Top 10 Underrated Dance Numbers in 2000s Movies

“Roll Bounce” (2005)
This unfairly forgotten coming-of-age story captures Chicago in the disco age of the late ‘70s. Bow Wow stars as Xavier, a teen who enters a competitive roller disco competition with his friends. The climactic dance, where his underdog team smokes the contest’s standing champions, is the movie’s showpiece. Set to “Hollywood Swinging” by Kool & the Gang, this is a funky and dynamic number performed completely on wheels. The fivesome work in slick, perfect unison. If the choreography itself weren’t impressive enough, Bow Wow and his co-stars are awash in colorful lights that make their moves look even better.

“Donnie Darko” (2001)
Never doubt our commitment to Sparkle Motion. “Donnie Darko” is a movie that is constantly playing with shifting tones and ironic counterpoints. The title character’s little sister, Samantha, is a member of a dance troupe called Sparkle Motion. Midway through, they perform a high-energy dance to Duran Duran’s “Notorious.” They are outfitted in shiny uniforms and matching scrunchies, putting on their best girl group act while we’re treated to inserts of Donnie setting fire to someone’s home. Because of the movie it comes from, the scene doesn’t necessarily get the love it deserves as a comedy set piece. Like the rest of the film, the whole number is darkly funny, really ominous, and knowingly silly.

“Napoleon Dynamite” (2004)
If you were around when it came out, you know it was hard to get away from a “Napoleon Dynamite” reference. Maybe because of the overexposure, the movie’s finer points aren’t as appreciated as they might be. In this scene, the bespectacled title misfit gets on stage to support his friend’s campaign for class president the only way he knows how. He shows off his sick dance moves to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat.” Every moment is GIFable. Every shot of the dead-eyed crowd is priceless. Every new move is more embarrassing and somehow more brilliant than the last. It’s a masterclass in cringe comedy. Also, before we forget, vote for Pedro.

“Jackass Number Two” (2006)
You might not associate the stunts and gross-outs of the “Jackass” team with old-fashioned musical comedy. You would be wrong. In “Jackass Number Two,” the team closes out their latest series of death-and-sense-defying antics with a salute to friendship, living in the moment, and classic Hollywood musicals. During their last stunt, the room falls away, revealing an opulent set and musical number set to “The Best of Times” from the musical, “La Cage aux Folles.” Referencing the synchronized swimming routines of old Hollywood and tap routines of Fred Astaire and Busby Berkeley musicals, it’s a fun and well-performed surprise dance loaded with laughs.

“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)
This indie darling about a family traveling cross country for their daughter to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant was a quirky sleeper hit. Its ending dance routine is probably a big reason audiences couldn’t forget it. Olive is certainly outclassed by the competition at the pageant. When the pageant directors try to throw her off stage, the family defiantly joins her onstage to dance to Rick James’ “Super Freak.” As funny as it is touching, it’s not exactly a showcase of great choreography. But who ever said dancing had to be great to get the point across?

“Save the Last Dance” (2001)
In this 2001 romantic drama, Sara, a ballet dancer, teams up with Derek, an aspiring pediatrician who helps her incorporate hip hop into her rigid dancing style. Their clashing approaches are put on display at a nightclub. The moment they make their public debut is full of intense heat, dramatic footwork, and enough drama for a CW show. The intrusion of Derek’s ex plus the realization that the two are developing real feelings for each other infuses their dance with a lot more than skill and technique. Everything from the setting to the look to the song – “You Can Do It” by Ice Cube, Mack 10 and Ms. Toi – makes it one of the most 2000s movies ever.

“Honey” (2003)
Jessica Alba plays Honey Daniels, a dancer who begins teaching hip hop classes for neighborhood kids. While the movie didn’t exactly hit with critics, the energetic and very of-its-moment dance film showcases all sorts of early 2000s choreography. The final performance sees Honey introducing her students’ inspirational group dance set to “I Believe” by Yolanda Adams. It’s a flashy and smooth sequence demonstrating some truly eye-popping movement. “Honey” is not exactly considered a classic, but between the energy on stage and among the audience watching, this number is the definition of a crowd pleaser.

“Billy Elliot” (2000)
A working class English boy with an innate talent for dance begins taking ballet classes without his father’s knowledge. The scene where he’s found out is thrilling for all sorts of reasons. Rather than go home with his father, Billy defiantly shows him what he’s been working on in secret. In a breathless and exuberant freestyle ballet routine, Billy flies across the gymnasium as his stunned father watches. It’s a great mix of choreography, skill, and real human drama. Though the real audition comes later in the movie, this feels like the most important dance of Billy’s life.

“Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005)
Adapted from the Arthur Golden novel, this period drama is about a woman who rises from poverty to become the celebrated geisha Sayuri. Midway through, Sayuri performs a beautiful number amidst a shower of snow falling over the stage. The scene is visually striking and full of expressive movement. The film speeds up and slows down at integral parts of her performance, creating a sense of movement and fluidity that’s mesmerizing to watch. It’s no surprise. “Memoirs of a Geisha” was directed by Rob Marshall, who was responsible for staging the incredible dance numbers in “Chicago.”

“Center Stage” (2000)
An entire generation of performers were practically raised on this cult dance film, but “Center Stage” never really caught on with a wider audience. Despite its lackluster critical reception, it’s got some of the most accomplished film dancing of the decade. The movie’s ensemble of young dancers come together for the big finale. Stretched over nearly 10 minutes, the show runs the gamut, both with the music and dance styles on display. It’s provocative and totally dazzling to look at. Even if you’re not here for the soap opera antics and relationship squabbles that come before it, the sequence will no doubt blow you away.

Did your favorite dance scene make the list? Let us know in the comments.