It can be hard coming up with unique, brilliant content for you every week. Sometimes, the well is just dry, you know? This week, after going back and forth and being annoyingly obstinate when suggestions were offered, it finally struck me: ’90s movie heartthrobs!

The men that were there for me during those awkward teenage years. The ones that either charmed with their earnest good intentions, or excited with their exceptional hair and badboy vibes, the ’90s heartthrobs of my teenage fantasies never disappointed.

Let’s get started. Also, please note that these are in no particular order because I simply was not up for that task today. Let’s bask equally in their glory.

Heath Ledger: Ten Things I Hate About You

While 10 Things I Hate About You wasn’t Heath’s first foray into acting, it’s certainly the role that truly put him on the map. His portrayal of bad boy Patrick Verona, who successfully brought the shrewish Julia Stiles out of her teenage shell of angst, is a performance that is unforgettable. Ledger went on to enjoy a wildly successful career after 10 Things, including a posthumous Academy Award, following his tragic and untimely death in 2008. This is the role that I’ll always remember him by, though. That smile sparked a million teenage sexual awakenings.

Freddie Prinze Jr.: She’s All That, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Down to You, Head Over Heels, Summer Catch

Oh Freddie. Freddie, Freddie, Freddie. Those warm, soft, kind brown eyes scorched the souls of teenage girls the world over. His megawatt smile and proclivity for always choosing to play characters that were insanely likable get this stud a spot on the list. Sadly, he decided to take a break from the Hollywood life, but we still catch glimpses of him thanks to his equally iconic wife, Sarah Michelle Gellar. They have a nauseatingly adorable family and have been together since they were teenagers. I know nothing is guaranteed in Hollywood, but these two seem to have their shit together. He also does a ton of voice acting. Freddie’s appeal will never wane. And, if possible, he looks even better now as a smokin’ hot silver fox than he did back in his prime. Don’t believe me? Check him out below…

Paul Walker: Varsity Blues, She’s All That, Pleasantville, The Skulls

Why are there already two people on this list that have passed away? That makes me unspeakably sad. Paul Walker is, physically speaking, the perfect man. There are very few men in this world that have ever been put together with greater care. Sure he may not have been the best actor out there, but god it was easy to see why that didn’t really matter all that much. I certainly had my share of fantasies about what it would have been like for Lance Harbor to whisk me off to the laundry room for a mid-party tryst (it was magical, in case you were wondering). Those blue eyes are enough to pierce anyone’s soul, especially those of young, impressionable girls. Sometimes life’s just not fair.

Ethan Embry: Empire Records, That Thing You Do!, Can’t Hardly Wait

A few weeks back, I was given the opportunity to interview Ethan. Having been a fan since, well, literally as long as I can remember, it was one of the most surreal moments of my life. He’s got a very distinctive voice and way of speaking, and hearing that voice in person was incredible. He is as lovely and wonderful as one would expect, as well as absurdly talented, as his twenty-five year career suggests. So many movies that he starred in have had a role in forming who I am. I know that sounds extreme, but when you’re a young girl obsessed with pop culture, your idols become a little unconventional. Ethan was one of them. I just watched Can’t Hardly Wait for the thousandth time last weekend and couldn’t believe how well it held up. There’s just something about Ethan and his goofy smile and nerdy way that is so endearing.

Ryan Phillippe: I Know What You Did Last Summer, Cruel Intentions

While most of the entries on this list gave me fantasies of romantic nights and sweet, innocent necking, Cruel Intentions awakened the more animalistic urges within me. It was the first time I remember being legitimately turned on. It was the first time I truly realized that, if done properly, sex could be an amazing, earthshattering experience; rather than the clumsy, awkward affair it seemed at that point in my life. In fact, I may have just had a breakthrough: Ryan Phillippe is the reason I am a freaky, horny minx. It all makes sense now. Thanks, Ryan! I’m fairly certain my husband thanks you, too…

What say you, readers? Which of these ’90s leading men was responsible for helping you make the awkward transition from girl to woman? Be sure to vote in the poll below and let us know!

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