Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of West Side Story is finally available to watch online; here's where. When the movie was released theatrically in December 2021, it received rave reviews but struggled to find an audience. Now, movie lovers can enjoy the musical by streaming it from the comfort of their own homes.
The 2021 West Side Story is a re-telling of the classic Broadway show created by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, which also inspired a beloved 1961 film version. The story reimagines the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet as taking place amidst feuding gangs on the streets of 1950s New York. The film stars Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort as the star-crossed lovers, with a supporting cast featuring a number of young actors and screen icon Rita Moreno, who appeared in the 1961 version.
West Side Story received positive reviews for its visual style and central performances. Its skill and craftsmanship saw it nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. For those who would like to compare Spielberg's reimagining with the 1961 original, both film versions are now available to stream online. Here's where and how to watch them.
Where To Watch West Side Story (2021) Online
The 2021 West Side Story is, unusually for a new release, premiering on two streaming services at once. The Spielberg film streams on Disney+ beginning on March 2, 2022, with Disney owning West Side Story studio 20th Century Pictures (formerly Fox.) In addition to a direct subscription, Disney+ is available with some telecom packages, as well as part of a bundle with Hulu and ESPN+. West Side Story (2021) is also available on international versions of Disney+ in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom.
Somewhat more surprisingly, West Side Story (2021) is also premiering on HBO Max in March 2022. The Warner Bros.-owned subscription service is available to all traditional HBO cable subscribers, as well as a digital subscription. The double release, as well as still being in some late-run theaters, could help Spielberg's West Side Story build momentum leading up to the Oscars.
Where To Watch West Side Story (1961) Online
Those curious to check out the 1961 version of West Side Story can find it on a wide variety of streaming platforms. Directed by Robert Wise and co-director and choreographer Jerome Robbins, it is itself a cinematic classic and Best Picture winner. The original film, which starred Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, also provides an interesting contrast with the changes Spielberg made to West Side Story. In the United States, West Side Story (1961) is available to stream for subscribers of HBO Max, and can also be found on the Hoopla streaming service through some public libraries.
The 1961 West Side Story is also available for rental or digital purchase on a number of online services, including Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube. In Canada, the musical is available for streaming on the Hollywood Suite On Demand Service and the Amazon Prime MGM channel, and through Prime Video and Virgin TV Go in the UK. With both versions of West Side Story now available to stream, viewers can enjoy multiple visions of this classic story.