February Countdown: #2 – “Dirty Dancing” Brings Romance and Rebellion to the Dance Floor!

Our February countdown of the top five romantic movies of the 1980s is heating up! We’ve already covered some iconic love stories:

• At #5, “Pretty in Pink” brought us a tale of young love and social divides.
• At #4, “Splash” enchanted us with a magical romance between a man and a mermaid.
• At #3, “Mannequin” proved love can be found in the most unexpected places.

Now, at #2, we turn up the heat with “Dirty Dancing” (1987)—a film that became one of the most beloved romance movies of all time!

“Dirty Dancing” – A Love Story on the Dance Floor

Set in the summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing follows Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey), a sheltered teenager vacationing with her family at a resort in the Catskills. She unexpectedly falls for Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), the resort’s rugged and charismatic dance instructor. As Baby learns to dance, she also learns about love, independence, and defying expectations.

A Connection to Our Countdown

Like Pretty in Pink, Dirty Dancing explores the romance between two people from different worlds—Baby, the privileged daughter of a doctor, and Johnny, the working-class dancer struggling to make ends meet. Much like Splash and Mannequin, it highlights a love that transcends boundaries, whether societal or supernatural. And, of course, its fantasy-like romance is what makes it so enduring—just like our previous picks!

Behind-the-Scenes Tidbits

• Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze didn’t always get along. Despite their on-screen chemistry, the two had tension behind the scenes. However, their real-life friction added to the passion of their performances.
• The film was shot in just 44 days! Filming moved quickly, with North Carolina and Virginia standing in for the Catskills.
• The famous lake scene was freezing cold. Though it looks romantic, Grey and Swayze were shivering during the scene where they practice lifts in the water.
• “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” was almost cut! Now one of the most famous movie lines of all time, Patrick Swayze reportedly wasn’t a fan of the line but delivered it flawlessly anyway.
• The film’s soundtrack became legendary. Songs like Hungry Eyes, She’s Like the Wind, and I’ve Had the Time of My Life (which won an Oscar for Best Original Song) became massive hits.

Why “Dirty Dancing” Still Captivates Audiences

With passionate performances, unforgettable music, and a story about love, freedom, and self-discovery, Dirty Dancing remains a cultural phenomenon. Whether it’s Baby’s transformation, Johnny’s rebellious charm, or that legendary final dance scene, this film continues to sweep audiences off their feet.

Stay tuned as we reveal our #1 pick for the most romantic movie of the 1980s! Any guesses?