Footloose turns 40 – Check out these 5 similar dance films in the last two decades that transcend stage and time

Footloose, Herbert Ross’ iconic musical drama, is 40 today, since its theatrical release on February 17, 1984. Starring Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow, and Sarah Jessica Parker, the film did well at the box office, grossing over $80 million on a $7.5 million budget. The film was based on the challenge youngsters pose to the town council to make them withdraw the unjust bans imposed on rock music and dancing.

It became an instant hit for its resonating premise and iconic dance sequences, including the glorious title track of the film that sends all feet tapping and all heads bobbing. Here are 5 similar dance films from recent years that may possess the power to transcend stage, time and memory.

Work It (2020)

Streaming on- Netflix

This sweet and quirky dance comedy follows Sabrina Carpenter as a bumbling, nerdy high school senior who must commit to learning to dance in order to successfully sell her lie to the admissions counsellor. The film holds a high place due to its sincere feature of an individual with no dance skills learning to do her own dance style and just enjoying the experience.

Feel The Beat (2020)

Streaming on- Netflix

This feel-good film is beloved for catering to dancers of all age groups and showing the highs and lows of ambition as well as the life of a performer on Broadway, full of uncertainty and judgement. But the film also drives home the lessons of commitment and responsibility without lowering an iota of the high voltage of entertainment and iconic dance moves.

Also read: PHOTOS: On International Dance Day 2022, here’s a list of best dancers, the Indian film fraternity has produced 

Matilda the Musical (2022)

Streaming on- Netflix

This film is exceptional for several reasons, including a cast full of hundreds of little children, all of whom are fantastic dancers, peppy musical numbers, vibrant scenes, and great actors. Also, luckily for all bibliophiles, the musical is also a faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s eponymous novel about a brilliant young girl named Matilda with a rotten family and exceptional powers. The film’s dance sequences—each of them—are worth watching over and over again without getting bored.

Step Sisters (2018)

Streaming on- Netflix

The intermingling of a black sorority leader with a white sorority team is bound to end either in a great way or in a terrible way. Thankfully, things go down a better track for Jamilah, though initially it did not seem like it to her, as she was forced to teach a group of hard-partying white chicks how to step and win a competition. A wonderful piece on sisterhood after the likes of Pitch Perfect, Step Sisters teach you more than just dancing and teamwork.

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Street Dance 2 (2012)

Streaming on- Google Play Movies & TV for rent

Street Dance 2 is a gold film not only because of its killer dance sequences but also because of the sensual element of Latin culture and the fusion of salsa with street dance. Also, the sizzling chemistry between the leads, Ash and Eva, portrayed by Falk Hentschel and Sofia Boutella, is undeniable, as it gives the film an extra edge over others in the franchise.

Also read: Footloose to ABCD, 5 films that will make you put your dancing shoes on