How to watch ‘West Side Story’

Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story wowed critics, including What to Watch's, when it was released in December 2021and has been nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose). But where and how can you watch West Side Story? 

First, a quick refresher of the story. West Side Story is a reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, where the warring families are swapped out for two rival gangs, the white Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks, on the streets of 1950s New York City. Caught in the middle of these tensions are two young lovers, Tony and Maria.

Starring in West Side Story are Ansel Elgort as Tony and newcomer Rachel Zegler as Maria, with Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Riff, Brian d’Arcy James, Corey Stoll and Rita Moreno, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 1961’s West Side Story and is returning in a brand new role.

Coming 50 years after the original Best Picture-winning adaptation of the Broadway show that still remains one of the best movie musicals of all time, here’s how to watch Steven Spielberg's West Side Story tonight, tonight.

How to watch ‘West Side Story’

West Side Story is the kind of big, vibrant musical that was made to be seen on the big screen. Since its release in the U.S. and U.K. in December 2021, the movie has been only available to watch at movie theaters.

To see what movie theaters are showing West Side Story near you, simply search movie ticket sites like Fandango or check your local theater’s own website to see where and when it is playing. You can then either buy a ticket in advance online or purchase one when you arrive at the theater.

As bigger movies like West Side Story are reverting back to exclusive theatrical runs, you may be wondering if there are ways to make the trip more affordable. If so, definitely check out movie theater subscription deals, which offer discounted prices, flat monthly fees and other promotions to movie lovers.

For those heading out to the theater to see West Side Story, please be aware of your local mask/vaccine guidelines to ensure that you and everyone else has a safe and enjoyable theatergoing experience.

Is ‘West Side Story’ streaming?

We have a date for when West Side Story will be available to stream! Disney Plus has announced that the musical will debut on the streaming platform in the U.S., U.K. and most international markets it serves on March 2 (Taiwan will get it on March 9, Japan on March 30).

In the meantime, the original 1961 West Side Story is currently available to stream on HBO Max or to buy/rent on multiple platforms.

'West Side Story' Blu-ray/DVD

Lovers of physical media will be able to own Steven Spielberg's West Side Story very soon, as the director's production company, Amblin, tweeted that the musical is arriving on 4K UHD and Blu-Ray on March 15. There will be both a standard 4K UHD/Blu-ray copy and a limited edition collectible steelbook edition.

These physical copies of West Side Story will feature 90 minutes of behind-the-scenes material and a code to download a digital copy of the movie.