Looking for some inspiration for your break dance moves? Look no further! This list features the best break dance movies of all time, filled with jaw-dropping performances and unforgettable dance sequences. Get ready to be amazed!
Breakdancing was a beloved cultural phenomenon during the lively and dynamic 80s and 90s.
It was the embodiment of the youthful and powerful hip-hop movement that was rapidly gaining fans and recognition worldwide.
Naturally, filmmakers jumped on the bandwagon. From classic directors like Joel Silberg, who created the cult favorite Breakin’ in 1984, to Anne Fletcher’s Step Up, a summer blockbuster in 2006, there’s an abundance of options to choose from.
In this article, I will highlight the best breakdancing movies anyone interested in the genre should watch!
1. Wild Style (1983)
Wild Style, released in 1983, has been hailed by many movie critics as the most significant hip-hop film of all time.
Despite not having a big budget or award-winning cinematography, director Charlie Ahearn captured the essence of the early days of the hip-hop movement, making it the first-ever hip-hop-themed movie.
The story follows Zoro, the main character and a highly talented but anonymous graffiti artist in New York City. Zoro struggles to balance his work and personal life, which forms the basis of the movie’s plot.
One of the movie’s highlights is its portrayal of 80s hip-hop culture, covering everything from breaking and rapping to spray can art.
Overall, Wild Style is an impressive documentation of the hip-hop culture at the time and continues to be revered among fans.
2. Breakin’ (1984)
Have you been curious about breakdancing and its culture? One movie that can give you a good introduction is Wild Style, although it’s not entirely focused on breakdancing.
If you’re looking for a more direct approach, you can watch Joel Silberg’s 1984 film, Breakin’ (also known as Breakdance 1984).
As with most hip-hop productions during that time, the movie doesn’t have a lot of cinematic value. So, don’t expect directorial or script perfection like you would get from a Coppola film.
However, you can enjoy the retro charm of the movie since it was created during the peak of the hip-hop movement.
Pay close attention to the breaking performances and moves as well. You’ll see many impressive and captivating activities leaving you in awe.
The plot revolves around Kelly, a dancer and ballerina. One day, she offers her classmate, Adam, a ride home and accidentally witnesses his friends having “breaking battles” with each other.
Intrigued, she joins in and discovers a newfound passion for the complex body movements of breaking.
Although the plot is straightforward, the cultural value of the movie is undeniable.
Breakin’ serves as a time capsule that captures the essence of what breakdancing looked like during its early days.
3. Beat Street (1984)
Released in the same year as Breakin’, Beat Street is a documentary-style film that offers an insightful look into street culture during the 1980s.
While it may not be the best movie due to its less-than-stellar cinematography, it is a must-watch for those interested in the era.
The film centers on friends living in the Bronx and follows the coming-of-age story of Kenny Kirkland, played by Guy Davis.
Kirkland’s younger brother is a member of a b-boy crew known as the Beat Street Breakers, and the movie also explores the relationship between the brothers and their friend Ramon, a graffiti artist.
One of the film’s highlights is the impressive breaking performances, but it is the raw and unfiltered aesthetic of the street scenes that genuinely stands out.
Beat Street (1984) captures the essence of the period without any touch-ups or cleaning and has become a beloved favorite among hip-hop enthusiasts.
4. You Got Served (2004)
One movie worth checking out in the modern era of hip-hop is “You Got Served” (2004). It follows the story of Elgin and David, a renowned dance crew leader in LA.
Although the film received negative reviews from critics, it became a financial success due to its masterful dance scenes and accurate portrayal of hip-hop culture and aesthetics.
Despite the waning interest in hip-hop after its golden age in the 80s and 90s, “You Got Served” remains a must-watch for fans of the genre.
5. B-Girl (2009)
B-Girl (2009) is a hip-hop/breakdance movie released in the late 2000s.
The plot revolves around Angel, a Brooklyn breakdancer who struggles to balance her relationships and personal life with her passion for b-girling.
