’90s Teen Movie Heartthrobs Who Still Make Us Swoon Today
The '90s were truly an amazing, iconic time for teen-centric movies.
In addition to the variety of plotlines (there was seriously something for everyone during this time), this era produced a crop of the most drool-worthy actors, like, ever. Most of these guys had careers prior to this time period, but it was starring in these legendary flicks that really gave them their breakout moment.
Well, about 20 years later, a handful of these guys are still just as delicious as ever, and we feel compelled to give them a much-deserved shoutout.
Scroll below for our top five and be sure to catch up on these stars' breakout flicks if you haven't just yet!
1. Ryan Phillippe
Undoubtedly the hottest actor during the '90s teen movie phase, Ryan is still as gorgeous and in shape as ever. And he's raised two absolutely adorable (and lookalike) kids with ex-wife Reese Witherspoon. His breakout hit Cruel Intentions (also starring Reese, in fact) about rich teens and their troublesome N.Y.C. shenanigans will forever live on in the hearts of all '90s kids—but to us, Ryan will forever live on in our dreams.
2. Freddie Prinze Jr.
Freddie Prinze Jr. was the male America's Sweetheart. His roles in She's All That and the I Know What You Did Last Summer series (which also starred Ryan Phillippe) had him playing the popular kid who could be a jerk around his friends, but deep down had a good heart. Off camera, his legions of teen fans envied his solid relationship with fellow '90s-era superstar Sarah Michelle Gellar (who happened to be his costar). The two are still going strong, they have two kids together and he's forever making us swoon.
3. Paul Walker
Paul Walker's life tragically ended in a car accident in 2013, but this list wouldn't be fair if it didn't honor the late actor. Paul starred in She's All That and Varsity Blues and—natch—played the popular jock. We can't think of anyone to epitomize the token role better than he did. He went on to really make a name for himself in The Fast and Furious series, but we'll always remember him for the '90s teen movie roles.
4. James Van Der Beek
Sure, James Van Deer Beek's breakout (and most iconic) role will forever be Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek, but when it comes to films, he definitely hit a high note, playing popular small-town high school football player Mox on Varsity Blues. And starring alongside Paul Walker? Let's just say we had (and still have) heart-eyes for days.
5. Peter Facinelli
During a later decade, Peter Facinelli made a name for himself playing Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the insanely popular Twilight saga, but in the '90s, he was known as none other than popular, hard-partying high school jerk Mike Dexter in the classic hit Can't Hardly Wait. Even though we wanted to despise him, we just couldn't help but find him oh-so-handsome (isn't that how it always is? Ugh). Fast-forward to now, we find him far more attractive and far less fratty.
These are the hotties who remind us of the past, but if we're talking about the babes from today, let's give a shoutout to our former #MCM Jake Miller HERE.