Movies About Tap Dancing

From Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Rated G

Singin' in the Rain is a classic musical comedy film released in 1952 and directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly. The movie follows the romantic story of Don Lockwood (Kelly), a silent movie star whose career is threatened by the introduction of talking pictures. His friend Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor) helps him navigate the transition while also helping him pursue the affections of Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), an aspiring actress. Together with Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen), a silent movie actress whose voice is far less impressive than her looks, the four characters must find a way to make the transition from silent movie actors to stars of the talkies. With classic musical numbers such as the title song, "Make 'em Laugh," and other memorable tunes, Singin' in the Rain is an all-time classic that continues to entertain viewers to this day.

From Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Rated PG-13

The Artist is a French romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, and John Goodman. Set in Hollywood in 1927, the narrative revolves around silent movie star George Valentin and his relationship with a young actress named Peppy Miller. As the transition to sound in film production continues, George's career falters and he finds himself down on his luck. Meanwhile, Peppy's star rises as she embraces the new technology. Together, they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood and explore the dynamics of a blossoming romance amidst an industry in transition. Ultimately, The Artist is a love letter to the silent era of cinema and a celebration of the power of true love.

From Mark Sandrich, starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton, Erik Rhodes
Rated Not Rated

Top Hat is a classic romantic musical comedy film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It follows the story of Jerry Travers (Astaire), a successful Broadway tap dancer, who travels to London to star in a show. When he meets Dale Tremont (Rogers) on the train he falls in love and follows her to her hotel, where he encounters her fiancé and his best friend Horace Hardwick (Edward Everett Horton). In an effort to win Dale’s affections, Jerry enlists Horace to help him win her over. After much miscommunication, Dale eventually realizes that Jerry is the one who she truly loves and the two get married. The film features many iconic song and dance numbers, including "Cheek to Cheek," which has become a timeless classic.

From Michael Curtiz, starring James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston, Richard Whorf
Rated Passed

Yankee Doodle Dandy is a musical biopic directed by Michael Curtiz and starring James Cagney as legendary entertainer George M. Cohan. The film follows Cohan's life from his early days as a vaudeville performer to his rise to stardom as one of the greatest musical composers of all time. Along the way, Cohan struggles with personal issues, including a troubled marriage and a rivalry with fellow composer Irving Berlin. The film features a number of song-and-dance numbers, including Cohan's most famous song "Yankee Doodle Dandy". The film was released to critical acclaim and was a box office success. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Cagney) and Best Score.

From Takeshi Kitano, starring Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano, Yui Natsukawa, Michiyo Yasuda
Rated R

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi is a 2003 Japanese jidaigeki film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film follows the story of Zatoichi, a legendary blind swordsman who travels through Japan in search of justice. During his journey, he is met with many challenges, as he attempts to protect the helpless from oppressive gangs and corrupt officials. Along the way, he also meets some interesting characters, including a young geisha and a mysterious samurai, and discovers some surprising secrets about his own past. In the end, Zatoichi is able to do what he set out to do and bring justice to the oppressed.

From George Stevens, starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Victor Moore, Helen Broderick
Rated Passed

Swing Time is a classic musical comedy film directed and produced by George Stevens and released in 1936. The film stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as two dancers who discover love on the dance floor. The story follows John “Lucky” Garnett (Astaire), a gambler, who tries to prove to his fiancée’s father that he’s worthy of her hand in marriage by joining a dance competition. Along the way, he meets Penny (Rogers), a dance instructor, and falls for her. As their relationship blossoms, the two must confront their differences—including Lucky’s gambling addiction and Penny’s commitment to her career—and determine how to find true love and happiness. Featuring iconic music and dance numbers and classic comedic moments, Swing Time is widely considered to be one of the best musicals of all time.

From Rob Marshall, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Taye Diggs
Rated PG-13

From Dean Hargrove, starring Jason Samuels Smith, Joshua Johnson, Ivery Wheeler, Ted Louis Levy
Rated Not Rated

From Taylor Hackford, starring Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, Jerzy Skolimowski, Helen Mirren
Rated PG-13

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Richard Gere, Gregory Hines, Diane Lane, Lonette McKee
Rated R

From Herbert Ross, starring Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Jessica Harper, Vernel Bagneris
Rated R

From Dein Perry, starring Vaughan Sheffield, Christian Patterson, Lisa Perry, Sam Worthington
Rated R