Dance and film go hand in hand, but sometimes the most memorable dance scenes appear in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s a heartfelt routine in a drama or an out-of-nowhere boogie in an action flick, these moments often captivate audiences through creativity, emotion, or sheer fun. From elaborate choreography to unplanned spurts of movement that feel raw and real, here are nine movies with dance scenes that left a lasting impression.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is praised for its sharp dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and dark humor, but one of its most unforgettable moments is the now-iconic twist contest at Jack Rabbit Slim’s.

Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) enter the floor to perform a quirky twist routine to Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell.” The sequence is both stylish and unexpected, blending cool nonchalance with energetic movement. Tarantino uses it to great effect, showcasing the chemistry between the characters while giving the audience a wildly entertaining pause from the film’s violent undertones.

2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

This romantic drama surprises viewers with a climactic dance scene that’s as chaotic and heartfelt as the rest of the film. Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) enter a dance competition with a routine that, to put it mildly, doesn’t go as planned.

Set to a medley of songs, including Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country” and “Fell in Love with a Girl” by The White Stripes, the scene perfectly encapsulates the characters’ struggles and quirks. Their imperfect but passionate performance drives home the movie's themes of healing and human connection, turning their messy moves into an emotional payoff that’s hard to forget.

3. Ex Machina (2015)

Who would have expected a robot-centric sci-fi thriller to feature one of the most bizarre (but oddly mesmerizing) dance moments in film? Ex Machina, directed by Alex Garland, takes a sharp tonal turn when Nathan (Oscar Isaac) decides to show off his dance skills with one of his humanoid creations, Kyoko.

The scene is set to Oliver Cheatham’s funky “Get Down Saturday Night” and is so out of place it becomes unforgettable. Nathan’s casual control over the moment, juxtaposed with the eerie behavior of the AI, infuses the seemingly fun dance with subtle dread. It’s a moment that’s both captivating and deeply unsettling, which perfectly mirrors the film’s themes.

4. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

This quirky indie comedy builds up to a hilariously awkward but heartwarming dance sequence that perfectly encapsulates everything the film stands for. Olive (Abigail Breslin), an eccentric little girl with big dreams of being a pageant star, performs a hilariously inappropriate routine to Rick James’ “Super Freak” at a beauty competition.

Her family, who initially watches in stunned silence, joins her on stage to support her in the most chaotic way possible. The scene is equal parts funny and touching, showcasing the film’s central message about the power of unconditional love and acceptance in the face of societal conformity.

5. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Napoleon (Jon Heder) isn’t exactly the hero you expect to save the day, but in the offbeat comedy Napoleon Dynamite, his epic dance performance does exactly that.

When his friend Pedro runs for class president, Napoleon takes to the stage for a bizarre yet oddly impressive routine set to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat.” The mismatched moves and Napoleon’s commitment to the moment are hilariously endearing, turning a simple dance into one of the film’s standout highlights. It’s a scene that cemented the movie’s cult status and proved that dancing doesn’t have to be polished to be amazing.

6. Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is brimming with eccentricity, and its dinner party dance scene is one of the most iconic moments in the film. Under the mischievous influence of the titular ghost (Michael Keaton), a group of unsuspecting guests is compelled to dance and lip-sync to Harry Belafonte's “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).”

The sudden burst of supernatural silliness catches viewers by surprise while showing off Burton’s knack for blending humor with spookiness. The choreography is simple but memorable, making this a scene that fans of the movie quote and reenact to this day.

7. Black Swan (2010)

While Black Swan is a psychological thriller centered around ballet, the most gripping dance scene isn’t a traditional showpiece—it’s Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) fully transforming into the titular black swan during her climactic performance.

The blend of stunning choreography, Darren Aronofsky’s direction, and Portman’s powerful performance results in a haunting moment that merges beauty with madness. Every movement, from her controlled pirouettes to her explosive finale, reflects Nina’s unravelling psyche, making this scene as chilling as it is mesmerizing.

8. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Who says happy dance sequences only belong in traditional musicals? (500) Days of Summer features a joyous, fantastical dance number that perfectly captures protagonist Tom’s (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) euphoric mood after spending the night with Summer (Zooey Deschanel).

Set to Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams,” the sequence bursts with playful energy as Tom seemingly wills an entire park into a celebratory flash mob. Cartoon birds, synchronized dance moves, and his infectious smile make this a perfect visual representation of romantic bliss—albeit one that’s bound to crash later in the unconventional love story.

9. Step Brothers (2008)

You might not expect a chaotic comedy like Step Brothers to deliver an awe-inspiring dance moment, but its finale at the Catalina Wine Mixer serves up just that. Brennan (Will Ferrell) and Dale (John C. Reilly) team up for an epic rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s “Por ti Volare,” complete with surprisingly elegant backup dance choreography.

The fusion of humor, music, and surprising talent gives the scene its magic. And while viewers might expect hilarity, they’re left genuinely impressed by the sequence’s surprisingly refined touches. It’s a fittingly over-the-top cap to a film that delights in taking absurdity to unexpected heights.