Nobody puts Baby in a corner, and nobody can resist the timeless appeal of the 1987 classic film Dirty Dancing. This coming-of-age dance romance starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey captured hearts with its steamy dance moves, forbidden love story, and iconic lines. If you can’t get enough of Baby and Johnny’s sizzling summer at Kellerman’s, we’ve rounded up 18 more movies like Dirty Dancing that will have you leaping out of your seat to dance along.
From 80s classics to more recent dance flicks, these films all center around the joy of dance and the thrill of falling in love. Get ready to have the time of your life as we cha-cha through the best movies like Dirty Dancing to add to your watch list.
1. Footloose (1984)
Footloose shimmied into theaters a few years before Dirty Dancing and kicked off the trend of 80s dance flicks. Starring a young Kevin Bacon, this film follows city boy Ren as he moves to a small town where dancing and rock music have been banned. Ren rebels against the strict rules and works to convince the town to let the teenagers dance freely once again.
With a soundtrack full of hits like “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and the Kenny Loggins title track, Footloose will have your toes tapping. And Ren’s budding romance with the preacher’s daughter is reminiscent of Baby and Johnny’s star-crossed love story. Cut loose and give Footloose a watch.
2. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)
Set a few years before the original, this Dirty Dancing prequel brings the sensual dance moves to 1950s Cuba during the revolution. Romola Garai stars as bookish American teen Katey Miller who falls for local waiter Javier (Diego Luna) and the steamy world of Latin dance.
While Havana Nights didn’t quite capture the magic of the first film, the sizzling choreography and pre-revolution Havana setting still make it an entertaining watch for Dirty Dancing fans. And Patrick Swayze even makes a cameo appearance as a dance instructor.
3. Step Up (2006)
The Step Up franchise launched with this 2006 film starring a then-unknown Channing Tatum as Tyler, a troubled teen who vandalizes a performing arts school and is sentenced to community service. There he meets driven dancer Nora (Jenna Dewan) and becomes her new practice partner.
Tatum and Dewan’s chemistry is electric as their characters clash and eventually fall for each other. The film’s blend of ballet and hip-hop dance styles brings a fresh energy, and the final dance sequence will blow you away. Step Up kicked off a five-film franchise, but the original remains the most memorable.
4. Save the Last Dance (2001)
Julia Stiles stars as Sara, an aspiring ballerina who moves to Chicago’s South Side after her mother’s death and falls for Derek (Sean Patrick Thomas), a talented hip-hop dancer. As Sara trains for an audition to Juilliard, she and Derek work together to blend their different styles of dance and navigate the challenges an interracial relationship brings.
Save the Last Dance explores themes of race, class, and following your dreams with sensitivity. And the dance sequences are a visual feast, building to a breathtaking final audition. If you love Dirty Dancing‘s theme of dance bringing people from different worlds together, give this one a spin.
5. Flashdance (1983)
The original 80s dance movie, Flashdance stars Jennifer Beals as Alex, a steel mill worker by day and exotic dancer by night who dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. Alex’s iconic dance audition scene and the hit song “What a Feeling” have become defining moments of 80s pop culture.
While the plot may be a bit thin, Flashdance makes up for it with stylish visuals, electrifying dance sequences, and Beals’ charismatic performance. Her character’s journey to overcome obstacles and achieve her dance dreams set the template for many dance films to come, including Dirty Dancing.
6. Center Stage (2000)
Center Stage follows a group of young dancers at the fictional American Ballet Academy in New York City as they train for a coveted spot in a prestigious dance company. This film has it all – romance, rivalry, amazing dance numbers, and a cast of real-life professional ballet dancers.
Fans of Dirty Dancing will appreciate the film’s blend of coming-of-age drama and stunning dance sequences. And the central love triangle between good girl Jody (Amanda Schull), rebel Charlie (Sascha Radetsky), and playboy Cooper (Ethan Stiefel) adds soapy intrigue. Center Stage is a must-watch for anyone who loves ballet and teen drama.
7. Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Before Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, Baz Luhrmann made his directorial debut with this cheeky, colorful romantic comedy set in the world of competitive ballroom dancing. Paul Mercurio stars as Scott, a skilled dancer who likes to break the rules with his unconventional routines. When he teams up with inexperienced dancer Fran (Tara Morice), the pair work to wow the judges with their unique style.
Strictly Ballroom serves up all the romance, underdog spirit, and dazzling dance numbers you love about Dirty Dancing, with an extra dose of quirky Luhrmann flair. The film’s message about being true to yourself and not being afraid to stand out will have you cheering and dancing along.
8. Shall We Dance? (2004)
Richard Gere stars as John Clark, a bored estate lawyer who impulsively signs up for ballroom dance lessons after spotting a beautiful dance instructor (Jennifer Lopez) in a studio window. As John’s passion for dance grows, he keeps his new hobby a secret from his wife (Susan Sarandon), causing tension in his marriage.
While the original 1996 Japanese film is also worth a watch, this American remake has its charms, especially for fans of romantic dance movies. The chemistry between Gere and Lopez sizzles, and the supporting cast of quirky dance students adds humor. Shall We Dance? is a sweet, heartwarming tale about finding joy and purpose through dance.
9. Take the Lead (2006)
Inspired by the true story of Pierre Dulaine, Take the Lead stars Antonio Banderas as a ballroom dance teacher who volunteers to teach detention students at a New York City high school. At first, the teens are skeptical of ballroom dancing, but they soon find the confidence and discipline to express themselves through movement.
