Rate These '90s Heartthrobs And We'll Guess Your Sign
- by Ariel_S
- – on
- in Entertainment
Oh, the 90s. This questionable time was basically the redheaded stepchild of the decades. Coming off of the neon struggle of the 80s, but not quite finding that quintessentially 2000s athleisure-and-fanny-pack look, the 90s were full of a lot of dad shoes, graphic crewnecks, and high waisted mom jeans. It's kind of like our parents took over the 90s, and we just had to go along for the ride. While we probably wouldn't recommend digging out those old camp t-shirts again, there were a few amazing things that came from the 90s. Specifically, boybands and actors.
There's a reason the "90s heartthrob" is a trope that we all know. The boyband love is real, and we don't know anyone who doesn't get up and boogie to the dulcet tones of NSYNC or the Backstreet Boys. Even Dream Street can get us going, but that might be more for the heartthrobs than about the music itself. Everyone has their own favorite, and we think there's a little more science to it than some folks have guessed. We're willing to bet that we can guess everyone's sign based on which heartthrobs they pick and pass on. Go ahead; see if we MMMBopped the nail on its head!
Luke Perry
With the rise in popularity of the new show Riverdale, Luke Perry was back on the screen and receiving huge accolades for it. After a successful work path in the 90s on shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, this teen heartthrob truly got us going anytime his character appeared on the screen. While the heart -throbbing lessened as time went on, we still feel that he was an accomplished actor; Riverdale just won't be the same without him, after his passing this past March. (CNN.com)
Nick Carter
However we feel about Nick Carter now, his past was full of singing and dancing as part of that classic heartthrob group, The Backstreet Boys (People). All grown up now, he definitely doesn't have the same centre part hair and pensive finger on his temple. However, his smile is still bright and his music is still trucking along. Yes, believe it or not, Nick Carter has managed to keep his music life going after the Backstreet Boys days. While he might not be full-on heartthrob anymore, he definitely was back in the 90s.
Joey Lawrence
Here's a heartthrob who worked primarily on the screen, rather than singing into microphones. This fun character was one who we all had a small crush on when we were young. After all, who didn't watch Blossom every other day? Not to mention how he actually does have legit heartthrob status: his IMDb biography states that he was "ranked #25 in TV Guide's list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols" (23 January 2005 issue)." Yup: total heartthrob in our books!
Justin Timberlake
Those of us who grew up in the 90s and majorly crushed on Justin Timberlake have found that we never really jumped off the Timberlake train. He's just gotten funnier and more talented as time went on. Far past the days of his ramen noodle hair, Timberlake has managed to craft a life out of solo singing work, acting in movies and on tv, and making appearances in various comedy sketches. This is something that we love about him: he's not just talented, he's multi-faceted!
Usher
Usher is still around. To be totally honest, we didn't even realize that he climbed that fame ladder in the 90s. For some reason we were convinced that Usher was a part of this era. Maybe this means that he's just a pop culture staple. It's hard to imagine the R&B world without him, regardless of if we're a fan of his music or not. The great part about a long time in the spotlight, though? There's probably at least one song in the discography that we'll like.
Taylor Hanson
It's hard to separate these three, as their iconic heartthrob status existed as a trio. Hanson was definitely a group similar to the Jonas Brothers; we might have all had a favorite, but we loved them more when they were together. Maybe it's time for a Hanson get together as well? No. The world can only handle one set of teen heartthrob brothers. If we personally had to pick one of them to come back into the spotlight though, we'd totally go for Taylor.
JC Chasez
JC Chasez has often been called "*NSYNC's under appreciated frontman" which might have actually been true (Billboard). Justin Timberlake seemed to take centre stage, and still often does, but JC Chasez was one of the old favorites that people always remember fondly. Not only did he have a voice that was second to none, but his dance moves were always great. We remember him as being a quintessential part of the group, and couldn't imagine *NSYNC without him. We'll never know why he didn't get that starring role spotlight that Timberlake had.
Devon Sawa
This teen heartthrob is one of the few who have managed to keep his acting life alive after the heartthrob years passed. In fact, he's even discussed it! Sawa says on the topic of being a teen heartthrob, "it was something that was really hard to break out of. As soon as I got to 17 and 18 years old and I wasn't playing these teen roles anymore, it was hard to transition." (IMDb Biography) We're certainly glad he has, though!
Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Everyone knows Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Even if we weren't necessarily huge fans of him, or his breakout show, we still manage to put a name to his face every time we see him. For those that might not recognize that spiky hair and winning smile, Gosselaar was in that popular show Saved By The Bell, playing Kelly Kapowski's boyfriend. While he's gone on to do other things since then, this is probably what he's most known for. And definitely what gained him 90s heartthrob status! (IMDb)
Ryan Phillippe
Ryan Phillippe is an interesting character as he's probably one of the more well-known folks on this list. However, he doesn't necessarily have the credits that others on here have. Married to Reese Witherspoon, Phillippe seemed to get a lot of his notoriety through personality and being himself. He was a soap opera star working on One Life to Live, and it launched a huge conversation in the world. His notoriety is huge, and IMDb reveals that he's still in the acting world.