Although the storyline is typical of most dance movies, the film received mixed reviews from critics.
However, the outstanding performance of Julie Ulrich, who played Angel, saved the movie from being forgotten.
B-Girl features several well-executed breaking scenes, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a movie with some stunning dance moves.
6. Step Up (2006)
One famous movie is Step Up (2006), which received mixed reviews from critics but was well-received by audiences.
While the movie’s dialogue may not be the best, and it can come across as cheesy, the choreography is top-notch and features a variety of styles, including ballet and breakdancing.
If you’re a fan of classic breakdancing movies, then Step Up is worth checking out.
The story follows Tyler Gage, played by Channing Tatum, a troubled young man ordered by a judge to complete 200 hours of community service.
While working at the Maryland School of Arts, Tyler meets Nora, a ballerina who wants to incorporate breakdancing into her classical routine.
Nora asks Tyler, who has experience as a street dancer, to tutor her. As expected, sparks fly between them.
While the movie may not be for everyone, it’s still enjoyable to watch, especially for the impressive choreography.
7. Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)
Step Up 2: The Streets was released in 2008 as a sequel to the financially successful Step Up.
The movie follows the same formula of combining dance and romance but with a different cast of characters.
The main character, Andie West, is a high school student from Maryland who dreams of becoming a street dancer.
The film portrays a typical coming-of-age story as Andie faces challenges and tests while trying to find her place in life.
Like many other breakdance movies, Step Up 2 received criticism from some critics, but the dance moves and choreography were praised.
8. Step Up 3D (2010)
Step Up 3D (2010) is a captivating dance movie directed by Jon Chu and featuring talented dancers, including Rick Malambri, Sharni Vinson, Adam G. Sevani, and Alyson Stoner.
The film tells the story of a group of street dancers who unite to challenge a prestigious dance school in a competition that could make their dreams come true.
Filled with music, Step Up 3D showcases some of the world’s best dance styles, including hip-hop, breakdancing, popping, locking, and funk.
It’s an exciting and energetic adventure that audiences of all ages will love as these talented breakdancers battle it out on the streets of New York City in the sequel to Step Up 2: The Streets.
9. Step Up Revolution (2012)
Step Up Revolution (2012) is an electrifying dance movie with vibrant moves and catchy tunes.
It follows Emily, a gifted breakdancer who strives to save her father’s company from demolition.
Emily unites with a crew of street dancers, and they enter an underground dance competition to secure funds to uplift their community.
The movie showcases awe-inspiring choreography and daring acrobatics that will leave you wanting to bust a move!
10. Kickin’ It Old Skool (2007)
Kickin’ It Old School is not a prime example of the best breakdance movie. Critically panned for its irrelevant pop culture references and unfunny jokes, it may not be an enjoyable watch.
The plot follows Justin Schumacher, a breakdancer who falls into a coma in 1986 after a head injury.
He wakes up 20 years later with the mindset of a 12-year-old boy and tries to reunite with his old breakdance team to revive their careers, if even for a brief time.
While the plot is unique compared to other breakdance movies, the execution falls short, resulting in negative reviews. The only redeeming quality of the movie is the decent choreography.
11. The Breakdance Kid (2004)
“The Breakdance Kid” is an uplifting and inspirational story about a young kid who overcomes obstacles to pursue his dream of becoming the best breakdancer in town.
Starring newcomer Thomas Dekker as the titular character, “The Breakdance Kid” follows his journey as he struggles with bullies, difficult schoolwork, and even self-doubt along the way.
With plenty of lively dance sequences and emotional moments, this classic breakdance movie will bring joy and hope to everyone.
Aspiring dancers of all ages can look up to this film for inspiration and encouragement, as it shows that anything is possible with determination and hard work.
12. Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984)
One of the most iconic breakdance movies ever is “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo“. Released in 1984, this cult classic follows two young street dancers who team up to save their local youth center from being shut down.
They join forces with other local dancers and use their moves to battle against a rival dance crew and the villains trying to close down the center.