Like Dirty Dancing, Take the Lead uses dance to bridge gaps and bring people together. Banderas brings his natural charisma to the role of the caring, passionate teacher, and the young cast shines as they learn to dance. The film’s energetic final dance competition will have you leaping to your feet.
10. Grease (1978)
While it may not center around dance as heavily as Dirty Dancing, the iconic musical Grease still boasts some memorable dance numbers and a classic summer romance. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star as 1950s teens Danny and Sandy, who fall in love over the summer but face challenges when they unexpectedly attend the same high school.
With its catchy song and dance numbers, colorful costumes, and charming lead performances, Grease is the definition of a feel-good movie musical. The film’s blend of romance, humor, and nostalgia make it a perfect pick for fans of Dirty Dancing‘s retro summer vibes.
11. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Another iconic John Travolta dance film, Saturday Night Fever stars the actor as Tony Manero, a working-class Brooklyn teen who escapes his troubles by dancing at the local disco. When Tony meets a talented dancer (Karen Lynn Gorney), the two team up to win a dance competition.
With a bestselling soundtrack featuring hits from the Bee Gees, Saturday Night Fever captures the disco era in all its glittery, dance-filled glory. Like Dirty Dancing, the film also touches on themes of class, growing up, and chasing your dreams. Travolta’s electric dance moves and the film’s gritty 70s style make it a must-watch for dance movie fans.
12. Billy Elliot (2000)
Set in a working-class English mining town during the 1984 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot tells the story of an 11-year-old boy who discovers a passion for ballet dancing. As Billy (Jamie Bell) secretly trains with a local dance teacher, he faces disapproval from his father and bullying from his peers.
Billy Elliot shares Dirty Dancing‘s themes of dance as a means of expression and rebellion. The film is both heartwarming and heartbreaking as it portrays Billy’s struggle to pursue his dreams in the face of adversity. Bell’s powerful performance and the film’s social realism make it a moving must-watch.
13. Honey (2003)
Jessica Alba stars as Honey Daniels, a hip-hop dancer and choreographer from the Bronx who teaches dance classes at a local community center. When Honey gets the chance to direct music videos, she risks losing herself in the cutthroat music industry.
Honey features exuberant dance sequences and a pumping hip-hop soundtrack. And like Dirty Dancing, the film shows dance as a way to unite people and make a difference in the community. Alba’s performance is earnest and the supporting cast, including Mekhi Phifer and Joy Bryant, add depth to this uplifting dance flick.
14. Roll Bounce (2005)
Set in 1970s Chicago, Roll Bounce stars Bow Wow as Xavier, a teenage roller skater who enters a big skating competition after his local rink closes down. Full of groovy tunes and dazzling skating routines, this coming-of-age comedy has a sweet, nostalgic charm.
The film’s ensemble cast and funky, feel-good vibe will appeal to fans of Dirty Dancing‘s retro style. And the roller disco dance numbers are impressively choreographed. Roll Bounce is a fun, heartfelt film about friendship, first love, and the uniting power of dance.
15. Dance With Me (1998)
Vanessa L. Williams stars as Ruby, a dance teacher who travels to Havana to scatter her late mother’s ashes and ends up partnering with a Cuban dance instructor (Chayanne) to win a Latin ballroom dance competition. Dance With Me smolders with steamy dance sequences and Latin flair.
Like the Dirty Dancing sequel Havana Nights, much of the film’s appeal comes from its exotic, romantic setting and sensual choreography. Williams and Chayanne’s chemistry heats up the dance floor, and the supporting cast of Broadway veterans add pizzazz. If you love the Latin dance styles in Dirty Dancing, Dance With Me is a must-see.
16. How She Move (2007)
After her sister’s death, high school student Raya (Rutina Wesley) returns to her poor neighborhood and immerses herself in the world of step dancing to earn money for college. How She Move pulses with raw energy as Raya trains for a step competition with a local crew.
Wesley gives a fierce performance, and the film’s dynamic step routines are a fresh addition to the dance movie genre. Like Dirty Dancing, How She Move portrays dance as a means of escaping hardship and dreaming of a brighter future. The film’s gritty, realistic style sets it apart.
17. Frances Ha (2012)
While not a traditional dance film, Noah Baumbach’s indie comedy Frances Ha still captures the joy and freedom of dance through its awkward yet endearing title character. Greta Gerwig co-writes and stars as Frances, a 27-year-old dancer struggling to find her place in New York City.
The black-and-white cinematography and Gerwig’s uninhibited dance moves lend the film a wistful, French New Wave feel. Like Baby in Dirty Dancing, Frances undergoes a journey of self-discovery and learns to define herself outside of relationships. Gerwig’s funny, heartfelt performance makes Frances an unlikely but lovable dance movie heroine.
18. La La Land (2016)
This Oscar-winning modern musical from Whiplash director Damien Chazelle stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as an aspiring actress and a jazz musician who fall in love while chasing their dreams in Los Angeles. With vibrant song and dance numbers and bittersweet romance, La La Land is a love letter to classic musicals.
Fans of Dirty Dancing‘s iconic dance lifts and sweeping romance will swoon over La La Land‘s old Hollywood charm. Stone and Gosling light up the screen with their chemistry and tap dancing chops. And like Dirty Dancing, the film’s emotional final act is sure to leave you in tears.
Whether you love the steamy salsa of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, the hip-hop grooves of Step Up, or the bittersweet tap of La La Land, there’s a dance movie for everyone to love. These 18 films capture the magic of movement and the thrill of falling in love on the dance floor.
So queue up your favorite, grab a partner, and get ready to have the time of your life. Because as Dirty Dancing showed us, a great dance movie has the power to lift your heart and set your feet in motion. Happy dancing!
