The Best Breakdancing Movies

Ranker Film
Updated June 15, 2019 1.5k votes 599 voters 53.4k views
Voting Rules
Only movies featuring breakdancing as a plot point

Calling all b-boys! Breakdancing exploded in the 1980s as part of the young hip-hop scene in Brooklyn and the Bronx. On this list of the top b-boy films, you’ll find genre-defining films from the ‘80s, like Breakin’ and Beat Street. You'll also find acclaimed director Mario Van Peebles's 1985 hit, Rappin’. In addition, this list contains modern classics like You Got Served, a film that took the heart and soul of ‘80s breakdancing and mixed it up for a new generation.


Plenty of interesting documentaries on b-boy culture populate this list of the greatest breakdancing movies, as well. Check out Planet B-boy for an international look at the breakdancing phenomenon. Vote up the best breakdancing movies below, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section. 
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY
Ranked by
  • Beat Street
    1

    Beat Street

    Rae Dawn Chong, Guy Davis, John Chardiet
    157 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Stan Lathan
    At the forefront of early hip-hop culture, DJ Kenny Kirkland (Guy Davis), his B-boy brother, Lee (Robert Taylor), and graffiti artist Ramon (John Chardiet) all have hopes of showcasing their talents ...more

    Available On:

    free

  • Breakin'
    2

    Breakin'

    Lucinda Dickey, Adolfo Quinones, Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers
    139 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Joel Silberg
    Kelly (Lucinda Dickey) is a classically trained jazz dancer who's tired of warding off her amorous teacher and hungry for a new outlet. When she befriends street dancers Ozone (Adolfo "Shabba-Doo" ...more
  • Wild Style
    3

    Wild Style

    Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Lady Pink, Fab Five Freddy
    71 votes
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: Charlie Ahearn
    Wild Style is a 1983 hip hop film produced by Charlie Ahearn. Released theatrically in 1983 by First Run Features and later re-released for home video by Rhino Home Video, it is regarded as the first ...more

    Available On:

    free

  • Stomp the Yard
    4

    Stomp the Yard

    Columbus Short, Meagan Good, Ne-Yo
    49 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Sylvain White
    After his brother's death, a troubled but gifted street dancer enrolls in Atlanta's Truth University. As he tries to concentrate on his studies and woo a pretty classmate, he finds himself in the ...more

    Available On:

    subscription

  • You Got Served
    5

    You Got Served

    Marques Houston, Omarion, Jarell Houston
    78 votes
    • Released: 2004
    • Directed by: Chris Stokes
    David (Omarion Grandberry) and Elgin (Marques Houston) helm a talented street-dancing crew that engages in dance battles in a Los Angeles warehouse belonging to local club owner Mr. Rad (Steve ...more

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo
    6

    Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo

    Lucinda Dickey, Adolfo Quinones, Michael "Boogaloo Shrimp" Chambers
    72 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Sam Firstenberg
    Disappointed with her small part in the chorus line of a Los Angeles show, jazz dancer Kelly (Lucinda Dickey) quits and heads home. Her father (John Christy Ewing) disapproves of Kelly's friendship ...more

    Available On:

    free