Jared Leto
Jared Leto, believe it or not, can be classified as a 90s teen heartthrob. After all, who of us didn't have a crush on those piercing blue eyes peering out from the chin-length shag on his head? It helps that he was also in that classic 90s show My So-Called Life, gaining him true heartthrob status (IMDb). He's still around, too, and has been in more and more movies as time went on. We personally think that Leto has some talent, and the credits on his page prove it.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Another 90s heartthrob who has since gained actual contemporary actor status, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was one of the cutest kids on TV back when we were watching all those after school special shows. We loved his delivery and his humor, and were happy to see it carry forward into his adult life too; though we're more pleased that he finally got a haircut. The transition out of teen heartthrob never really seemed to startle Joseph Gordon-Levitt. At least, not publicly. Maybe that's why he comes across as super cool.
Rider Strong
Rider Strong was one of the most iconic characters in Boy Meets World, but we're not exactly sure if we've seen him in anything since. It seems like that was his big role, which, to be fair, it was pretty huge. After spending so many years on such a prolific show, it's only natural that he would want to take some time away to try living a normal life. We'd love to see him in some new stuff, though, as Rider Strong was just too heartthrobby to let go!
Leonardo DiCaprio
Yes, the man who finally won an Oscar after so many nominations started out life as a teen heartthrob. DiCaprio has been doing this acting thing for decades, and it was only natural that he eventually had to go through a transition phase from teen heartthrob to all grown up heartthrob. We hope to see him in more things soon, as DiCaprio is technically just a very talented actor. He's got something special that the camera picks up, and we absolutely love it.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Here's a teen heartthrob who actually wooed us all with his voice first and foremost! Remember The Lion King, that Disney special which featured a cast of animals and the plot of Hamlet? Jonathon Taylor Thomas was the voice of Simba in The Lion King (IMDb). This was back in 1994, so we can imagine that this little cub is all grown up now. While he seemed to step away from the stardom after the teenage years, his legacy certainly lives on.
Erik von Detten
This teen heartthrob was almost more of that jock-like cutie. We can just imagine him in a letterman jacket throwing a football across a field. Or, rather, maybe that was just one of his many, many, MANY roles that he's had over the years. This teen heartthrob was an actor who really understood the power of riding the teen stardom wave into adulthood. He managed to amass quite a list of credits, both on TV and in feature-length movies! (IMDb)
Mario Lopez
Everyone remembers Saved By The Bell, right? That was a show that gave us a whole lot of happiness every time it came on. Not only that, but the characters really started to feel like they were our friends. We talked about them as if they were mutual buddies with our group of school chums, and waited with bated breath at the beginning of every episode to see where the story would go next. Mario Lopez was one of the heartthrobs who helped make that show happen.
James Van Der Beek
Who's the cutie? It's none other than James Van Der Beek, one of the characters off of Dawson's Creek. And, to be honest, we think that that was one of the best casting choices ever. IMDb states that he straight up left college in order to play the lead on this classic show, and we have total respect for that. After all, who wouldn't give up books and papers in order to bring joy to millions of people with every episode?
Jonathan Brandis
Jonathan Brandis had a pout that could melt even the most cynical of hearts. His smoldering eyes quickly flicked back and forth between mischief and hurt, with a good balance in all of the characters that he got to play. He was in several movies that we watched as kids, and we remember his acting chops fondly. While he passed away back in 2003, we're pleased to remember this talented guy for what he was: a brilliant actor and storyteller. (IMDb)
Andrew Keegan
Andrew Keegan might not be as well known as Leonardo DiCaprio or Jared Leto, but he's certainly got the acting talent to carry a movie. After all, nothing's a challenge after playing on 7th Heaven for so long! (IMDb) Yes, Keegan was featured on episodes of 7th Heaven that extended throughout the whole series. He really was integral, and he's still important now! His most recent movie, Living Among Us, came out back in the very recent year of 2018. (IMDb)
Freddie Prinze Jr.
With a smile like that, how could Freddie Prinze Jr. be anything other than a teen heartthrob? The son of none other than Freddie Prinze (what a surprise), this guy was basically born to be in show business. He's had a few large roles, and is actually not technically a 90s teen heartthrob per se. Freddie Prinze Jr. is one of the few on our list who only had smaller roles in the classic teen TV dramas. Much of his work came in the 2000s with movies like Scooby-Doo! (IMDb)
Will Smith
Will Smith is another one of the most well known people out there right now, out of the options on this quiz. Not only is he incredibly talented, but he's also got some kind of magic happening. After all, the man barely looks like he's aged at all! He's been in the public eye for decades now, and has only gotten more and more famous as time's gone on. After starring in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, this is one teen heartthrob who counts as a current day heartthrob as well.
Joshua Jackson
Who knew that this young man would take the TV world by such storm! Originally working on the Dawson's Creek series, Joshua Jackson found his true calling in front of the camera at a young age before he picked up the part of Pacey Witter (IMDb). After that he had a long contract working on the show Fringe, as well as a handful of other shows. The best part? He's still acting, and he's still loving his chosen life path.
