Top 20 Best Channing Tatum Dance Moments

“Lip Sync Battle” (2015-19)

We could definitely see “Let It Go” from “Frozen” being many people’s go-to karaoke song. But “Lip Sync Battle?” The Oscar and Grammy-winning song is a slow-building ballad that you wouldn’t think has enough real dancing opportunities for the show. But on the Season 2 premiere, Channing Tatum proved otherwise. In full Queen Elsa garb, Tatum - going up against his then-wife Jenna Dewan - bursts forth from his “snow”-covered confines, getting the whole crowd behind him with his graceful moves and his commitment to the performance.

“Magic Mike” (2012)

As you might imagine, there will be quite a few “Magic Mike” moments on this list. And we’re starting off strong with the “It’s Raining Men” scene from the first film back in 2012. Using a specially created dubstep version of the classic disco track, Channing Tatum and three of his sexy co-stars get their umbrellas poppin’ in this hot number. While this is a group dance, Tatum is out front as the lead dancer on this one - playing to the filmgoing audience as well as the crowded club full of cheering ladies.

“Step Up” (2006)

2006’s “Step Up” was Channing Tatum’s big break and where many of us first learned that, damn… this guy can dance! Our first glimpse of his abilities was on display right away in the film’s opening scene. The scene takes place at a party attended by Tatum’s Tyler Gage and his two friends, Mac and Skinny Carter. When the Carters are ready to bounce, the question comes up, “Where’s Tyler at?” The answer is, cut to Tatum busting a move on the dance floor. It might’ve been the first time many of us saw him dance, but it most definitely wouldn’t be the last.

Vanity Fair

In 2015, as promotion for the upcoming release of “Magic Mike XXL,” Channing Tatum had a little fun with Vanity Fair. With a clock counting 30 seconds in the corner of the screen, Tatum works his way through seven different dance moves. Although he is promoting a movie about male strippers, this playful vid remains strictly PG. There’s no bumping and grinding and his clothes don’t come off. Instead, Tatum - with a smile on his face - breaks out the Running Man, the Funky Chicken, The Robot and even does some very impressive Voguing.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-22)

Yes, we know it happens fast and there really isn’t a whole lotta dancing, but… come on! How can we watch Tatum give Ellen a little taste of his male stripper days and not include it here? Like the studio audience, we also watch those few seconds of Tatum backing it up and just imagine it was us in that seat instead of Ms. DeGeneres - as our hand involuntarily goes searching for bills in our pocket. And Tatum’s red face and embarrassed smile only make us like him even more.

At this point, it isn’t a big shocking reveal to say that the “Magic Mike” movie was loosely based on Channing Tatum’s actual experiences as a male stripper. After dropping out of college, Tatum moved back home and was working odd jobs - including as a roofer - when he started stripping at a local nightclub under the alias Chan Crawford. This isn’t a secret. However, knowing about it and seeing it are two very different things. So, when US Weekly posted a video of Tatum from his stripper days, well… Just watch and enjoy.

“22 Jump Street” (2014)

Obviously, in “Magic Mike” and “Step Up,” there’s going to be plenty of dancing. But when you have a guy as talented as Channing Tatum, you try to work a dance scene into every movie, including “22 Jump Street.” And all they needed to do was get him and Jonah Hill high. The scene has the two officers tripping hard, but while Hill is having a scary fire and brimstone trip - for Tatum, it’s all happiness, rainbows, and dancing. At one point, there are even three Tatums all dancing at the same time. If one Tatum is good, three have to be better, right?

“Magic Mike” (2012)

You knew, we knew, everyone knew this one was going to be on the list. The only question was where. You can’t have a list dedicated to Channing Tatum dance moments and not mention the “Pony” routine from “Magic Mike.” And if we’re being honest, we can never hear this song without thinking about that dance. That iconic R&B beat, the erotically charged moves, and those screaming women all make this a must-see Tatum dance moment. His dancing abilities might still have been a secret to those who hadn’t seen “Step Up.” After “Pony” and “Magic Mike,” though, the secret, like Tatum’s butt, was out.

Who’s the luckiest gas station employee? We’d have to give that honor to Beatrice at the Sunoco station in Statesville, North Carolina. Did she win the lottery, you ask? Well, kinda. Back in 2017, Beatrice got to do what so many women (and undoubtedly a whole lotta men) would love to do. She got to dance with Channing Tatum. The “Magic Mike” star was passing through town and had gone live on social media as he meandered through the gas station’s convenience store. When he went to pay for his drink, that’s when he met Beatrice. Well, one thing led to another, and next thing you know, Tatum and Beatrice are grooving together behind the cash register. Awesome!

“Today” (1952-)

Back in 2012, Channing Tatum was on “The Today Show” promoting “Magic Mike” when a flash mob broke out. Okay, so it was pretty tame as far as flash mobs go. And the stripping was kept to just the removal of shirts to reveal “Magic Mike” tank tops. But it definitely caught Al Roker and Ann Curry by surprise. Thankfully, Joe Manganiello was there to get them to safety as Tatum stayed back to lead the mob in a fun, choreographed group dance to “It’s Raining Men.”

