These four love stories are some of the most rewatched movies on any cozy night in. Notting Hill, The Notebook, My Best Friend's Wedding and When Harry Met Sally each have scenes people know by heart. This One Gotta Go card asks which romance you would cut from your movie list forever.
Think about the movie you'd pick for a date night, the one you watch when you need a good cry, and the one you quote with your friends. Then make your pick and see if your partner or friends agree.
The 4 choices on this card
A. Notting Hill
Notting Hill stars Hugh Grant as a London bookshop owner who falls for a famous actress played by Julia Roberts. It's charming and funny. The case against it is that its slow, gentle pace can feel quiet next to the bigger romances on this card.
Keep it if: You love a charming London love story and the bookshop meet-cute is your favorite scene.
B. The Notebook
The Notebook stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as young lovers kept apart by family and time. It's known for the kiss in the rain. The case against it is that it's more of a tearjerker than a comedy, so it may not fit this card.
Keep it if: You love a big, emotional love story and the rain scene still gives you chills.
C. My Best Friend's Wedding
My Best Friend's Wedding stars Julia Roberts as a woman who realizes she loves her best friend just as he's about to marry someone else. The case against it is that the main character makes some choices viewers find hard to root for.
Keep it if: You love a rom-com that breaks the usual rules and the restaurant sing-along scene.
D. When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally follows Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as two friends who meet again and again over many years, asking whether men and women can just be friends. It's witty and quotable. The case against it is that it's the oldest film here.
Keep it if: You love sharp, funny dialogue and a love story built on years of friendship.
Our take
We'd cut The Notebook, but only because it's the least comedic movie on a romantic comedy card. It's a beautiful love story, yet Notting Hill, My Best Friend's Wedding and When Harry Met Sally all lean into the laughs. Expect the most fun debate between The Notebook fans and the When Harry Met Sally crowd. For a bonus question, ask everyone which movie has the most realistic love story and see who answers The Notebook. The answers usually say a lot about the person giving them.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which rom-com set the most unrealistic relationship expectations?
- Which movie would you choose for a first date night?
- Can men and women really be just friends, like Harry and Sally debate?
- Which romantic comedy deserves a spot on this card instead?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Romantic Comedies: quick answers
What are the best romantic comedies of all time?
When Harry Met Sally, Notting Hill and My Best Friend's Wedding are often named among the best romantic comedies, along with movies like Pretty Woman and Sleepless in Seattle. The Notebook is a beloved romance too, though it's more drama than comedy.
Is The Notebook a romantic comedy?
The Notebook is usually called a romantic drama rather than a romantic comedy. It's best known for its emotional love story and the kiss in the rain, not for big laughs. That's why it sparks a fun side debate when it shows up on this card.
