Three of Ryan Gosling's Most Romantic Roles

Discover 3 of Ryan Gosling’s romance films that explore love, relationships, and life’s lessons.

Ryan Gosling is well known for playing some iconic roles in some of the most romantic movies of recent years, leaving audiences swooning for more. In this article, we look at three Warner Bros. romantic films starring Gosling, that boast his authentic acting and electric chemistry, as well as some fun facts about the actor’s roles.

1. Noah Calhoun in The Notebook

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year, The Notebook has become a staple in the romantic drama genre for its emotional storyline, staring Gosling and Rachel McAdams in the lead roles. Ryan Gosling’s mesmerising portrayal of Noah Calhoun inspires hope for the hopeless romantics of the world, devoting his life to his unwavering love for Allie despite the hurdles that are thrown their way.

Here are some of our favourite Noah Calhoun quotes from The Notebook, that set the bar high for romance:

“I am nothing special, of this, I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.”
“So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, every day. You and me... everyday.”
“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, every day we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours.”

Common Questions about The Notebook:

How old is Noah in The Notebook?
The youngest we meet Noah is in 1932, when he is just 17, as a carefree, rule-breaking young man that sets his eyes on 15-year-old Allie. At the time of filming The Notebook, Gosling was just 22. As the story develops we see Noah and Allie grow, and in his older years Noah is portrayed by James Garner.

Why did they cast Ryan Gosling in The Notebook?
Gosling has said he was offered the role of Noah by Director Nick Cassavetes because he wasn't "handsome" or "cool", and just a "regular guy". We're not sure that's popular opinion these days...

What is the message behind The Notebook?
The Notebook’s main topics explore undying love, societal differences, companionship, and the poignancy of ageing.

What is The Notebook based on?
The Notebook is a book by popular American author Nicholas Sparks, who has inspired many films from his writing.

2. Jacob Palmer in Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Leaping into the 2010s, Crazy, Stupid, Love has solidified itself as one of the top-rated rom-coms, with Ryan Gosling starring as Jacob Palmer. Contrasting with The Notebook’s tearjerking themes of unwavering love, this romantic comedy looks at the difficult topics of divorce and dating with a humorous angle. Gosling adopts the role of Jacob in the film; a wealthy, charismatic bacherlor set on helping Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) through a devastating breakup from his childhood sweetheart wife (Julianne Moore).

A few of Jacob’s quotes that summarise his charater perfectly:

“The war between the sexes is over. We won the second women started doing pole dancing for exercise.”
“I don't know whether to help you or euthanize you.”
“I'm going to help you rediscover your manhood. Do you have any idea where you could have lost it?”

Common questions about Crazy, Stupid, Love:

Why is Jacob Palmer so wealthy?
Having inherited his father’s fortune, Jacob is able to live a luxurious lifestyle.

Why does Jacob help Cal?
Jacob, already a master in the dating scene, decides to take on Cal as a project, in the hopes of helping him to attract women and get over his impending divorce.

What cocktail does Jacob make in Crazy, Stupid, Love?
Gosling, while seducing Hannah (Emma Stone), expertly crafts an Old-Fashioned cocktail, complete with muddled sugar cube, jiggered whiskey, ice, and a large swath of orange peel.

Do Jacob and Hannah end up together?
All is revealed in the final scenes leading up to the end of the movie, as shown in the hilarious twist.

3. Ken in Barbie.

Since the film’s release last summer, Barbie and its cast and crew have garnered critical and commercial acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Ryan Gosling. Having made more than $1.4 billion at the global box office, it’s clear audiences truly can’t get Kenough of the movie.

Here are a couple of our favourite Barbie/Ken interactions from the film:

Ken: "I thought I might stay over tonight."
Barbie: "Why?"
Ken: "'Cause we're girfriend/boyfriend."
Barbie: "To do what?"
[pause]
Ken: "I'm actually not sure."

Barbie: "What are you doing here?"
Ken: "I'm coming with you."
[pause]
Barbie: "Did you bring your rollerblades?"
Ken: "I literally go nowhere without them."

Three Ken-related facts about Barbie:

Greta Gerwig wrote the role specifically for Ryan Gosling, saying “Even though he's so wonderful in dramatic roles, I knew he was really funny as I had watched all his ‘Saturday Night Live’ appearances. There was no plan B. It was always Ryan.”

In case you were wondering, Barbie’s vehicle is electric, as is Ken’s Hummer, which was one of the first electric Hummers to come off the production line.

The Kens may have their differences, however, they do share one thing in common apart from their adoration of the Barbies: body waxing. As director Greta Gerwig explained to them on numerous occasions, Kens are not mammals, they’re dolls.

Which is your favourite Ryan Gosling role?

If you enjoyed reading this, click here to read more iconic quotes from our timeless romantic films!