Top 10 Memorable Movie Prom Scenes

Top 10 Unforgettable Movie Prom Scenes

Whether it’s the glitz, glam, or drama of the big night, these movies have you covered. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Movie Prom Scenes.



For this list, we're looking at memorable prom scenes in cinema. These can either be scenes of the prom itself, or getting ready for the prom, but we’re not including any old school dance. Because some of these scenes reveal important plot points, consider this your spoiler alert.

#10: Prom Parents

“Blockers” (2018)

With a premise that’ll surely remind you of “American Pie” - but with the genders reversed - this sex comedy follows 3 girlfriends who pledge to lose their virginity on prom night. However, when their parents find out, they go on a mission to block their kids from going through with the pact. Admittedly, it’s the parents’ antics prior to and post-prom that really make the film; with notable scenes including Leslie Mann sneaking into the hotel room where her daughter is about to have sex. But what really takes the cake is the 3 parents crashing the prom, each thinking they know the best way to find their kids. The crowning moment follows Hunter witnessing his closeted daughter forcing herself to kiss a boy, after which he inadvertently ruins a dancing teen’s “moment” when he tries to chase after her.

#9: Bella Asks for a Bite

“Twilight” (2008)



After surviving yet another brush with death at the hands of vampires, this heroine takes her boyfriend to prom. At first, Bella isn’t in the partying mood…until Edward finds the perfect spot for a slow dance. Smitten with her beloved, Bella asks him to bite her neck, which would turn her into a vampire and grant her immortality. Edward politely refuses, but seals the night with a kiss. A super romantic way to end the first instalment of the saga…unless Victoria has something to say about it.

#8: Dancing with Deb

“Napoleon Dynamite” (2004)



This cult classic is full of laughs, llamas…and dancing! While Napoleon boogying onstage is the film’s most iconic scene, he even busts a move at the prom. The night doesn’t start off great, though, since his hesitant date Trisha ditches him. Luckily, he can always count on his best friends Deb and Pedro to have fun. Napoleon and Deb slow dance to Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” While it’s strictly platonic and a bit stiff, it’s also a genuinely heartfelt moment, and a reflection of their close friendship.

#7: Stood Up, Then Stands Up

“Never Been Kissed” (1999)



Getting stood up always sucks, but even more so on prom night. Haunted by this humiliating experience, 25-year-old Josie is an undercover journalist covering high school. She relives dealing with cliques, but also befriends Aldys, who is just as sweet as she is smart. With her brother Rob’s help, Josie becomes so popular that she’s even named prom queen. However, the popular kids, including prom king Guy, try to prank Aldys – and Josie blows her cover. She tells the students that who they are in high school won’t matter after they graduate, and asks them to embrace their true selves – a lesson more important than any crown.

#6: Courtney Is Exposed

“Jawbreaker” (1999)



This queen bee rules high school with an iron fist. Not even her friends are safe! After friend Liz chokes on a jawbreaker, Courtney claims a rapist killed her. Fellow clique members Julie and Fern – or should we say Vylette – want to tell the truth, but Courtney will stop at nothing to keep her deadly secret. That is, until she becomes prom queen. Seconds after she gets crowned, Fern, Julie and her boyfriend Zack play a recording of Courtney admitting to killing Liz. As Courtney tries to leave, her classmates throw corsages and other objects at her, giving this mean girl her just desserts.

#5: New Dress, New Man

“Pretty in Pink” (1986)



Working-class student Andie is in a love triangle with rich kid Blane and her best friend Duckie. Andie and Duckie have a falling out over Blane, who has also distanced himself, forcing her to go the prom alone – but not without making a statement. Using her sewing skills, Andie takes two pink dresses and turns them into a one-of-a-kind look. At the prom, Duckie is by her side as she patches up with Blane. Sure, many would rather she’d end up with the Duckman, but he’s not flying solo either!

#4: Ren Brings Down the House

“Footloose” (1984)



Chicago boy Ren is a fish out of water when he moves to the small town of Bomont. His new home is a far cry from the Windy City – nobody is allowed to dance or play rock music. Still, Ren teaches his peers how to dance, and pushes for a senior prom despite the town’s opposition. It isn’t easy, but Ren and friends are finally allowed to kick off their Sunday shoes. Staging the prom in a redecorated warehouse, the teens bring their A-game to the dance floor. Recreated in 2011 and even on an episode of The Simpsons, this scene will get you footloose in no time!

#3: The Big Dance

“She’s All That” (1999)



There’s so much that happens at this 90s prom – where do we start? The night kicks off with Usher DJing as the class gets down to Fatboy Slim. While manipulative queen bee Taylor wins prom queen, her passive-aggressive speech doesn’t win her any favours. Our heroine Laney is also there, looking beautiful inside and out. Still stung by Zack’s bet earlier in the film that he could transform her into a prom queen, Laney leaves the prom without him. Fortunately they kiss and make up after he professes his genuine love for her – and promises to fulfill his side of the bet.

#2: Finding True Love

“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)


When her shrewish sister Kat is finally asked to the prom, it means that Bianca gets to go as well.. Kat takes bad boy Patrick, while Bianca takes Cameron, who’s one stand-up guy. Her former crush Joey? Not so much. He slept with Kat, dumped her, and now is trying to get with Bianca. Once Joey learns that Bianca chose Cameron over him, he reveals that he paid Patrick to take Kat to prom. Kat storms out, but Bianca gets sweet revenge. While only one sister enjoys her night, it’s a turning point for the girls’ relationships with each other and their dream guys.




Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.


Getting Ready

“21 Jump Street” (2012)




Hilary Faye Loses It

“Saved!” (2004)




Dancing Like a Caveman

“Encino Man” (1992)



Night Schoolers at the High School Prom

“Night School” (2018)



Sherman Gets Nervous

“American Pie” (1999)

#1: Prom Massacre

“Carrie” (1976)



Prom can be a dream come true, but in this case, that dream is a full-blown nightmare. Bullied teen Carrie has telekinetic powers, and all she wants is to fit in. She’s thrilled to win prom queen, only to fall victim of a cruel prank. Nasty classmates arrange to drench Carrie in pig’s blood, leaving her intensely mortified – and enraged. She locks her classmates and teachers in the gym and unleashes her powers in full force. In mere minutes, the prom ends in a gory inferno. This isn’t just the most infamous prom scene of them all; it’s also one of the most iconic scenes in all horror movies.