Netflix changed the ending to The Notebook and fans are furious

The Netflix version of the film ends on a much happier note than the original

Netflix has changed the ending of popular romance film The Notebook, causing outrage among fans.

The 2004 romance movie, which is based on the 1996 novel by Nicolas Sparks, stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as teenagers Noah Calhoun and Alison "Allie" Hamilton, who fall in love in the 1940s.

Their story is narrated from the present day by an elderly man (James Garner), who tells the tale to a fellow resident of the nursing home he lives in.

The iconic ending to the film (spoiler alert), which often makes viewers cry, sees Allie finally remember Noah and their history – before the elderly couple pass away while lying in bed together, and are discovered the next morning by a nurse.

However, in the Netflix version of The Notebook streaming in the UK, the film concludes with the couple holding hands, which makes for a far more ambiguous ending.

On social media, people have criticised the streaming service for cutting out what is considered a crucial part of the film – and a key reason many people decide to watch The Notebook.

“Why have Netflix changed the ending of The Notebook. A gash decision on all counts. Fuming. Didn’t get my full fix,” one person wrote.

Another said: “The Netflix in the UK doesn’t show the full ending to The Notebook and I’m actually about to riot.”

“Felt like watching a sad movie so chose The Notebook on Netflix, and they’ve only gone and edited out the ending? Why??” someone else asked.

The streaming service recently announced it would be bringing The Notebook to the US version of Netflix for the first time in March - but did not specify whether it would also be edited.

The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment.