West Side Story (1961)
Kernel Score: 81% · 2,006 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance
Released: 1961-12-13
Runtime: 153 minutes
Where to watch West Side Story
- Stream: YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In Manhattan’s Upper West Side, rival gangs of Polish-Americans and newly arrived Puerto Ricans clash for control of the neighborhood, even as two young members from opposite sides fall dangerously in love.
West Side Story parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that West Side Story (1961) is a classic musical drama involving gang rivalry, violence, and an attempted rape.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Gang rivalry and a fatal showdown between rival street gangs, plus an attempted rape scene, are depicted.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Forbidden/tragic love story includes an attempted rape and romantic/lifting scenes.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like West Side Story
If you liked West Side Story, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- West Side Story (2021) — 75%
- Romeo and Juliet (1968) — 84%
- A Place in the Sun (1951) — 82%
- Dirty Dancing (1987) — 83%
- Love at First Sight (2023) — 80%
- Past Lives (2023) — 88%
- In the Heights (2021) — 80%
- High Strung Free Dance (2018) — 81%
Director
Jerome Robbins
Cast
- Natalie Wood as Maria
- Richard Beymer as Tony
- Russ Tamblyn as Riff
- Rita Moreno as Anita
- George Chakiris as Bernardo
- Simon Oakland as Schrank
- Ned Glass as Doc
- William Bramley as Krupke
- Tucker Smith as Ice
- Tony Mordente as Action
West Side Story FAQ
Is West Side Story good?
West Side Story has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 2,006 audience ratings.
Where can I watch West Side Story?
In the US you can stream West Side Story on YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fandango at Home, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is West Side Story OK for kids?
West Side Story is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that West Side Story (1961) is a classic musical drama involving gang rivalry, violence, and an attempted rape.
What movies are like West Side Story?
If you liked West Side Story, try West Side Story, Romeo and Juliet, A Place in the Sun and Dirty Dancing.