5 Must-Watch Bboy Documentaries
If you’re a millennial, chances are you’ve come across dance films like Step Up and Battle of the Year during the early 2000s. While I found them a tad corny, nothing beats seeing your dance idols perform on the big screen.
I’m looking at you Daniel “Cloud” Campos.
However, as I got older, my curiosity grew, and I wanted to delve deeper into the Breaking scene and learn more about the inspiring stories behind my dance heroes.
Here are my personal 5 must-watch Bboy documentaries that inspired me throughout the years.
And no, there’s no Bboy Cloud in them.
Sorry, ladies.
1. All Out War (2013)
“All Out War” is a captivating documentary film that delves into the lives of four talented Bboys, Machine, Alien Ness, Dyzee, and Casper, who come from different backgrounds and perspectives within the Breaking community. The film follows their journeys leading up to the King of the Ring competition in Toronto, one of the largest Bboy competitions in the city at the time.
Through their personal stories and experiences, “All Out War” offers a unique and intimate look into the world of Breaking, revealing the passion, dedication, and sacrifice required to become a successful Bboy. The documentary showcases the incredible skills and athleticism of these dancers, as well as the community and culture that surrounds Breaking.
One of the most captivating aspects of the documentary for me is observing a young Bboy Casper and realizing just how much he has grown and evolved since then.
It’s truly astounding to witness him without his signature beard and tattoos.
Moreover, I was deeply moved by how each of the featured dancers had undergone significant struggles in their personal lives, yet they still managed to maintain their passion and intensity for this dance.
This documentary is one that I have revisited countless times, as it never fails to leave me in awe of their dedication and passion for Breaking.
2. Remember the Name: Victor Montalvo (2016)
Not going to lie, I might be a little biased as Bboy Victor, also known as Victor Montalvo, as he is one of my personal inspirations in the world of Breaking. However, his journey to taking the Red Bull BC One 2015 World Final Belt is an exemplary reminder of how it’s not impossible to chase your dreams — no matter how daunting they may seem.
The documentary follows the journey of Victor Montalvo as he prepares to compete in the 2015 Red Bull BC One World Finals, with a strong sense of determination and a burning desire to prove himself.
For many, Breaking is simply a hobby to enjoy, but for Victor, it holds a much deeper significance. As the child of immigrant parents, Victor feels the weight of their expectations on his shoulders. For him, Breaking is not just a passion but also a means to create a better life for himself.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Victor’s dad used to be a Bboy?
You’ll be able to go behind the scenes on his family, crew, mentors, battle mentality, and much more.
3. The Freshest Kids: History of Bboy (2002)
In “The Freshest Kids”, viewers are taken on an escapade through the world of Breaking, featuring over 2 hours of the illest dance footage. You’ll be witnessing the raw essence of Breaking and Hip Hop culture in its purest form. Witness how a bunch of kids from the Bronx created something that took the world by storm for generations to come.
The film dives deep into the underground world of Bboys and Bgirls over the last 25+ years with exclusive interviews and rare archival footage. From the early days of the dance to the present, the film showcases the evolution of Breaking and its place within Hip-Hop culture.
Along the way, viewers meet legendary Bboys such as Spy, Crazy Legs, and Ken Swift, as well as Hip-Hop icons like Kool D.J. Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, KRS-One, and Mos Def.
“The Freshest Kids” is a must-watch for anyone who loves Hip-Hop, dance, and the art of Breaking.
4. Planet B-boy (2007)
“Planet B-Boy” is a documentary film that captures the essence of the global Bboy culture through extensive footage of dancers in the world-renowned crew battle Battle of the Year, street performances, and rehearsals by different crews from across the world. The movie’s narrative focuses on the journey of five specific crews: Phase T from France, Ichegeki from Japan, Last for One from South Korea, and Knucklehead Zoo from the United States — in their quest to win the Battle of the Year.
The film features interviews with the Bboys, their families, and legendary Bboy Ken Swift of the Rock Steady Crew, as well as German promoter Thomas Hergenröther, who founded the Battle of the Year competition.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve watched “Planet B-boy” since I first started Breaking over a decade ago. The sheer determination and passion displayed by the Bboys in the film served as a powerful reminder that it wasn’t impossible to reach your goals, even when it sounds impossible.
What struck me the most, however, was that the breakers in the film were not driven by monetary gain. Despite the fact that first place winners at the Battle of the Year competition didn’t win much in terms of cash, the breakers’ drive and motivation stemmed from the pursuit of respect and recognition.
And that, my friends, is truly awe-inspiring.
5. Bboy Crumbs — Brainstorm (2002)
“Brainstorm” lets viewers witness the captivating collection of highlights from one of the most prominent Bboys in the world. Spanning from 1998 to 2002, this DVD features Crumbs showcasing his incredible skills in battles, breaking choreography, and worldwide cyphers. It’s a rare opportunity to see one of the best in action during the most significant years of his young career.
But that’s not all.
The DVD also includes appearances by a host of world-class B-boys, including Style Elements, Ken Swift, Zulu Gremlin, Mr. Wiggles, Flo Masta, Wicket, Crazy Legs, Doze, Easy Roc, Moy, Lil John, Ronnie, Benji, Roxrite, Ruen, Twix, and Lil Rock. With such a star-studded lineup, this DVD is a must-watch for anyone who loves hip-hop and the art of Breaking.
While technically a DVD, Donnie “Crumbs” Counts’ solo project “Brainstorm” is much more than that — it’s a documentary that showcases the artistic, athletic, and authentic prowess of one of the greatest Bboys to ever do it.
As a 25-year-old who was raised in the YouTube era, I missed out on the prime of Bboy Crumbs during the 90s and early 2000s. But when I stumbled upon his solo DVD “Brainstorm” recently, I was blown away by the sheer power of his style.
Honestly? F*cking speechless.
While I’ve only highlighted my top five Bboy documentaries that have left a lasting impact on me and my Breaking journey, there are countless other gems out there waiting to be discovered. From underground cyphers to world-renowned competitions, every documentary offers a unique glimpse into the culture and history of Breaking.
So, what are your favorite Bboy documentaries? Share them in the comments below!
Peace!
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