The film has a fantastic soundtrack featuring many famous musicians, such as Ollie & Jerry, Bad Manners, and Shannon.
The movie became a major hit at the box office and amongst fans of breakdancing worldwide.
Even though it’s an oldie, it remains one of the most memorable breakdancing films ever made!
13. Stomp The Yard (2007)
Stomp the Yard (2007) is the best breakdance movie, full of fun and energy. It follows the story of DJ, a college student from Los Angeles who moves to Atlanta for school.
To fit in with the locals, he joins a Fraternity and discovers that he has an innate talent for stepping.
With the help of his newfound friends, DJ begins to learn the art form and soon becomes one of the most skilled steppers.
The film has some outstanding choreography and vibrant music, which adds to its appeal. Stomp The Yard is a must-watch for anyone interested in break dance.
14. Krush Groove (1985)
“Krush Groove” is a classic movie about breakdancing in the early 1980s. It showcases the top dance crews and pop stars of that time.
The story revolves around Blair Underwood and his newly formed record label, Krush Groove Records, as he strives to make it big in the music industry.
The film boasts a plethora of legendary hip-hop artists like Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, Sheila E, and The Fat Boys, among others.
Apart from impressive breakdancing sequences, “Krush Groove” also has some great music from the golden era of Hip Hop.
It’s worth checking out for those who want to experience the vibe of old-school rap and breakdancing culture.
15. Dessau Dancers (2014)
Dessau Dancers (2014) is a captivating movie about three young men from diverse backgrounds who aspire to become professional dancers.
The movie chronicles their journey as they pursue their dreams and overcome various challenges.
Through thick and thin, the trio forge a strong bond of friendship and discover the power of pursuing one’s passion.
Their story is an inspiring testament to how perseverance and determination can lead to success, regardless of origin.
The film boasts of adrenaline-fueled breakdance battles set against an electrifying soundtrack and authentic street culture.
It’s a heartwarming tale of camaraderie, grit, and unwavering support among friends.
16. Rappin’ (1985)
Rappin’ is a beloved breakdance movie from the 80s featuring Mario Van Peebles as the lead character, Romeo.
The film follows Romeo’s journey as a street performer who dreams of becoming a big name in the rap and breakdancing world.
The movie showcases impressive dance moves and catchy raps while also highlighting the fierce competition and rivalries among groups vying for recognition in a challenging urban environment.
Rappin’ paved the way for many popular hip-hop films that followed it, proving that the perfect combination of fantastic music and dance can still captivate audiences today.
17. Fast Forward (1985)
The movie Fast Forward, directed by Sidney Poitier, depicts the journey of eight young adults from Ohio who aspire to succeed in the dance industry.
The group competes in a global breakdancing contest, and the film follows their struggles to reach the finals.
Fast Forward showcases iconic breakdancing sequences and an array of exhilarating music, both contemporary and reminiscent, that captivates the audience for its two-hour duration.
It remains a highly-regarded breakdancing movie, motivating countless aspiring dancers.
18. Planet B-Boy (2007)
If you’re a breakdancing fan, the movie Planet B-Boy (2007) is a must-watch. It’s a stunning display of choreography that takes you on a wild ride through the world of breaking.
The film is about a group of international b-boys getting ready for the Battle of the Year, one of the most prestigious championships in breakdancing.
Teams from France, Germany, the USA, South Korea, and Japan are featured. The movie alternates electrifying battle scenes with personal stories that show how these talented young men use dance as a form of self-expression and to chase their dreams.
Planet B-Boy is not just visually impressive, with fantastic cinematography, but it also has an amazing soundtrack that will keep your heart racing.
It’s an inspiring and entertaining look into the ever-evolving dance style of breakdancing.
19. Honey (2003)
Honey, a film released in 2003, features the story of a young dancer from Harlem who aspires to make it big in dance.
It showcases some impressive and inspiring choreography incorporating hip-hop and street dancing styles that will captivate viewers.
The film follows Honey as she navigates the challenges of balancing relationships and her artistic aspirations.
