I’m an avid dance movie watcher. I’ve practically seen them all. But I’d rather focus on the ones that made me want to hop through the screen and dance with them. Its all about feeling and these left a lasting impression.  This is a comprehensive list of the best dance movies of all time. No mixed bags, interesting trainwrecks, or blockbusters that boast big box-office tallies. Just the true greats — movies big, small, and from around the world.

Your time is precious, but if any of these picks have you being particular nostalgic. Why not pick up the book, Smitten, and relive a story of dance in a new way.

10. White Christmas

[one_half]
[/one_half]Released: Oct 14, 1954

Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen

Director: Michael Curtiz

Why Its Great: Danny Kaye is one of my favorite actors from this era. The movie I wanted to choose for this spot, he was only singing in, not dancing. So I had to go with the next best thing. Oddly enough, the storyline is not that Christmasy. But the dancing is whats superb.

Where to see it right now: On Netflix, or set your DVR because its always playing on cable during Christmas. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Full of irrestible charm, lavish musical numbers, and classic performances . . .white Christmas deserves its status as a Christmas standard and should be viewed every season.” – Alex S, Rotten Tomatoes User. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]
• “Great songs, gentle humour and a dose of syrup which is not to everyone’s tastes, but worth buying to keep that Christmas spirit going.” – Emma Cochrane, Empire Magazine. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]

9. White Nights

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Dec 6, 1985

Cast: Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov

Director: Taylor Hackford

Why Its Great: Outside of the superb dance choreography. Both actors are legends and seeing them dance is always a privilege.

Where to see it right now: Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “The movie does command our attention because Hines and Baryshnikov, through their dancing, manage to create very real and living and hurting characters.” – Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune. [Review from Metacritic]
• “I’m not a dance fan, but the opening ballet sequence alone is worth the price of a rental. . .” – Catbird-3, IMDB user. [Review From IMDB]

8. Dancehall Queen

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Oct. 10, 1997

Cast: Audrey Reid and Paul Campbell

Director: Rick Elgood and Don Letts

Why Its Great: You get a peek into another culture. The music is great, and it had some deep moments for me. Once you get past the accent/language differences. It is smooth sailing.

Where to see it right now: Watch on YouTube, the full movie. Watch trailer first.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Its a reminder that films about the ordinary struggles of common folk can be engaging without all the special effects that one finds in the Hollywood products of today.” – JoelCairo1941, IMDB user. [Review From IMDB]
• “. . . Its a treat for the ears, and an interesting peek into the sometimes seamy, sometimes violent, sometimes charming life on the island.” – Rajulkabir, IMDB user. [Review From IMDB]

7. Hairspray

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Feb. 26, 1988

Cast: Ricki Lake, Ruth Brown

Director: John Waters

Why Its Great: Its so fun. I’ve loved every remake of it. At the heart, is a story about tolerance and corny dances.

Where to see it right now: Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Thoroughly charming, and thoroughly deserving of its cult status.” – Kim Newman, Empire. [Review From Metacritic]
• “. . .Hairspray is a delightful piece of work that’s warm, charming, funny and feel good, and actually has something to say about acceptance, tolerance, and inclusivity. Its a fantastic film with a huge heart. I just love it.” – John M, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

6. Take The Lead

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Apr. 7, 2006

Cast: Antonio Banderas and Alfre Woodard

Director: Liz Friedlander

Why Its Great: Its a true story and the idea of this teacher transforming lives through dance just makes my heart go pitter pat.

Where to see it right now: Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “A predictable and yet thoroughly enjoyable drama about the redemptive power of dance for a group of inner-city teenagers.” – Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]
• “. . .the charismatic performances, the exciting dance and music sequence and the solid heart of the film make it one that is more enjoyable and entertaining than many might want to believe.” – Daniel E, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

5. Girls Just Want To Have Fun

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Apr 12, 1985

Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt

Director: Alan Metter

Why Its Great: Um, the 80s. Everything is great from that era.

Where to see it right now: On Hulu. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Classic ’80 cheesiness – a must.” – James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “Getting into trouble is easy but getting out of it is all the fun! Good old 80’s movie! I very much enjoyed and like this movie, the dancing, the song’s were all great. Its a good old 80’s movie and there’s nothing better than the 80s!. . .” – Manu Gino, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]

4. Staying Alive*

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Jul 15, 1983

Cast: John Travolta, Cynthia Rhodes, and Finola Hughes

Director: Sylvester Stallone

Why Its Great: The movie is a virtual eyegasm of choreography and then there’s sexy John.

Where to see it right now: Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Its a story about life and having the confidence to go for it. . .It if anything teaches you to reach for the unattainable, the only barriers in life are the ones we put up our selves.” – Scott Gemmell, IMDB user. [Review from IMDB]
• “. . .Its a walkman for the eyes.” – Roger Ebert. [Review From IMDB]

3. Strictly Ballroom

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Aug. 20, 1992

Cast: Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Why Its Great: Its funny. There’s a bit of an ugly duckling storyline as well that’s awesome. And you peek behind the curtain of dance competitions.

Where to see it right now: On Netflix. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Listen to the rhythm of your heart in Strictly Ballroom, where tears and laughter blend seamlessly in an extravagantly theatrical story about love, dreams and overcoming your fears.” – Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile, [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “Enjoyable, bright, campy love story about blossoming into the true spirit of the dance.” – Dawn S, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]

2. Flashdance

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Apr. 15, 1983

Cast: Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri

Director: Adrian Lyne

Why Its Great: Her dance sequences are awesome sauce and its just a cult classic.

Where to see it right now: Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “With a score by Giorgio Moroder, and with ingenious costumes that are utterly aucourant, Flashdance contains such dynamic dance scenes that its a pity theres a story here to bog them down.” – Janet Maslin, The New York Times. [Review From Metacritic]
• “. . .Besides the dancing and the fashion, the simple love story ties everything together to give you a fun, lighthearted story about a working-class girl who makes it big on the hopes of her dreams, the help of her lover, and her incredible talent.” – Movimaven, Metacritic user. [Review From Metacritic]

1. Dirty Dancing

[one_half]  [/one_half]Released: Aug 21, 1987

Cast: Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey

Director: Emile Ardolino

Why Its Great: I saw this as a kid and I wanted to be Baby and marry Patrick lol. It started my obsession with everything dance.

Where to see it right now: On Amazon Prime, iTunes, or set your DVR because its always playing on cable during the summers. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “I loved this movie. It seems to dream itself, as it tells the story of a young girl who comes alive in the summer of 1963.” – Chris Chase, New York Daily News. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “Through beautiful choreography and fun filled song lyrics, “Dirty Dancing” tells a wonderful story about first love and the cast helps with their wonderful chemistry.” – Matthew C, Rotten Tomatoes user. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

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*Choosing Staying Alive, especially when Saturday Night Fever, isn’t on the list is bound to be a controversial pick. So I might as well explain. 1) I’m viewing Staying Alive as a film in its own right and not a sequel. 2) I own the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever, love the dance scenes, but for its controversial rape scene. Its a movie I can’t watch beyond once. So I cant choose it as a wish I was there movie. 3) That comment by Roger Ebert was meant to be a bad thing, but I obviously dont think that it is a bad thing.