In the early 80’s, the phenomenon of break dancing started to appear on the streets of New York City catching the attention of film makers, but what are the best B-boy movies out there? In its early beginnings, B-boying was a way for the Bronx’s youth to steer away from gang violence, and while the dance was aggressive, it became an important part of the growing hip hop culture, along with graffiti artists and MC’s. After nearly a decade of prominence, the movement died down, disappearing from the limelight.
Some of the most awesome hip hop documentaries, which we compiled in a previous article, feature the stories of B-boys in the 80’s and how street dancing helped them define their identity. More than two decades later, break dancing and B-boying have regained recognition and the publics’ attention, becoming a main theme in many Hollywood movies. So, here’s our list of the best B-boy movies.
5. Warring Factions (2009)
Director: Justin Mashouf
This documentary follows an Iranian B-boy, born in America, back to his homeland where he explores his multi-ethnic roots and the political issues between these two nations. In a quest to understand the vast misconceptions of Iranian culture amongst Americans, Justin takes to his love for hip hop and immerses himself in a group of B-boys, where he’ll try to find his stance on the threat of another war with the Middle East.
4. Breakin’ and Enterin (1983)
Director: Rick Davis
Although the hip hop and B-boy scene has its roots in New York City, Rick Davis’ documentary narrows its lens on the Los Angeles side of the movement, proving that the new found culture had a nationwide impact. Apart from seeing Ice-t, Egyptian Lover, Boogaloo Shrimp, Pop ‘n’ Taco, and the Blue City Crew (known today as Boo Ya Tribe) strut their stuff, this film laid the groundwork for several other break dance movies like Breakin’ (1984).
3. You Got Served (2004)
Director: Chris Stokes
Ok, so this movie’s script certainly lacks some punch and the film has been mocked in several parodies, but when it comes to the B-boy dance scenes, lead roles Omarion and Marques Houston did their job right. For a Hollywood movie with the cliché storyline of two friends that work for a drug lord, while break dancing in their free time, the choreography designed to showcase the B-boys talent is well done and makes up for some of the other underdeveloped aspects.
2. Beat Street (1984)
Director: Stan Lathan
Given, this isn’t a particularly awesome movie from a cinematic point of view, but it does manage to adequately capture the essence of B-boying on New York City’s streets. Centered around a clique of friends from the Bronx, who are all involved in hip hop culture, this movie plays on the earlier low-budget film Wild Style by showcasing the importance of the movement. Considered a hip hop classic, the dance battle between the Rock Steady Crew and the New York City Breakers is rather epic.
1. Planet B-Boy (2007)
Director: Benson Lee
The most international of all B-boy movies, Benson Lee’s documentary manages to open the audience’s eyes and mind to the vast universe of break dancing around the world. Divided into four parts, the film takes a closer look at several B-boy crews from different countries, including Korea, France, Japan, and the US. The protagonists connect us with their stories, how they developed their love for the aggressive dance form and why winning the Battle of the Year (in Germany) is the ultimate goal. Intense, dramatic, humane, and overflowing with B-boy moves, this documentary is one of the best B-boy movies ever made and definitely worth a watch.
