Top 10 Best Flash Mob Scenes in Movies & TV
#10: Series Finale Flash Mob Scene
“The Affair” (2014-19)
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After 5 seasons full of deceit, lies, mystery, and heartache, Showtime’s “The Affair” wrapped up with Noah and Helen’s daughter Whitney’s wedding. Not exactly Father of the Year, Noah choreographed a surprise dance as a small gesture of love for his estranged daughter. Dancing to “The Whole of the Moon” by The Waterboys, the Solloway kids get in on the action and dance off years of emotional turmoil that plagued their family. The accompanying lyrics reflect the series’ use of conflicting viewpoints as a narrative device, making it the perfect song selection. This memorable moment in the series finale is a lighthearted way to cap off an otherwise dramatic series.
#9: Corporate Flash Mob
“Step Up Revolution” (2012)
This fourth incarnation in the highly successful “Step Up” franchise takes flash mobs to a whole new level. The movie, which takes place in Miami, follows a dance troupe known as “The Mob” who host flash mobs across the city. When a real estate developer threatens to overtake their neighborhood, they stage a protest through… you guessed it… a flash mob. Their robotic and sharp movements force an office full of 9-5ers to stop, look and pay attention to their message. The dance wraps with a rainshower of dollar bills and a creepy robot that drives home the point that their community cannot be bought.
#8: The Safety Dance
“Glee” (2009-15)
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For a series where the cast breaks out into song and dance several times every episode, every moment feels like it could be a flash mob. But in Season One, Artie and his set of backup dancers overtake a mall to perform a routine that stops even the biggest shopaholics in their tracks. Moving to the 80s hit “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats, Artie imagines what his mobility would be like if he didn't need his wheelchair. In the end, the whole sequence is revealed to be imagined and Arite returns to reality, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined in true “Glee” fashion.
#7: Outdoor Mall Flash Mob
“Weeds” (2005-12)
In 2008, “Say Hey (I Love You)” took over radio waves, becoming one of the catchiest songs of the decade. Performed by Michael Franti & Spearhead with Cherine Anderson, the song was so popular that it ended up being featured in the Season Five opener to Showtime’s dark comedy, “Weeds.” The series finds its lead in Mary-Louise Parker’s Nancy, a widow-turned-pot-dealer, hanging out at an outdoor mall when a flash mob starts their performance. The scene captures the purpose of the performance phenomenon, which is to disrupt the mundanity of the everyday and spread a little joy. As one onlooker tells Nancy, its purpose is simply because it’s “cool.”
#6: Mitchell’s Surprise Dance
“Modern Family” (2009-20)
On a series with so many opposing dynamics, Cam and Mitchell are two of the best. When Cam complains that his spouse isn’t “spontaneous” enough, he’s nearly knocked off his feet when Mitchell joins an impromptu dance to En Vogue's hit “Free Your Mind.” It’s revealed that he’s been practicing for weeks to prove to his husband that he’s not so rigid. He describes the surprise as “a love letter” but of course, in true “Modern Family” fashion, the plan backfires. Cam gets upset that the whole event was hidden from him and the sweet gesture falls flat and they’re back to square one.
#5: Restaurant Flash Mob
“Step Up Revolution” (2012)
With each flash mob in “Step Up Revolution,” the dances and the locations get more and more creative. When lead Emily wants an opportunity to join The Mob, they use this impromptu dance sequence as a test to see if she has what it takes. Taking over a fine dining restaurant, diners are treated to dinner and a show. Flips, tricks, and even chairs are used in this dance and are so captivating, even the staff stops to watch. Fortunately, things go well for Emily, and based on spectators' reactions, she’s more than earned a spot in the coveted troupe.
#4: Bo’s Proposal
“Superstore” (2015-21)
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“Superstore” made audiences laugh and cringe their way through 6 seasons. The show follows the ongoings of a big box store known as “Cloud 9.” Two of the characters we meet in the pilot are Cheyenne, a pregnant teen and cashier, and her boyfriend, Bo, an aspiring rapper. Realizing that he needs to step up, Bo pulls off a surprise that floors everyone. What starts as a robbery suddenly turns into a flash mob that ends in a proposal. The scene happens at the end of the pilot and sets the comedic tone for the series.
#3: Times Square Flash Mob
“Friends with Benefits” (2011)
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Times Square: The epicenter for hustle, bustle, and the beating pulse of the city that never sleeps. In “Friends With Benefits,” Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake’s characters Jamie and Dylan partake in a giant flash mob in the middle of the most famous intersection in the world. Grooving to “New York, New York,” Jamie, a recruiter for a magazine, uses the opportunity to convince Dylan, a West Coast art director, to join her company. Thankfully, the plan works and he’s completely bewitched by this truly distinct New York City moment. In fact, it makes such an impact on him that he even stages his in Grand Central Station later on in the film.
#2: Tom’s Imaginary Dance
“500 Days of Summer” (2009)
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Ah, love. It’s a many-splendored thing. The sun is brighter, the birds chirp louder, and every moment feels like the right time to break into song and dance. And that’s exactly what happens to “500 Days” protagonist Tom as he starts to fall for Summer. Hall & Oates provide the soundtrack to his imaginary dance sequence as civilians, a marching band and an anthropomorphic bird join in. Fans of the film know that this is simply a rose-colored glasses moment and probably more likely a side effect of infatuation than love. Despite the fallout that eventually follows, it does a great job of capturing the excitement of a new relationship.
#1: Jim & Pam’s Wedding Dance
“The Office” (2005-13)
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For five seasons, fans of “The Office” eagerly awaited Jim and Pam’s nuptials and expectations for the big day were exceeded with this funny and memorable moment. Surprising the happy couple, the entire office, led by Michael, recreated a real video of a wedding party dancing down the aisle to Chris Brown’s “Forever” that went viral in 2009. Each member adds their own special moves, some more questionable than others. Some of the moves are so fierce that they end up in an injury but everyone carries on to show the bride and groom how much love they have. It’s both sweet and hilarious and proves exactly why the series is so beloved.
