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.
