Ranking Every Step Up Movie In The Franchise
It’s International Dance Day! If you’ve grown up watching the Step Up movies, you know that the choreography had our jaws dropping every time and we might’ve shamelessly attempted to dance like Channing Tatum or Adam Sevani. To celebrate, Pop Culture Planet contributor Paola Cardenas ranks the best and worst Step Up films.
6. Step Up: Year Of Dance
When different social classes in Beijing have to team up to form a dance crew, they uncover the true meaning of family in Step Up: Year Of The Dance.
This film is the weakest of them all because it completely removes itself from the characters we’ve grown to love. In its predecessors, every character is connected in some way or form that feels close to the ongoing story. However, this film just feels distant and is a stand-alone. The choreography is still amazing with the addition of a kung fu-style and the plot is somewhat similar to the original Step Up, at least in terms of urban crime.
Step Up: Year Of The Dance is on Prime Video.
5. Step Up: Revolution
Beaches, sunsets, cocktails, and flash mobs.
Set in Miami, Step Up Revolution follows a group of ragtag dancers known as “The Mob.” Sean (Ryan Guzman), Eddy (Misha Gabriel Hamilton), and others shut down roads and exhibitions to make a point that they are the heart and soul of Miami. When Mr. Anderson (Peter Gallagher) decides to redevelop their town, his daughter Emily (Kathryn McCormick) finds herself caught between pursuing her dance dreams, finding love, and convincing her father of her future.
Between the elaborate choreography in different settings and a storyline about saving your community, it’s still an enjoyable film. The themes do get repetitive at this point with another love story, but the dancing remains as the best part of the film. Of course, we can’t forget Moose’s (Adam Sevani), Kido (Mari Koda), and Vladd (Chadd Smith) cameo at the end of the film that makes it *chef’s kiss.*
Step Up: Revolution is available on Netflix.
4. Step Up: All In
If Step Up Revolution and Step Up 2: The Streets had a child, this movie would be it.
In Step Up: All In, the Miami crew is at the end of its rope with countless auditions and no money left to spend. Still believing in their dreams, Sean stays in Los Angeles and notices a new competition called The Vortex in Las Vegas. Recruiting old members such as Kido, The Santiago twins (Martín Lombard and Facundo Lombard), Andie (Briana Evigan), Violet (Parris Goebel), and Monster (Luis Rosado), they form the group LMNTRIX. However, things start to change when they have to battle against The Mob and new crew The Grim Knights.
The film combines energetic dance sequences with engaging characters and a storyline that emphasizes perseverance and teamwork. Though the plot is cliché, the choreography is visually stunning — especially the finale — showcasing the talents of its cast and immersing viewers in the world of competitive dance. Bringing back such lovable characters across the two films is such an amazing choice that you can’t help but feel nostalgic. You can feel the passion and energy exuded by each character in their own little moments, not to mention the soundtrack is packed with good vibes that make you want to dance along.
Step Up: All In is on PlutoTV.
3. Step Up 3D
Two years after the second film, we got Step Up 3D which is focused on fan favorite Moose as he heads off to college at New York University. When he accidentally gets into a street battle with The House Of Samurai, Luke Katcher (Rick Malambi) from The House Of Pirates saves him and shows him around the city.
We still get plenty of love stories that not only occur with Luke and fellow dancer Natalie (Sharni Vinson), but also Moose and Camille (Alyson Stoner). It tracks the Pirates’ journey competing in World Of Jam to save their home and Moose’s struggle to keep up with school. We get an amazing water dance sequence that will have any dancer hooked. The 3D effects add an extra layer of excitement to the dance performances, immersing viewers in the action with bubbles, slurpees, and more.
2. Step Up
As the introduction to the Step Up franchise, the Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-led film still holds as a classic dance movie.
After Tyler is caught vandalizing the prestigious Maryland School Of Arts, he’s given a chance to dance in a show with trained dancer Nora. At its core, Step Up is a film where a troubled guy is given a chance to change his life. After a close friend gets shot, both Tyler and Mac (Damaine Radcliff) realize they need to make better life choices. Step Up may not be as lavish or extravagant as its successors, but the plot is the focal point and sets the tone for its sequel.
1. Step Up 2: The Streets
One of the few times a movie’s sequel is better than the original is Step Up 2: The Streets.
We’re back at MSA and introduced to a new cast including Andie and Chase (Robert Hoffman) who are our new love birds. The choreography in this film is just too good to not appreciate, especially the water scene — if you know, you know. We’re introduced to a new slate of “misfit” characters such as Kido, Smiles (LaJon Dantzler), Cable (Harry Shum Jr.), Fly (Janelle Cambridge), and the most prominent dancer Moose.
The film includes themes on friendship, belonging, and breaking barriers with a diverse soundtrack, classic humor, sprinkles of romance, and an engaging plot. Its passion, stellar acting, and intensity places it at the top spot of the franchise.
