Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams at the premiere of "The Notebook" in June 2004.Ray Mickshaw/WireImage/Getty
- June 25 marks 20 years since the release of "The Notebook," starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
- Despite initial tensions, Gosling and McAdams' chemistry contributed to the film's success, and they eventually dated.
In June 2004, we were not only given a big-screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' best-selling novel "The Notebook" but also one of the steamiest celebrity couples of the aughts: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
"The Notebook" was the breakout hit for both then-rising stars. The film chronicles the relationship between Noah (Gosling) and Allie (McAdams) from the 1940s through the present day, as the now elderly Noah (James Garner) retells Allie (Gena Rowlands) their love story, as she suffers from dementia.
Though its release in theaters was initially soft, by the end of its run, the movie earned over $118 million worldwide on a $29 million budget. It's now considered one of the best romantic movies of the last two decades.
A major reason for that is the chemistry between Gosling and McAdams, which started with the two hating each other on set and concluded with them dating for a few years after filming wrapped.
The two stars' love was on full display while promoting "The Notebook," most notably with their famous kiss onstage at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards.
In honor of the 20-year anniversary of the film's release in theaters, here are the best photos of Gosling and McAdams promoting "The Notebook."