Breakin'

On a sunlit street in Los Angeles, Kelly, a determined dancer trying to break out of routine lessons, teams up with two local breakdancers, Ozone and Turbo. Together they fuse theatrical hip hop with raw street energy, taking on underground battles and crowded clubs as they chase wider recognition. As the trio navigates rival crews, late-night rehearsals and bold performances, Kelly discovers a new sense of purpose and a growing bond with Turbo. The crew’s relentless rhythm draws crowds, while a charismatic club owner and a stubborn competitor test their plans and loyalties. Their routines blend precision with flair, turning street sessions into a moving showcase of young grit and hope.

Directed by Joel Silberg, Breakin' landed in 1984 as a vibrant screen debut for street breakdancing. It blends a choreographed urban style with a light romance, led by Lucinda Dickey as Kelly along with real breakdancers Ozone and Turbo.

Box office success spoke loudly, with a worldwide gross of 38,682,707 against a modest 1,200,000 budget, proving Breakin' could translate street energy into broad audience appeal across domestic and international markets.

Breakin' helped ignite a nationwide fascination with breakdancing and hip hop in the mid-80s, bringing street performers into clubs and cinema. Its dynamic sequences featuring Ozone and Turbo became widely referenced, influencing later dance-focused films and the era's music video aesthetics. The film's opening battles and signature spins left a mark on street culture and inspired viewers to emulate the moves.

Critics noted Breakin' for its kinetic energy and clear affection for its performers, though some reviews pointed to lightweight plotting. The film centers on ambition, friendship and trust, pairing urban grit with hopeful romance and the lure of major stage lights. The performances emphasize teamwork over individual glory, and the result is a snapshot of a moment when street dance broke into the mainstream.