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West Side Story poster

West Side Story (1961)

“The screen achieves one of the great entertainments in the history of motion pictures.”

7.2/10 · 2,100 votes 2h 33m nr RomanceDramaCrime

#13 of 13 films from 1961 #417 of 1371 in romance

Directed by Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins · Written by Ernest Lehman

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

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.

Cast

Natalie Woodas Maria
Richard Beymeras Tony
Russ Tamblynas Riff
Rita Morenoas Anita
George Chakirisas Bernardo
Simon Oaklandas Schrank
Ned Glassas Doc
William Bramleyas Krupke
Tucker Smithas Ice
Tony Mordenteas Action
David Wintersas A-rab
Eliot Feldas Baby John
Bert Michaelsas Snowboy
David Beanas Tiger

Facts

Release dateDecember 13, 1961
Runtime153 min (2h 33m) — longer as the 1961 average of 121 min
GenresRomance, Drama, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$6,000,000
Box office$43,700,000 (7.3× budget)
IMDbtt0055614

More from Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins

The Sound of MusicThe Sound of Music1965 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 54m The Day the Earth Stood StillThe Day the Earth Stood Still1951 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 32m The Andromeda StrainThe Andromeda Strain1971 · ★ 7.1 · 2h 11m The HauntingThe Haunting1963 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 52m Star Trek: The Motion PictureStar Trek: The Motion Picture1979 · ★ 6.5 · 2h 11m

If you liked West Side Story

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Rocco and His BrothersRocco and His Brothers1960 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 58m On the WaterfrontOn the Waterfront1954 · ★ 7.9 · 1h 48m BreathlessBreathless1960 · ★ 7.5 · 1h 30m Pierrot le FouPierrot le Fou1965 · ★ 7.3 · 1h 50m LolitaLolita1962 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 34m BullittBullitt1968 · ★ 7.2 · 1h 53m The Swimming PoolThe Swimming Pool1969 · ★ 7.0 · 2h 3m The Thomas Crown AffairThe Thomas Crown Affair1968 · ★ 6.8 · 1h 42m

Questions

How long is West Side Story?
West Side Story runs 153 minutes (2h 33m), which is long for a romance — plan for it.
Is West Side Story worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 2,100 votes, which places it #13 of 13 films released in 1961 in this index (top 8%) and #417 among 1371 romance titles.
Who directed West Side Story?
West Side Story was directed by Robert Wise, Jerome Robbins. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Sound of Music (1965), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), The Andromeda Strain (1971).
Who stars in West Side Story?
Natalie Wood as Maria; Richard Beymer as Tony; Russ Tamblyn as Riff; Rita Moreno as Anita; George Chakiris as Bernardo; Simon Oakland as Schrank.
What is West Side Story rated?
It carries a nr certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for West Side Story?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/118696.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.