The Notebook (2004)
Kernel Score: 88% · 12,365 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Romance, Drama
Released: 2004-06-25
Runtime: 123 minutes
Is The Notebook worth watching?
Worth watching. A sweeping, tear-jerking romance that mixes a summer love story with an elderly couple's struggle with memory. Sentimental by design, and it works if you want to cry.
Watch it if you
- love big romantic melodramas
- want a good cry
- enjoy love stories across decades
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimental or predictable romance
- want realistic, low-key love stories
Best for: Date night with tissues
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Notebook
- Free with ads: Pluto TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Notebook parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this PG-13 romance is an emotionally intense love story with a sensual love scene and mature themes of illness.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Some heated arguments and a physical fight, but nothing graphic.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Includes a passionate love scene and romantic sensuality at a PG-13 level.
- Language: Some — Mild profanity consistent with a PG-13 rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Notebook
If you liked The Notebook, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Me Before You (2016) — 89%: Heart-tugging love story that is hard to watch dry-eyed.
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014) — 87%: Young romance that mixes joy and heartbreak.
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995) — 86%: A tender, grown-up romance full of longing.
- The Best of Me (2014) — 84%: Another love story built on a past romance.
- We Live in Time (2024) — 82%: Romance told across time, with an emotional centre.
- The Vow (2012) — 81%: Another love story about memory and loss.
Director
Cast
- Ryan Gosling as Noah Calhoun
- Rachel McAdams as Allie Hamilton
- Gena Rowlands as Older Allie
- James Garner as Duke
- Joan Allen as Anne Hamilton
- David Thornton as John Hamilton
- James Marsden as Lon Hammond
- Kevin Connolly as Fin
- Sam Shepard as Frank Calhoun
- Starletta DuPois as Nurse Esther
The Notebook FAQ
Is The Notebook worth watching?
Worth watching. A sweeping, tear-jerking romance that mixes a summer love story with an elderly couple's struggle with memory. Sentimental by design, and it works if you want to cry.
Where can I watch The Notebook?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Pluto TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Notebook OK for kids?
The Notebook is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this PG-13 romance is an emotionally intense love story with a sensual love scene and mature themes of illness.
What movies are like The Notebook?
If you liked The Notebook, try Me Before You, The Fault in Our Stars, The Bridges of Madison County and The Best of Me.