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The Notebook poster

The Notebook (2004)

Film · 2h 3m · Rated PG-13
DramaRomance

A man reads a faded notebook, rekindling a passionate, decades-spanning love story separated by war and fate.

69
Worth It
The CouchRot Score, from 10 cinephile ratings

An epic love story centered around an older man who reads aloud to a woman with Alzheimer's. From a faded notebook, the old man's words bring to life the story about a couple who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths.

How intense is The Notebook?

Scarenot scary
Goreno gore
Violencesome violence
Emotional weightdevastating

The Notebook has no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is devastating. The pace is measured, and it is a date-night pick and a comfort watch. Rated PG-13.

What The Notebook feels like

Tone
romanticmelancholyheartwarming
Pace
Measured
Best for
Date nightComfort watchFull attention

Where to stream The Notebook

Pluto TVfree

US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 13, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.

Score confidenceDialing In
10 ratings deep. Getting dialed in.
Community consensus
Mixed Opinions
DividedNear Unanimous
How ratings land
Skip It
0–20
0
Not Great
21–40
1
Decent
41–60
1
Really Good
61–80
6
Must Watch
81–100
2

Is The Notebook for you?

Is The Notebook scary?

No. The Notebook is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).

Is The Notebook gory or violent?

No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.

Is The Notebook sad or heavy?

Yes. Emotional weight 3 of 3. It hits hard; do not plan anything light after.

Is The Notebook OK for kids?

It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.

How long is The Notebook?

The Notebook runs 2h 3m.

Where can I stream The Notebook?

The Notebook is streaming on Pluto TV.

Does The Notebook have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer

Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.

Cast and crew

DirectorNick Cassavetes
StarringRyan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Joan Allen, David Thornton

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This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Intensity, tone and pace tags are CouchRot's own.