothing to be excited about, as neither is truly great with their dance moves. However, the music is catchy, and it’s a very realistic club dance battle that results in mutual respect between the two. Between the jumping around, sliding on the floor, and raunchy moves, this battle will have you cringing as well as smiling, but that is pretty much what happens throughout all the American Pie films. Stream on DIRECTV
1 Final Battle — You Got Served (2004)
Lifelong friends getting into a feud and then coming together in the end is a common storyline that people seem to enjoy because most characters deserve to share their great experiences with the people they love. In You Got Served, Elgin and David are two street dancers who have poured their hearts and souls into their crew. However, when some big promises are made and communication falls short, the two go their separate ways even though $50,000 is on the line.
Why the Moment Is so Memorable
At the end of the “Big Bounce” competition, Elgin has no choice but to forgive David for his wrongdoings and allow him to join his crew. The final battle is more than just a dance; it’s a bond of brotherhood where the two are able to come together with the people they call family and make a significant financial change in their own lives. Rent on YouTube or Prime Video
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
