1. Joe Manganiello
Joe Manganiello hung around the Hollywood fringe for years before skyrocketing to fame as a stripper named Big Dick Richie in 2012’s Magic Mike. The wait, it turns out, was well worth it; he followed it up with a sequel, Magic Mike XXL, and a high-profile engagement to Colombian bombshell Sofia Vergara. We can think of six good reasons why he’s one of the hottest prospects in Hollywood today!
2. Tom Hardy
Don’t let the tattoos and rough-around-the-edges persona fool you: Tom Hardy may be hard on the outside (literally!), but he’s a complete softie on the inside. He often plays the bad boy onscreen, but offscreen he’s a devoted father and husband who has frequently been clicked frolicking with puppies. He’s almost too good to be true!
3. Idris Elba
If you’ve been hearing the name Idris Elba a lot lately, it’s because he’s long been considered a top contender to take over the James Bond franchise from Daniel Craig, and it’s not hard to guess why: with his suave British accent, and that body hiding under his tailored-to-perfection wardrobe, it’s no stretch to imagine him as the kind of man who could talk any woman he meets into bed, and save the world while doing it!
4. Chris Hemsworth
It’s not hard to imagine why Marvel chose Chris Hemsworth to play the Norse god Thor; staring at his body is truly a religious experience. And at 6’3″, we’re willing to bet that he gives the best bear hugs not only in this world but also in whatever half-human, half-god, half-alien worlds lie beyond it.
5. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
If you’re going to go by a name like The Rock, you better have some muscles to back it up! Dwayne Johnson has checked off every box on the Alpha Male Checklist: college football player, professional wrestler, and now a certified Hollywood action hero. And yet despite his overwhelming manliness, he still seems like the kind of guy who would be down to snuggle on a Friday night with some wine and a rom-com. We smell what The Rock is cookin’, and it’s delicious.
6. Michael B. Jordan
If Young Hollywood were a high school, Michael B. Jordan would be the prom king. He’s confident, charming, and one hell of an actor, and he’s poised to become The Next Big Thing in the film industry. And if some of those leading man roles call for him to walk around shirtless, we promise we won’t complain!
7. Ryan Gosling
When Ryan Gosling took his shirt off in Crazy, Stupid, Love and Emma Stone’s character screamed, “F*ck! Seriously?! It’s like you’re Photoshopped!” every single girl in the audience nodded her head in agreement. Truthfully, we’d gotten so used to seeing skinny, adorable Ryan that ripped!Ryan took us all by surprise. It seems there’s no look that Ryan can’t rock to perfection. Thank you for lending him to us, Canada….it almost makes up for Justin Bieber. Almost.
8. Chris Evans
We’re not really sure why Marvel keeps stacking its superhero films with blond mancandies named Chris…but we can’t say we mind. We don’t know about you, but seeing Chris Evans shirtless in Captain America is enough to spark more patriotism in our hearts than all the fireworks set off on the Fourth of July combined.
9. Shemar Moore
Oh, we totally watch Criminal Minds for the psychology and the intelligent plotlines; it has nothing at all to do with the possibility of seeing a bit of Shemar Moore’s exposed abs every time a new episode airs. Uh huh. Sure.
10. Hugh Jackman
In X-Men, Hugh Jackman plays a character named Wolverine whose skeleton is reinforced with an indestructible metal called Adamantium…and we’re pretty sure Hugh is method-acting. There’s no other way to explain the 47-year-old actor maintaining a nearly perfect physique over the course of 16 years and six X-Men films. And in case you were wondering, Hugh also sings, dances, and plays piano. Yep, he’s definitely a mutant.
11. Jake Gyllenhaal
As a Hollywood star kid who got his start in acting at a young age, we all had the opportunity to watch Jake Gyllenhaal grow up in front of the camera. We always knew he was cute, we just didn’t expect the sweet-faced boy in October Sky to grow up to be quite this ripped! With the body of a bad boy and the smile and personality of the boy next door, Jake is exactly the kind of guy you’d want to bring home to meet your parents…and if you end up mentally measuring him for his wedding tuxedo on the way there, we promise we won’t judge.
12. Jesse Williams
It’s hard to believe, but Jesse Williams’ mind might be even more beautiful than his chiseled body or his blue eyes. After he wraps up his day on the set of Grey’s Anatomy, Jesse uses his celebrity platform to speak on social justice issues, particularly racial inequality and police brutality. The fact that he looks like an Adonis while doing so is just cherry on top of the sundae.
13. Henry Cavill
Of course Superman has super muscles! They don’t call him Man of Steel for nothing! Henry Cavill has always been one of the hottest guys on the planet, but he turned it up a few notches when he was cast as Clark Kent in the comic book reboot.
14. Chris Pratt
Last but not least of the Marvel Chrises is Chris Pratt, who earned his spot on this list through blood, sweat, and tears. He shed 60 lbs. in just 6 months before headlining two major movie franchises, Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy. Yes, Chris, we’re willing to call you Star-Lord now!
15. Jason Momoa
The Superhero Renaissance’s Roster of Male Perfection will reach its final form in 2016, when Jason Momoa will dip into the role of Aquaman, king of Atlantis. It’s a fitting career peak for Jason, a native Hawaiian who started his acting career on Baywatch. From real-life surfer to Game of Thrones warlord to ruler of the ocean, Jason is every girl’s summer-by-the-beach fantasy. He looks like he could rescue you or drown you, and the excitement lies in not knowing quite what you’re in for.