“Magic Mike” (2012)

It’s moments like this that make us thankful for Tatum’s past career. Without it, we wouldn’t have this dance from “Magic Mike.” For his big solo number, Channing dances in a little more than a vest and a pair of cargo pants, and absolutely kills it. His moves are liquid smooth as he glides across the stage to an aggressive techno song. It’s not the cheesy strip routine we’re used to seeing in pop culture, and because of that it’s memorable.

“Step Up” (2006)

Channing shows off his range when he’s making fun of the stuck-up dancers at a performing arts school. He’s in the parking lot showing off for his friends when he does an impromptu routine that mixes his natural hip-hop, B-boy style versus the balletic, classical style the other students are learning. He’s loose and in his element as he utilizes the space, doing flips off the car, and breaking on the asphalt. Channing even pauses his routine to give his co-star and future wife a smoldering look while keeping the rhythm.

“Beautiful Trauma” (2017)

We don’t know why more artists don’t cast Channing in their music videos, but Pink made the right move when she got him to co-star with her in “Beautiful Trauma.” Playing a happy-go-lucky, 1950s couple, they use dance to demonstrate both the darker and lighter sides of the their marriage. It’s all very tongue-and-cheek, and that playful aspect makes it fun to watch. They’re a well-matched pair, and the choreography shows off their complimentary styles. To date, the video has more than 150 million views, and it only seems to be growing.

“Magic Mike XXL” (2015)

The original film gave audiences a lot, but the final strip in “Magic Mike XXL” had us wanting more because it was just that amazing. Channing teamed up with tWitch for a set that had them mirroring each other while giving the most sensual lap dances on film. The routine is not just a feat of sexually suggestive dancing, but it also shows off so much skill in the way they incorporate the women into the performance, lifting and bending them to their will. If it were a real strip routine, the audience would have given all their dollar bills to make it rain on these men.

“Step Up 2: The Streets” (2008)

You have to be pretty bold to think you can best Channing in a dance battle, but we’re thankful for his competition in the “Step Up” sequel. Both dancers have something to prove and bring their best to this street style battle in the club. They utilize a trampoline that’s built into the ground to do impressive aerial dance moves, flips, and tricks. Channing’s natural athleticism is on display as he jumps higher and lands a pretty impressive move that has his shirt off by the song’s end. The whole dance sequence is full of high energy and adrenaline.

“Lip Sync Battle” (2015-19)

Channing knew that for this “Lip Sync Battle” he’d have to bring his A-game, since he was competing against Jenna Dewan Tatum. And while she gave him a run for his money, he pulled out all the stops for his “Run the World” lip sync. Dressed like Beyoncé, from leotard to air-blown wig, he hits his marks and executes them just like Queen Bey would herself. And while he was already putting on an impressive show by himself, everyone’s minds were blown when Beyoncé came out to do the choreography with him. He kept pace with her, and the performance became the dance duet of the Internet’s dreams.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (2003-)

When Jimmy Kimmel needed a guest host for his late night show, he made the perfect choice when he called in Channing to substitute. In an endearing skit and opening number, Channing starts off as too nervous to go on, but Ellen DeGeneres gives him the sage advice to just dance in order to win everyone over. Her suggestion was the right one, and Channing is incredible as he dances and gets ready behind-the-scenes. He’s given some great dance partners, from the tap-dancing props guy to the twirling janitor. No matter who he’s with, he looks great and gives it his all before they all rush out to the main stage for a choreographed routine.

“Hail, Caesar!” (2016)

There aren’t many actors today who have the natural ease and grace that Hollywood legends like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire demonstrated in their dance numbers, but if anyone even comes close it’s Channing. For “Hail, Caesar!,” Channing said he put in a grueling three and a half months of practice to get this tap routine just right. He channels Old Hollywood for this song and dance number, and looks effortless doing it. While he’s perfectly in sync with his co-stars, he shines during his solo moments too, leaping across the set and dancing on the bar. The end result is pretty impressive.

“Step Up” (2006)

Every dance movie needs a show-stopping closing number and the finale of “Step Up” delivers just that. Giving other iconic numbers a run for their money, this one showed off the natural chemistry between Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan. The dance pairs her modern, more ballet style of dancing with his hip-hop style to create a sizzling routine. The climax of the dance is a lift so clean that it would make Baby and Johnny from “Dirty Dancing” green with envy.

“Magic Mike XXL” (2015)

Just when you thought the first “Pony” routine couldn’t be topped, it got the XXL treatment. The crowning achievement of the franchise, Channing made jaws drop when he did this perfectly executed dance to Ginuwine’s classic stripper anthem, “Pony.” It wasn’t even an official strip routine in the film. Instead, it was a moment when Channing’s character let his love of dancing overtake him while working on a carpentry project. Dancing with a drill in hand, Channing did a tantalizingly sexy dance that was like nothing we’ve seen before. He’s such a natural performer that the scene feels organic and like we’re peeking in on a private moment, but we’re more than happy to watch!