12 Best Dance Numbers In Movies, Ranked

The history of dance numbers in cinema is not limited to musical movies, and though there are numerous examples of great showstopping choreography on screen, only a few scenes rise to the status of the very best. A dance sequence can take many forms and often employs a recognizable and catchy song to capture the attention of the audience. Equally important — whether it’s in one of the best dance movies or a film that just happens to have a single memorable dance number — are the choreography and the performances of the dancers on screen.

There is a lot to consider when including a dance number in a film. Unlike a performance on stage, a dance scene in a movie can involve edits and special effects to make it feel as exciting as possible. Dancing on camera is a skill in and of itself, and plenty of Golden Age Hollywood stars had to make that part of their training when movie musicals were at their height. While musicals have decreased in popularity over the years, many dance numbers in non-musical films have become instantly popular while carrying on this cinematic tradition.

12 “Thriller” In 13 Going On 30 (2004)

Jennifer Garner leads a nostalgic recreation of iconic ’80s choreography.

The rom-com 13 Going on 30 is remembered not only for its fantastical premise of a 13-year-old girl waking up in the body of her 30-year-old self but also for its iconic dance number. When the main character, Jenna, is transported from 1987 to the 21st century, the video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is still fresh in her mind. In a moment of confidence and a reminder of the joy of youth, the grown-up Jenna (played by Jennifer Garner) leads an entire group of adults in a nostalgic performance of the iconic, zombie-inspired “Thriller” dance. It’s a testament to how much music can bring people together.

11 “Old Time Rock And Roll” In Risky Business (1983)

Tom Cruise becomes a movie star while dancing in his underwear.

Tom Cruise may now be known for his action franchises and his death-defying stunts, but when he was young he seemed more suited for musicals after he performed an unforgettable dance number in his breakthrough role in Risky Business. Doing what every teen boy would do when his parents are out of town, Cruise’s Joel gets drunk and dances around the house in his underwear while lip-syncing to “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger. This scene has inspired many costumes and a lot of homages throughout film and television, making it much more familiar today than the movie itself.

10 “The Time Of My Life” In Dirty Dancing (1987)

Baby is rescued from the corner and lifted into an immortalized moment.

Dirty Dancing is essentially a love letter to dance, as Baby (Jennifer Grey) learns how to be a performer all while falling in love with professional dance instructor Johnny (Patrick Swayze). Class differences and Baby’s family come between them, but in the final sequence of the movie, Johnny proves his love for Baby, and they dance in front of everyone, perfecting a difficult lift that they couldn’t land earlier in the film. All of this comes together to make the ending of Dirty Dancing a romantic and satisfying conclusion, and the best number out of many in the film.

9 “Another Day Of Sun” In La La Land (2016)

Hollywood optimism transcends the misery of L.A. traffic in a seemingly single take.

In a terrific display of Hollywood spectacle at its finest, La La Land‘s opening song is performed by an enormous group of show-biz hopefuls in an energetic and sprawling dance number honoring their hopes and dreams. Amid a typical L.A. traffic jam, dancers hop out of their cars, jumping and flipping, with the city skyline in the background as the ensemble sings a prelude to the themes for the rest of the movie. Few films have been able to deliver such a fun and effective entrance into their world. Additionally, the talent showcased in the opening number easily sucks the viewer into a story focused on music and performance.

8 “You Never Can Tell” In Pulp Fiction (1994)

John Travolta and Uma Thurman twist the night away.

While not a musical, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction showcases the director’s love of music and provides an instantly recognizable dance duet performed by Uma Thurman and John Travolta, as Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega, respectively. The two get up on stage in front of many fellow diners at Jack Rabbit Slims and enter a twist contest, dancing to “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry. It’s not only the song and the choreography, but the stylization of the entire scene that makes it so iconic. From the costumes to the sets, nothing is out of play during this dance number, completely immersing the audience in the scene.

7 “More Than A Woman” Saturday Night Fever (1977)

John Travolta and Karen Lynn Gorney help to popularize disco.

