10 Movies like 'Dirty Dancing' Full of Dance and Romance

"Dirty Dancing" premiered over 30 years ago, but the coming-of-age story remains a strong cult classic for old and newer audiences. With cheesy one-liners, steamy romance, and themes that are still relevant today, it's only one of many dance flicks worth a watch.

"Dirty Dancing" premiered in theaters in 1987, following the story of Baby Houseman, who meets the enchanting Johnny Castle at the Kellerman Resort, where her family enjoys their summer vacation.

Johnny is a dance instructor hired to entertain the guests at the resort. He and Baby, an introvert with a bold personality just waiting to burst, form a bond that becomes more endearing as it grows into romance.

It is through this bond that Baby grows into a brave young woman, more knowledgeable about love and life, without ever compromising who she is at her core. But beyond Baby's transformation and love for Johnny, "Dirty Dancing" also touches on heavier subjects.

The film is set in 1963, offering a glimpse of that decade through the eyes of its teenagers. It tackles class through Baby and Johnny's backgrounds, but more centrally, it addresses abortion through Penny's storyline.

At the time, Roe v. Wade had yet to come into effect. "Dirty Dancing" nearly didn't make it to theaters as sponsors and studio executives asked Eleanor Bergstein, the movie's screenwriter and producer, to remove abortion from the plot.

Bergstein maintained its importance as it essentially kickstarts Baby and Johnny's story. "[...] I don't know that it will always be [legal]," she said of Roe v. Wade, adding that much younger women didn't remember a time before the US Supreme Court made the ruling in the 1970s.

She hoped that, through "Dirty Dancing," they would remember not to take it for granted. The teen flick starred Cynthia Rhodes as Penny, Jennifer Grey as the beloved Baby, and the late Patrick Swayze as Johnny.

Numerous TV dance couples have come about since Baby and Johnny, with just as many from before their time. Below is a watchlist of ten dance movies, as a start, filled with romance, nostalgic soundtracks, corny one-liners, and good dancing.

'Grease' (1978)

"Grease" is a musical romantic comedy that follows goody-two-shoes Sandy Olson and bad boy Danny Zuko, who fall in love during summer vacation. School rolls around, and the pair unexpectedly reunites in high school.

Now the question remains: Will they pick up where they left off? John Travolta played Danny Zuko, and Olivia Newton-John was Sandy in this hilarious teen flick, chronicling young love through music and dance.

'Flashdance' (1983)

"Flashdance" moves away from the woes and excitement of adolescence. This musical drama is about a working woman, Alex Owens, from Pittsburgh who dreams of getting into ballet school. Alex is a welder by day and a nightclub dancer by night. At the beginning of the film's trailer, she says:

"You walk out there, and the music starts, and you feel it. Your body moves, and there's something inside you that just clicks, and you're gone. It's like you're somebody else for a while."

'Shall We Dance' (2004)

Another dance film centered on the woes of the adult world, "Shall We Dance" follows estate lawyer John Clark, who leads an unexciting existence. That is until he catches sight of Paulina, a gorgeous dance instructor, on a train heading home.

A self-proclaimed fast learner who's never danced before, he immediately signs up for classes. And so begins a new and more fulfilling life chapter for John. Richard Gere portrays John alongside Jennifer Lopez (Paulina), Stanley Tucci, and Lisa Ann Walter.

'Footloose' (1984)

More well-known for starring in action blockbusters, young Kevin Bacon leads this romantic dance drama punctuated by the titular Kenny Loggins song, "Footloose," as it follows Ren, who moves from the city to a small town where rock music and dancing is banned.

Ren is a rebellious teen whose love for rock and dance influences the townfolk, particularly his peers, as he makes friends and enemies and falls in love. In the film, Bacon stars opposite Lori Singer, who plays Ariel, and John Lithgow, who portrays Reverand Shaw Moore.

'Save the Last Dance' (2001)

"Save the Last Dance" begins with a mother-daughter bond that ends in tragedy. Sara Johnson loses her mother just as she pursues her dream of joining Juilliard School. She abandons her passion and moves to Chicago, only to find herself dancing again in the Illinois hip-hop scene.

But more than that, Sara finds love, friendship, and a solidified sense of self. Sara is brought to life by longtime actress Julia Stiles, alongside Kerry Washington, who plays Chenille, and Sean Patrick Thomas, who plays her love interest, Derek.

'Silver Linings Playbook' (2012)

A multi-award-winning comedy drama led by a star-studded cast, "Silver Linings Playbook" follows Pat, a former teacher with anger issues, who returns from a mental institution and tries to reassemble his life.

Although he attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife, he meets Tiffany, who also struggles with mental health issues, and they develop a profound connection that strengthens through dance. The pair, who end up as lovebirds, are portrayed by Bradley Cooper (Pat) and Jennifer Lawrence (Tiffany).

'Honey' (2003)

An inspiring dance drama that explores a wide range of themes, "Honey" follows the eponymous hip-hop choreographer, passionate about sharing her love for dance and carving her way into the industry.

Honey finds herself in a quid-pro-quo situation with her mentor, Michael Ellis, who threatens to have her blacklisted if she doesn't sleep with him. The film stars Jessica Alba as the titular dancer, alongside Romeo Miller and Mekhi Phifer.

More Watchworthy Dance Films

"Strictly Ballroom" is an Australian rom-com from the 1990s, following the unconventional dancer Mick Hastings. With the desire to spice up his ballroom routine, he finds a new dance partner, and they set out to become national champions.

Still within the 90s, "Dance with Me" is the story of Rafael (Chayanne) and Ruby (Vanessa L. Williams), who meet in Houston, Texas, at a dance studio. Theirs is a slow-burn romance that unravels and brightens within the Latin dance scene.

Finally, the first "Step Up" film, released in 2006, sees Tyler (Channing Tatum) receive the opportunity of a lifetime after vandalizing a performing arts school: to earn a scholarship at that same institution. Tyler not only gets to do what he's good at and enjoys, but he does it with somebody he loves.