While today's internet boyfriends certainly occupy some (read: most) of our brain space, we'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for the heartthrobs of the '90s.
The decade was somewhat of a golden era for dreamboats of just about every variety, as a generation of actors, musicians, and pop stars emerged to capture our hearts with their ample talent and, of course, undeniable charm. And their magnetism has persisted: more than three decades on, and the fashion, hairstyles, and general vibes of these men remain the blueprint for what it is to be an icon of the stage and screen.
So who are the leading men we consider to be heartthrobs of the '90s? Below, re-live the era that was with the heartthrobs who defined the decade and explore how they became legends of their time.
1. Heath Ledger
This list wouldn't be complete without a nod to Australia's own '90s heartthrob, Heath Ledger. The late actor was an icon of the screen, earning world-wide acclaim for his roles in the likes of The Dark Knight and 10 Things I Hate About You. In addition to his incredible acting prowess, we'll forever remember Ledger for his beachy blonde locks and laid-back style.
2. Hugh Grant
We first fell in love with Hugh Grant as the loveable but unlucky-in-love Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Soon after, his roles in Notting Hill and Bridget Jones' Diary only solidified our obsession. While it might have been years since he's appeared in a rom-com, the actor will always hold a place in our hearts as the ultimate romantic leading man.
3. Leonardo DiCaprio
We've been longing for Jack — aka Leonardo DiCaprio — to paint us like one of his French girls for decades now. But our obsession with DiCaprio started long before Titanic ever hit our screens. His floppy blonde hair and boyish charm had us kicking our feet in The Basketball Diaries and Romeo and Juliet — a forever '90s heartthrob.
4. Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey first shot to fame in the early '90s, with his role in Dazed and Confused. Soon after, he made the shift into rom-coms, a genre that proved well within his wheelhouse, with hits like How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, and Failure To Launch.
5. Paul Walker
When Paul Walker signed on to Fast & Furious, he had no idea that it would evolved into a franchise of seven films — or plant him firmly on our radars as a '90s heartthrob. His blue eyes, blonde hair, and laidback charm made him a favourite of the era, and his reputation for kindness off-screen only enhanced his appeal.
6. David Beckham
An icon of the football field, rather than the big screen, David Beckham became a global heartthrob for his unique combination of athleticism, good looks, and cutting-edge fashion sense. We were obsessed with just about everything Beckham did during this decade, from experimenting with his hair, to his relationship with fellow icon Victoria Beckham.
7. Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves captivated us all with his effortless cool charm in films like Speed and The Matrix. His cool, unpretentious vibe set him apart from the typical heartthrob image, making him a lasting symbol of '90s movie culture.
8. Freddie Prinze Jr
For the ultimate boy-next-door charm, look no further. As soon as we laid eyes on Freddie Prinze Jr in I Know What You Did Last Summer, we were hooked. The actor went on to prove his versatility with films like She's All That — sweet, sensitive love interest or mysterious, brooding hero, we loved him just the same.
9. Tyrese Gibson
When singer and actor Tyrese Gibson used to host an MTV show back in the late '90s, it sent pulses racing everywhere. He was only 19-20 and had already released a whole album (or two). His charisma, charm and classic good looks meant he had a huge career ahead of him. Of course, he ended up as a lead in the Fast & Furious franchise.
10. River Phoenix
A poster boy of the '90s, you can't have any kind of '90s list without nodding to the sensation that was River Phoenix. An incredible acting talent, boyish good looks and an effortless fashion sense that launched a thousand imitations. He was pasted up on the walls of many a '90s teens' bedroom.
11. Paul Rudd
There's just something about Paul Rudd as Josh in Clueless that gets our heart fluttering. But it's the actor's impeccable comedic timing that really solidified our love for him. Known for his ability to make us laugh while still being effortlessly charming makes him the blueprint for a '90s heartthrob.
12. Jason Priestley
Piercing blue eyes and a carefree attitude, Jason Priestley the ultimate '90s cool kid. Star of the hottest show at the time, 90210. His character, Brandon Walsh was the hero of the show and one of the most lusted after icons of the whole era.
13. John Stamos
If you didn't have a crush on John Stamos in Full House, you're lying. Uncle Jesse was the ultimate television fixation, capturing the hearts of just about everyone with his striking good looks, smooth charisma, and all-round lovability. Beyond this iconic role, Stamos’ musical talents also did wonders to solidify his status as one of the decade’s stand-out heartthrobs.
14. Tupac Shakur
How much more can we say about Tupac Shakur. The smile? The eyes? He was a true innovator and the icon to watch in the '90s.
15. Rob Lowe
For any Gen-Xers out there, Rob Lowe was the reigning heartthrob of a generation. His breakout role in The Outsiders catapulted him to instant fame. After that he was a known member of "The Brat Pack", the name given to actors that often appear in the teen movies of the time.
