The most recent season of The Umbrella Academy features a memorable dance battle between the titular group and their counterparts from the Sparrow Academy. The scene is funny, charming, and slightly ridiculous - in short, it's everything a dance-off should be.

Dance-offs are a great way to liven up a film or television show. Whenever they show up, they'll probably end up being one of if not the most memorable part. Whether part of a comedy, a sci-fi project, or even a drama, dance-offs can make everything better by suspending reality for a bit and giving into the moment.

Umbrellas Vs. Sparrows - The Umbrella Academy (2022)

The Umbrella Academy returned for its third season by introducing the rival Sparrow Academy. During one of the early confrontations between the Umbrellas and the Sparrows, the rival siblings perform an elaborate dance number to Kenny Loggins' iconic song "Footloose."

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The dance-off ends up being a hallucination caused by Jayme's spitting superpower. However, the sight of the Hargreeves - especially characters that wouldn't dance otherwise, like Luther or Five - enjoying themselves and dancing to one of the catchiest songs in film history is so great that it doesn't matter if it was real or not.

Bride Vs. Bride - Bride Wars (2009)

Bride Wars is a somewhat lackluster rom-com that remains highly entertaining, mainly thanks to Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson's chemistry and committed performances. The pair play best friends who become rivals after their weddings get scheduled on the same day.

During one of the movie's most memorable scenes, the two friends compete in a dance-off at a nightclub. The competition is brief but unforgettable and features an unhinged Hathaway showcasing some impressive dance moves. It's a shame the rest of the film isn't as incredible as this one scene.

Teacher Knows Best - Glee (2012)

Kate Hudson has some serious dance moves, and she got to showcase them during her multi-episode guest role in Fox's hit comedy series Glee. Hudson played Cassandra July, a dance teacher at NYADA who immediately clashed with the show's de-facto lead, drama queen Rachel Berry. During one of their confrontations, they do a dance-off to Chicago's opening number, "All That Jazz."

The song is one of Glee's best covers, thanks to how well Hudson and Lea Michele's voices blend. However, the dance itself is also quite impressive. Rachel hardly dances, proving that her forte was always singing, but Cassandra's flashy and highly-acrobatic moves are enough to sell the number. Indeed, she jumps, kicks, and dances away with the victory, even if Rachel dominates in the vocal department.

Hip-Hop Face-Off - Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

The sequel to the so-bad-it's-good Step UpStep Up 2: The Streets follows Andie, a street dancer who lands a coveted position at the prestigious Maryland School of Arts. The film is best-known as John M. Chu's directorial debut, but it's also memorable because of its many dance sequences.

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Step Up 2's first major dance-off features Andie facing Channing Tatum's Tyler, the first film's protagonist. The sequence is hectic and invigorating, showcasing Tatum's moves and showing the earliest signs of Chu's eye for elaborate musical numbers and setpieces. Tyler is the clear winner, but Andie shows more than enough talent to sell her as the film's protagonist.

Non-Stop Cringe - The Office UK (2001)

David Brent was the perfect combination of cringe and hilarity in The Office UK. The character often went out of his way to prove his superiority, although he almost always made a fool of himself. During the show's second season, he becomes jealous of Neil's '70s moves and performs a truly horrendous dance of his own.

The scene is not a dance-off per se because Neil isn't competing with David. However, the latter has enough one-sided rivalry to compensate for Neil's lack of competitive spirit. Alas, David has none of Neil's rhythm or grace, and his dancing comes across as embarrassing. It goes on for way too long, making the cringe even more potent.

Bring It On, Sisters - White Chicks (2004)

White Chicks isn't a particularly good movie, but its reputation has improved in the last few years. The film follows two cops who pose as wealthy heiresses to uncover a criminal plot in the Hamptons. During one of the film's most memorable moments, a dance-off ensues between the titular characters' friends and two snobby, mean girls.

Set to the tune of Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love" - then at the height of its popularity - the sequence involves plenty of funny dance moves. Things change when the titular white chicks take the stage and perform an energetic sequence to Run-DMC's "It's Tricky." Like the movie itself, the dance-off is ridiculous but hilarious, enough to become a standout in a film full of ludicrous scenes.

Cheryl Vs. Veronica - Riverdale (2017)

In all honesty, Riverdale only had one good season. Its junior effort was a soapy neo-noir teen drama with enough bite to create a compelling plot. Later seasons degenerated into the mess it is today, but season 1 remains a highlight in The CW's increasingly mediocre landscape.

Season 1 also featured an unforgettable dance-off between Veronica and Cheryl. Their dance moves are inappropriate for two girls who are supposed to be sixteen, but the dance itself is impressive. Cheryl and Veronica give it their all, and while the show declares the latter the winner, it's clear both were on the same level.

Paso Doble - Strictly Ballroom (1992)

Baz Luhrmann's debut film remains one of his bestStrictly Ballroom follows Scott, a famous ballroom dancer who pairs up with Fran, a left-footed girl, to compete at the prestigious National Championship. The film features many dance numbers, but one stands out above the rest.

When Scott goes to Fran's house, he meets her parents, and an argument soon erupts. Fran's father, Rico, challenges him to a Paso Doble dance-off, schooling the impetuous dancer and leaving him speechless. It's a great scene because not only does it showcase the dance technique, but it also approaches it from a place of respect and admiration. Like Scott, the audience is speechless witnessing Rico's moves.

The Hand Jive - Grease (1978)

Grease is one of the all-time best musical films, thanks to its iconic soundtrack, energetic musical performances, and John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John's timeless performances. During a school dance in the middle of the film, the characters perform the hand jive, a simple routine that leads to an elaborate dance number showcasing Travolta's Danny Zucko and Annette Charles' Cha-Cha.

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The sequence is as thrilling as a musical can get, featuring incredible dance moves and a tune so catchy it almost overpowers the rest of the already-impressive soundtrack. Travolta and Charles own the dancefloor, devouring their competition and leaving no crumbs.

Opening Sequence - West Side Story (1961)

The conflict between the Jets and the Sharks is the pillar upon which West Side Story stands. The rival gangs are sworn enemies, and the 1961 version wastes no time presenting their rivalry. The now-iconic opening sequence has the gangs express their emotions via dance, no dialogue necessary.

West Side Story remains a beloved and celebrated film because it elevates the art of the dance and puts it front and center. It's not just an accessory for the story but the language the entire film uses. The exhilarating opening perfectly captures this sentiment, displaying the characters' emotions and animosity towards each other by using dance and nothing more.

NEXT: 9 Broadway Musicals We Can't Believe Haven't Become Movies