What Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘West Side Story’ (1961) Streaming on Prime Video

Need a movie to watch tonight? We got you covered. Switch on the 1961 musical movie West Side Story, starring Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno.  Directed by filmmaker Robert Wise and choreographer Jerome Robbins, the romantic drama is a masterpiece filled with energetic dance numbers and moving performances. It’s a classic! And nothing compares!

The movie is an adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name, which was inspired by Shakespeare’s infamous play Romeo and Juliet. 

With music composed by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the musical left an incredible legacy that has welcomed a 2021 movie remake by Steven Spielberg, a multi-episode storyline on Glee, and four Broadway revivals.

Set in the 1950s in New York City, the story dives into the rivalry between two teenage street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. Former Jets member Tony ends up falling in love with Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks, and the two embark on a forbidden romance.

Heartbreak, violence, and young love fill the screen as the story plays out.

Though, the movie has one major holdback and it is that Wood, a white actress, portrays a Latina character in brownface — an action which is reprehensible and a completely valid reason to dodge this trip down memory lane and kickback to the newer adaptation instead.

Wondering why are recommending West Side Story tonight? Out of all nights? Start getting the movie queued up and we’ll tell you why.

Why Watch West Side Story Tonight?

Maestro this! Maestro that! For the past few months, it’s been impossible to avoid conversations surrounding Bradley Cooper’s Netflix film about the late composer Leonard Bernstein. Cooper directs as well as portrays the famed conductor in the 2023 movie, which includes an exciting needle drop of “Prologue” from West Side Story.

To Cooper’s dismay, Maestro — also starring Matt Bomer and Carey Mulligan — keeps getting passed over for major awards during the current awards circuit. While the movie is garnering the expected nominations, it has received no major wins. Cue the sad trombone!

While I’m not here to yuck anybody’s yum, I will suggest turning into the movie adaptation of Bernstein’s groundbreaking musical rather than fighting to stay awake during Cooper’s biopic. West Side Story is bound to evoke some karaoke fun, an impromptu tap dance, and a nice cry. And if you ask me, that’s a solid way to honor someone’s legacy.

Synopsis: Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.

Cast: Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, Richard Beymer

Release Date: October 18, 1961

Where to Stream: Tubi, Pluto, Prime Video