Overview
A timeless tale of love and rivalry set against the backdrop of New York City.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- passionate
- kinetic
- romantic
- classic cinema night
- musical movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a landmark musical adaptation praised for its direction, Bernstein score, Sondheim lyrics, choreography, cinematography, and emotional power.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Tony and Maria pursue a secret relationship despite the Jets-Sharks conflict and their families' hostility.
Gang confrontations, territorial movement, and dances transform Manhattan streets into theatrical battlegrounds.
The film explicitly adapts Romeo and Juliet into a rivalry between white and Puerto Rican New York gangs.
Dazzling color, dynamic camera work, production design, and elaborate dance numbers define the film's presentation.
Films like West Side Story, and why
Romeo and Juliet
tragic forbidden romance shaped by social division and musical spectacle
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
stylized musical drama combining romance, dance, racial tension, and urban conflict
Singin' in the Rain
classic Hollywood musical with heightened choreography, vivid color, and emotionally intense romance
Fiddler on the Roof
romantic musical drama centered on cultural difference, social prejudice, and heartbreaking sacrifice
Movie Details
- Directors
- Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise
- Release Date
- 1961-12-13
- Runtime
- 153 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (2102)
Cast
- Natalie Wood
- Richard Beymer
- Russ Tamblyn
- Rita Moreno
- George Chakiris
- Simon Oakland
- Ned Glass
- William Bramley
- Tucker Smith
- Tony Mordente
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is West Side Story about?
- A sweeping New York musical turns a forbidden romance between rival gang communities into a dazzling and devastating modern tragedy.
- What is West Side Story like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of West Side Story as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is West Side Story violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in West Side Story as mild.
- What did critics think of West Side Story?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a landmark musical adaptation praised for its direction, Bernstein score, Sondheim lyrics, choreography, cinematography, and emotional power.
- Which films are like West Side Story?
- Films with a similar feel include Romeo and Juliet, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Singin' in the Rain, and Fiddler on the Roof.
- How long is West Side Story?
- West Side Story runs 153 minutes.
- Where can I watch West Side Story?
- In United States, West Side Story streams on YouTube TV.