It also emphasizes crucial values such as self-respect, respect for loved ones, and pursuing one’s dreams.
20. The LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (2010)
The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers is a 2010 American dance movie directed by Jon Chu.
Centering on rival break-dance crews, the story follows how their friendship and loyalty are tested once they are chosen to compete in an international hip-hop competition.
This flick is a must-watch for fans of breakdance movies, featuring high-octane dance sequences, stunning visuals, and fantastic performances from the leads.
If you want to learn something new or get inspired to start dancing, The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers should be your go-to choice!
Closing Thoughts
While they may not be award-winning films, these well-known breakdancing movies will satisfy your craving for impressive breakdancing routines.
Have you seen any of these movies? Which one is your favorite (and least favorite)? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
FAQs
Who is the best break dancer ever?
Determining who the best breakdancer ever is can be challenging, as there have been numerous talented dancers.
No one answers who is the “best” breakdancer ever. Personal preference plays a significant role in determining who one might consider the greatest.
Many consider Crazy Legs, the godfather of modern breakdancing, the one who set the standard and revolutionized the game for future generations.
Others may argue that B-Boy Kubrick embodied the essence of breaking in the 1980s, making him unmatched.
Today, there are breakdancers such as Ronnie Abaldonado and Issei who are pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible with this art form.
What movie popularized breakdancing?
The movie Breakin’ (1984) is widely credited with popularizing breakdancing and directed by Joel Silberg and starring Lucinda Dickey, Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones, and Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers.
The film follows a young street dancer, Kelly McCall (Dickey), who joins two of LA’s top b-boys to form an unbeatable dance team.
The movie’s infectious soundtrack, featuring breakout hits like Planet Patrol’s ‘Play at Your Own Risk’ mixed the sounds of the time with classic funk and R&B.
Its creative blend of comedy and dance sequences proved to be a successful formula that propelled breakdancing into popular culture.
What is the 80s break-dancing movie?
Breakin’ is a 1984 dance film about a teenage hip-hop dancer named Kelly who joins an eccentric group of break dancers led by Ozone and Turbo.
The movie features classic break-dancing styles and music from Marvin Gaye, The Police, Kool & The Gang, and more.
It’s a cult classic credited with starting the 80s break-dancing craze.
What was the first breakdance movie?
The first Breakdance movie is the 1984 classic ‘Breakin’, which starred Lucinda Dickey and Adolfo Quinones.
This is widely considered to be the first movie that showcased the breaking dance style of hip-hop culture, also known as b-boying or simply breaking.
Who is the 2 best dancer in the world?
The two best dancers today are undoubtedly B-boy Victor and Twerk Queen Jessica.
With their signature moves and electrifying energy, they have become renowned icons within the dance community for their incredible talents.
Both artists bring incomparable creativity to their performances, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a dancer.
Their skillful choreography and powerful charisma make them genuinely one-of-a-kind dancers whose talent is unparalleled by any other artist in the industry.
Who made breakdancing famous?
Breakdancing originated as a form of rebellion in the mid-1970s and gained popularity among African-American youth due to its connection to hip-hop culture.
It has since become a global phenomenon, thanks partly to pioneers like George “Funky” Gray and Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón.
Today, breakdancing is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and ages.
Are break dancers strong?
Yes. Breakdancers need a lot of strength, coordination, and agility to perform complex moves that involve lifts and flips.
It’s a full-body workout that builds strength in muscles, bones, and joints through regular practice.
Where was breakdancing most popular?
Breakdancing started in the 1970s in New York City and quickly gained popularity worldwide, especially among African American and Latinx youth cultures.
It’s now a popular dance style worldwide.
Was break dancing popular in the 90s?
Yes. Breakdancing was a massive part of pop culture in the 90s, gaining popularity from the late 70s to the 80s.
It was featured in music videos, films, and TV shows and became a big part of hip-hop culture with competitions and event performances.
It was one of the most popular dance trends of the decade.
