10 Dance Review: Japanese Dance BL Movie (Netflix 2025)
What Is 10 Dance About?
Shinya Sugiki and Shinya Suzuki are two dancers from completely different worlds. Sugiki specializes in ballroom dance: Waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot, and quickstep. Suzuki, on the other hand, excels in Latin American dance: Cha-cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, and jive.
Despite sharing the same first name, the two Shinyas couldn’t be more different in personality and lifestyle. But when they train together for the 10 Dance, a competition combining both ballroom and Latin American styles, their relationship begins to bloom in unexpected ways.
10 Dance is adapted from Satoh Inoue’s manga series of the same name. Directed by Keishi Otomo, this Japanese BL film brings high production value, stunning choreography, and undeniable chemistry between the leads. With Netflix backing and a mature cast delivering professional-level dance performances, this film offers a visually captivating story of rivals becoming something more. I previously covered the film’s announcement and what to expect, and now that it’s released, here’s my full review.
Official Trailer
First Look
Official poster
Cast & Crew
MAIN CAST
- Keita Machida as Shinya Sugiki
- Ryoma Takeuchi as Shinya Suzuki
SUPPORTING CAST
- Doi Shiori as Tajima Aki
- Ishii Anna as Yagami Fusako
- Hamada Shinya
- Maeda Oshiro
PRODUCTION
- Director: Keishi Otomo
- Screenwriters: Tomoko Yoshida, Keishi Otomo
- Based On: 10 Dance (Manga by Satoh Inoue)
Notable: Keita Machida previously starred in Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! and Alice in Borderland.
My Honest Review of 10 Dance
What Works Brilliantly
Since watching the trailer when it first dropped, I couldn’t wait for Netflix to release this film. And I have to say, if you love dance and extremely hot characters with superb chemistry, this film is definitely for you. Both Suzuki and Sugiki made me fall in love with professional dancing, something that had never crossed my mind before. The way they move together, you can feel their chemistry through the screen.
The production value is sky-high, but I didn’t expect anything less with the film airing on such a massive platform. After watching Keita Machida in Cherry Magic!, I had high expectations for his ability to deliver, and everyone in the cast did a phenomenal job.
The dance sequences? Absolutely stunning. The cinematography surrounding the dance made me feel the characters’ love for their craft, especially Suzuki’s Latin American style, his waist control is perfection. The music also didn’t disappoint. Everything matched beautifully with the choreography, which made everything totally entertaining.
Where It Falls Short
But I have to be honest, I expected more romance, especially the way the trailer painted the film. Maybe I had too high expectations? Just having a few kiss scenes, no fluff, and barely-there angst was a bit disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t expecting NC scenes or anything explicit, just better romance.
The pacing of their getting together felt too abrupt. We got everything through Suzuki’s POV, which made their love story feel a bit one-sided. I wanted to see more from Sugiki’s perspective. And that scene when Suzuki was trying to make out with Sugiki and Sugiki just lay there before pushing him off? Very uncomfortable to watch.
The ending also left much to be desired. It felt open-ended. Maybe we should expect another film exploring their relationship more, since they promised to see each other at the 10 Dance competition. We got confirmation they’re together through their kiss in front of everyone, but I really wanted more closure.
Final Verdict
If the director and production team wanted us to yearn for more, they succeeded. I want more of this film, so much more that I’m disappointed by the little romance we got. The dance sequences are breathtaking, the chemistry is electric, and the performances are top-tier. But the romance needed deeper development.
Why Watch 10 Dance?
10 Dance is captivating as a BL, first and foremost, thanks to a mature cast that gives us a refreshing break from high school tropes. The main leads’ romance is layered, not just your ordinary boy-meets-boy-and-falls-in-love story. They navigate rivalry, personal growth, and unconventional paths to getting together.
The film showcases professional-level dance that’s genuinely mesmerizing. Whether you’re a dance enthusiast or completely new to it, the choreography and cinematography will pull you in. The chemistry between Keita Machida and Ryoma Takeuchi is palpable, making every shared moment electric.
Perfect for: Viewers who appreciate high production values, mature BL storytelling, rivals-to-lovers dynamics, and breathtaking dance sequences. Just temper your expectations for the romance aspect.
Themes & Tropes
⚠️ Content Warnings
This film contains sexual content and mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
Join the Discussion
Have you watched 10 Dance? What did you think of the dance sequences and the romance? Did the ending leave you wanting more? Drop your thoughts below. I’d love to hear your perspective!
Is 10 Dance worth watching?
Yes, 10 Dance is worth watching if you love high-quality dance choreography and mature BL romance. The film features stunning visuals, professional-level performances, and strong chemistry between the leads.
Where can I watch 10 Dance?
You can watch 10 Dance exclusively on Netflix worldwide. The film was released on December 18, 2025.
Is 10 Dance based on a manga?
Yes, 10 Dance is based on the manga series of the same name by Satoh Inoue. The manga follows two professional dancers specializing in different dance styles who train together for the 10 Dance competition.
Who are the main actors in 10 Dance?
The main actors are Keita Machida as Shinya Sugiki and Ryoma Takeuchi as Shinya Suzuki. Keita Machida previously starred in Cherry Magic! and Alice in Borderland.
What’s the runtime of 10 Dance?
10 Dance has a runtime of 128 minutes (2 hours and 8 minutes). The film is a single feature-length movie available on Netflix.
