While many anime series have spawned famous memes and hilarious inside jokes, there is much more to fandom culture than that. Fans aren't limited to simple meme formats or prolific poses, they also have addictive dance routines to show off as well. Anime has always been known for its fantastic song choice when it comes to opening and ending themes, so it was only natural that choreography was eventually added into the mix.
Every now and then, even anime characters need to blow off some steam, and what better way than to bust a few moves on the dance floor? Here are some of the most iconic dances that spawned from fan-favorite anime series.
8 Lost In Paradise
- Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen
- Video: Link
The most recent entry of famous anime dances is the "Lost in Paradise" dance by the main cast of Jujutsu Kaisen. Despite Jujutsu Kaisen's dark tones throughout the story, the ending credits are bright and cheery, allowing Gojo and his favorite students time in the spotlight to show off their moves.
Along with the song being incredibly catchy, fans fell in love with each character's little dance because of the unique style of animation used in the sequence; along with how each dance style accurately depicted every character's personality so well.
7 On Love: Eros
- Anime: Yuri On Ice
- Video: Link
Many of Yuri and Victor's ice skating routines were beautifully choreographed and captured fans' hearts instantly, but there was one particular routine that stands out. While not a "dance" in the more traditional idea, Yuri's "On Love: Eros" (sometimes translated to "In Regards to Love: Eros) routine still stands as an iconic entry.
Finally seeing Yuri unleash a hidden part of him to express an emotion that was once foreign to him was a mesmerizing experience. Fans will never forget seeing the finished product of Yuri's most memorable routine, and of course, Victor (and his training) is there to thank for it!
6 Splash Free!
- Anime: Free!
- Video: Link
Yet another anime ending that truly let its cast get their groove on during the ending credits is Free!. Apparently, the Free! boys aren't just talented swimmers but they're also great on the dancefloor as well. This particular ending has been parodied by many other fandoms of different animes, animating other fan favorites pulling off all the iconic moves from the "Splash Free!" ending.
While each of the boys gets their time to shine, it seems as if Nagisa's little "hand puppet" dance is a fan favorite. Perhaps Haru will try a bit harder to get out of his shell for next time.
5 Shin Dance Master
- Anime: Crayon Shin-chan
- Video: Link
The childhood favorite Shin-chan is a notorious dancing machine. Over the course of Crayon Shin-chan, Shinnosuke, better known as Shin-chan, has created numerous dances that are as adorable as they are hilarious. On top of his goofy, gut-busting dance moves, Shin-chan isn't too shy to complete his performance with some singing as well.
One of his most well-known dances, the "Trust Dance of Manly Brotherhood of Men" truly showcases how creative (and outrageous) Shin-chan can be!
4 Ham Ham Dance
- Anime: Hamtaro
- Video: Link
A childhood favorite, Hamtaro, easily earns a spot as one of the most memorable anime dances of all time. Both the opening and ending songs of the series are incredibly catchy but the ending sequence features not only fun lyrics but also a little Hamtaro dancing to the music!
It's important to note that it's not just Hamtaro's cuteness factor that makes this a fantastic dance, the moves are well choreographed and are rather impressive for just an ending sequence of a children's show.
It's safe to say that every kid that grew up with the ham hams danced along with Hamtaro at least once!
3 Torture Dance
- Anime: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
- Video: Link
It seems as if there's no safe place to hide from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. This series is not only popular because of its amazing characters and interesting storyline, but also because of how meme-able the series is. While very well-known for all the signature poses characters love to strike, there is a famous Jojo dance as well.
This famous boat scene is where Fugo, Mista, and Narancia first birthed the iconic "Torture Dance." To add insult to injury, Narancia begins to perform the famous dance in front of a decapitated Zucchero. Seeing as even in such an outrageous situation, Fugo and Mista couldn't help but join in, it seems like Jojo's "Torture Dance" is just too catchy to pass up.
2 Haruhi Dance (Hare Hare Yukai)
- Anime: The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya
- Video: Link
This dance is definitely an entry that long-time anime fans or veterans will remember and maybe hold dear to their hearts. This adorable pop number performed by Haruhi and friends (the S.O.S Brigade) is the famous ending of the anime classic, The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya. The dance was inspired by popular J-pop idol groups at the time and Haruhi and friends pulled it off without a hitch.
The title of the ending theme, "Hare Hare Yukai", is roughly translated to "Sunny, Sunny, Happiness" and quickly spread across many fandoms; even sparking tons of fan-made animations and even live dance covers.
1 Caramelldansen
- Artist: Caramell/Caramella Girls
- Video: Link
A meme that is now years old, the internet sensation, Caramelldansen, might be one of the most prolific anime dances of all time. The famous Caramelldansen, by the Swedish group Caramell, translates to "the caramel dance" and has been passed down through many generations as a legendary meme.
While the Swedish original may not have originated from an anime, it easily makes a place for itself as an iconic anime dance as Caramelldansen may be the most parodied dance among anime fandoms of all time. In fact, some younger anime fans may only recognize Caramelldansen from one of its many parodies (some using the English version of the song), rather than the original itself. It doesn't get any more prolific than that.