Saturday Night Fever features another iconic dance duet featuring John Travolta, this time joined by Karen Lynn Gorney, and they perform a synchronized disco number to “More Than a Woman” by the Bee Gees. Though disco has gone back and forth in popularity over the years, Saturday Night Fever played a large part in its commercial explosion in the 1970s. At the culmination of the film’s climactic dance competition, Travolta and Gorney, in their respective roles as Tony Monero and Stephanie Mangano, perform their winning number. This dance sequence, and the movie it’s in, remains an important part of film and cultural history.

6 “Cell Block Tango” In Chicago (2002)

Catherine Zeta-Jones and others sing their defenses from behind bars.

The movie adaptation of the famed Broadway musical Chicago has the advantage of the effect that cinema has on depicting spectacle. In one of the catchiest numbers in a musical filled with earworms, “Cell Block Tango” also offers a fantastically choreographed dance inspired by Bob Fosse’s original work for the stage. Catherine Zeta-Jones gives a standout performance in the number, as does the female ensemble backing her up. “Cell Block Tango” is known for its power as a group number and has inspired many dancers to put their own spin on the piece.

5 “Scott & Fran’s Paso Doble” In Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Paul Mercurio and Fran win over their community in Baz Lurhmann’s triumphant climax.

One of Baz Lurhmann’s lesser-known productions, Strictly Ballroom follows a young couple, Scott (Paul Mercurio) and Fran (Tara Morice), trying to break into the fast-paced and rigid world of competitive ballroom dancing. The pair want to showcase new steps and blend other styles of dance with the strict rules of ballroom. Eventually, they perform at a competition in front of the entire community. However, the judges shut off their music, and they must create a beat from their steps until the crowd joins in to give them a rhythm to dance to. Scott and Tara finally triumphing and seeing their community support them is almost as good as their dancing.

4 “America” In West Side Story (1961)

Rita Moreno sings the praises of the U.S. in a musical debate.

The original film adaptation of West Side Story offers a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and is a tragic tale that doesn’t shy away from the dark themes of betrayal and racial violence. Though many songs in the musical reflect this darkness, “America” has a bit of a lighter tone and makes excellent use of the dancers and costumes in the number. Rita Moreno shines as Anita, the lead performer, and the ensemble dancers make the number breathtakingly fun.

3 “Singin’ In The Rain” In Singin’ In The Rain (1952)

Gene Kelly splashes around on a wet but joyful journey home.

The titular number of the film Singin’ in the Rain showcases exactly why Gene Kelly is one of the most synonymous musical performers of all time. Kelly was a dancer of many talents, but tapping was an area where he truly excelled. His skill is exemplified as he taps through puddles and pouring rain, making it seem like being drenched is the perfect opportunity to sing and dance his heart out. It’s difficult to choose just one number from the film, as there are so many that stand out, but “Singin’ in the Rain” cannot be overlooked due to its legendary setting and performance.

2 “The Girl Hunt Ballet” In The Band Wagon (1953)

Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse pay spectacular tribute to pulpy crime stories.

Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse cannot go unnamed as some of the greatest dancers ever put on film. For their team-up in The Band Wagon, they begin as rivals and soon turn to lovers who can’t help dancing together. Their best number is “The Girl Hunt Ballet,” a strange name for a number with a very campy premise, but the physical chemistry between Astaire and Charisse elevates the entire sequence and makes it easy to become entranced by their work. Astaire is an excellent partner, supporting Charisse and letting her shine, while simultaneously showing off his own talent.

1 The Barn Dance In Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954)

The ensemble raises a barn while raising the movie above its shortcomings.

The plot of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is problematic, but the movie’s barn-raising sequence begs no question about its place as the greatest dance number in all of cinema. At almost seven minutes long, the scene’s dancers have no problem filling the space. Even though there are no lyrics and the number is purely choreography and orchestral accompaniment, it’s never boring.

Part of what makes this number so visually engaging is how well the space is used, and how elements of the set are frequently brought in as pivotal pieces of the number. Additionally, though there is an enormous ensemble dancing together, no one gets lost, and each performer works as part of the whole to make the sequence incredible. Even if the film might not have the most modern sensibilities, the barn dance scene is worth watching.