Aaron Carter
There's only so much we can say about Aaron Carter that hasn't already been said before. Brother to Nick Carter, this young star has since taken his own steps into the spotlight with powerful vocals and an undeniable stage presence. Sure, he wasn't in the Backstreet Boys, technically speaking. But he was biologically related to one of them, which is probably more than enough reason for some to listen to him when he first started recording. The wild part? He's still touring today!
Jesse McCartney
Okay, technically Dream Street is in that ambiguous transition period between the late 90s boybands and the very early 2000s boybands. Jesse McCartney was one of those stars who lived in that ambiguous age. Believe it or not, he was one of the few who actually started as an actor and then joined the Dream Street team. Or, should we say, moved on to Dream Street? Jokes aside, this is one guy who just barely squeezes in as a 90s heartthrob.
Lance Bass
Who doesn't love Lance Bass? It's almost impossible to dislike the guy, especially since he's improved his style and hair habits. He's really come into his own in the last decade, and is still active in the performance and singing sectors. That being said, we still all know him as the slightly-sleepy, spiked-hair cool dude who brought those chill vibes to *NSYNC. Nowadays he's seen appearing on interview shows and hosting different things. Bass has turned into quite the busy guy!
Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron is one of those teen heartthrobs who seems to have appeared out of nowhere. However, folks definitely recognized his face. He started off in commercials, and eventually moved into bit parts in TV and movies (IMDb). All that lead him down to the path of reoccurring roles, which is where most of the world fell in love with him: as the teenage son on the show Growing Pains, which showed him in a very sweet, but very hapless, light. (IMDb)
Brian Austin Green
Here's one super 90s heartthrob who's actually still sometimes mentioned in the public sphere. Outside of his high profile, but super low-key wedding to Megan Fox, Brian Austin Green definitely managed to step back into the spotlight. He's also got an interesting fact about his name, which is that the 'Austin' part of his name is actually made up. According to a quote on IMDb, "Austin was made up by my parents when I was nine, because there was another Brian Green in the Screen Actors Guild."
Nick Lachey
Nick Lachey might be listed as an actor on all of his websites and calling cards, but he's actually got a more interesting claim to fame. Lachey was the lead singer of 98 Degrees, right up until they decided that they were going to take a break (IMDb). He's a popular performer, very charismatic, and open to doing a lot of different kinds of creative dance routines and projects. Like that time he and Jessica Simpson were going to record a duets album! (IMDb)
Joey McIntyre
This 90s heartthrob has certainly grown up now, but trust us when we say that he was a true heartthrob back in the day. Joey McIntyre was part of that old classic, New Kids on the Block. Not to mention his solo work, which has also sold more than 1 million records (Biography.com). Maybe it's because he was the youngest member that his music got a little more life after the dissolving of New Kids. Or, maybe it's just the fact that he had the voice to match his incredible looks!
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is another one of those actors that we forget ever started as a 90s heartthrob. It's a little surprising to us now to look back on these Hollywood staples. Although, maybe it's not the most surprising thing in the world. After all, they all had to start somewhere. And they certainly were all young once too, as wild as it might be for some of them, like Johnny Depp. It seems like he's always played the older, troubled pirates.
Kurt Cobain
We might be pushing the envelope a little bit by including Kurt Cobain, but believe it or not, he did count as a 90s heartthrob; especially in those circles that weren't necessarily inclined towards the boy band music. Kurt Cobain had that troubled soul, sensitive singer/songwriter vibe happening. His music was incredibly influential, and he definitely deserves the place he's earned in grunge music history. However, he was also incredibly attractive and active in the 90s. That's all the convincing we need to include him.
Jason Behr
Those of us who weren't conscious enough for the boyband phase are probably still familiar with Jason Behr, who was an actor around the same time. He received guest roles on a variety of TV shows like 7th Heaven and that classic favorite (which has been mentioned a few times so far) known as Dawson's Creek (IMDb). He continued on the acting path for a while with his movie and TV roles, but it seems like there hasn't been much updated lately. At least, that's what IMDb says.
Matthew Lawrence
Matthew Lawrence and Joey Lawrence are indeed related, proving that talent just might run in certain families. Matthew was just as passionate about becoming an actor, and proved his chops with characters on Boy Meets World as well as Mrs. Doubtfire, that classic movie that many of us love to watch even now. While we might not think he's much of a heartthrob looking back on him, he was certainly considered the bees' knees at the time. That time being the early 90s.
David Charvet
Actor, singer, model; what can't David Charvet do? According to IMDb, this guy has done everything under the sun. He even modeled for Levi's, as well as having toured Europe promoting a variety of pop-rock albums he wrote. It wasn't music that started him off as a teen heartthrob though. Our first experience with David Charvet was on Baywatch, through his character Matt Brody. If that's not incredible enough, should we mention the fact that he also does movies, too? (IMDb)
