From classic stars like Cary Grant and James Dean to today’s favorites like Chris Hemsworth and Idris Elba, Harper’s BAZAAR has picked men they see as the most captivating ever.
Across decades of film, music, sports, and more, some men have caught the world’s attention with their looks. Yet, these men have something that goes beyond just appearance.
With the deep charisma of Old Hollywood legends to the charm of today’s popular stars, here are the “hottest” men Harper’s BAZAAR praised for their confidence, talent, and unique appeal.
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Cary Fukunaga, renowned for directing projects like *No Time to Die* and *True Detective*, is celebrated for his unique cinematic style that blends intense artistry with rugged appeal. His work captivates both audiences and critics, making him a standout figure in the film industry.
Mahershala Ali, an Academy Award-winning actor, is highly regarded for his roles in *Moonlight* and *Green Book*. Known for his deep, soulful performances and commanding screen presence, Ali has carved out a unique and respected place among Hollywood’s top talents.
Zayn Malik first won hearts as a member of One Direction, but his soulful, edgy music and mysterious style have since made him a standout solo artist. Known as a fashion icon, Zayn consistently brings a fresh and unique flair to the spotlight.
Chris Hemsworth, best known for his role as *Thor* in Marvel’s cinematic universe, combines impressive physical strength with a charismatic warmth that has made him one of today’s most beloved — and swoon-worthy — action stars.
Henry Cavill, the British actor known for his classic good looks and commanding roles, especially as Superman and Geralt in *The Witcher*, has become one of Hollywood’s top modern-day heartthrobs.
Dev Patel first captured attention in *Slumdog Millionaire* and has since grown into a critically acclaimed actor. Known for his roles in *The Green Knight* and *Lion*, Patel combines natural charm and his signature luscious hair with remarkable talent, making him a standout in Hollywood.
Alexander Skarsgård, recognized for his leading roles in *Big Little Lies* and *True Blood*, brings a smoldering intensity and powerful presence to the screen, making him one of Hollywood’s most captivating figures.
A$AP Rocky stands out as one of the most influential figures in both fashion and music, blending his unique style and swagger into everything he does. Known for setting trends and pushing creative boundaries, he does it all while looking effortlessly cool.
Joe Manganiello, best known for his roles in *True Blood* and *Magic Mike*, has become a symbol of Hollywood masculinity with his muscular physique and rugged good looks. His intense screen presence has made him a standout in the industry.
Donald Glover, a multi-talented artist, excels as a musician, comedian, actor, and creator of *Atlanta*. His boundless creativity, laid-back charisma, and unforgettable eyes have turned him into a true cultural phenomenon.
Rami Malek, an Academy Award-winning actor, gained international fame for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in *Bohemian Rhapsody*. Known for his distinctive look and his incredible ability to embody complex characters, he stands out as one of Hollywood’s most unique talents.
David Beckham, a former soccer star and global sports icon, has influence that goes well beyond the field. Known for his style, elegance, and classic British charm, he remains one of the world’s most recognizable and admired athletes.
Michael B. Jordan’s With standout roles in *Creed* and *Black Panther*, powerful performances and undeniable charm have solidified him as one of Hollywood’s top actors—and one of its best-looking stars.
Jon Hamm
Best known as Don Draper on Mad Men, Jon Hamm has old-school Hollywood charm and a sophisticated style that fans and critics love.
John Cho
Known for his varied roles in Harold & Kumar and Searching, John Cho’s versatility, good looks, and friendly attitude have made him a major figure in increasing Asian representation in Hollywood.
Drake
Drake, a Grammy-winning rapper and actor, has a strong personality and unique style that fans adore, making him one of the most influential—and attractive—figures in today’s music scene.
Matthew McConaughey
With his Southern charm, McConaughey shines in roles from Dallas Buyers Club to True Detective. His unique voice and award-winning performances, along with those famous dimples, make him a Hollywood favorite.
Channing Tatum
Known for his athletic build and smooth dance moves in Step Up and Magic Mike, Tatum has become a heartthrob. His confidence and humor add even more to his appeal.
Bradley Cooper
With leading roles in A Star is Born and Silver Linings Playbook, Cooper’s engaging performances and good looks make him one of Hollywood’s top stars.
Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds, especially in Deadpool, has won fans with his quick wit and charm. His approachable personality and boy-next-door looks only add to his popularity.
John Legend
This Grammy-winning musician and The Voice coach wins fans with romantic songs and a warm personality, making him a modern music icon and a beloved star.
Ryan Gosling
Gosling, known for The Notebook and La La Land, has soulful eyes and quiet charm that have won over audiences. His classic Hollywood appeal makes him a lasting favorite.
Orlando Bloom
Famous for his adventurous roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings, Bloom’s youthful charm and adventurous energy make him a beloved fantasy film star.
Tyson Beckford
One of the first Black male supermodels, Beckford has been an icon since the ’90s, helping to bring diversity to fashion and turning heads with his good looks.
John Stamos
Known as Uncle Jesse on Full House, Stamos has been a TV heartthrob for years. His youthful good looks and captivating smile make him a beloved presence.
Prince Harry
As a British royal, military veteran, and philanthropist, Prince Harry’s down-to-earth personality and charm make him universally admired.
Jake Gyllenhaal
With acclaimed roles in Brokeback Mountain and Nightcrawler, Gyllenhaal’s intensity and approachable looks make him one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
Idris Elba
Elba, an actor, producer, and musician, is known for his powerful roles in Luther and The Wire. His rugged good looks and charisma make him a fan favorite.
Ryan Phillippe
A 1990s heartthrob with roles in Cruel Intentions, Phillippe’s chiseled features and mysterious style have made him an enduring star.
Lenny Kravitz
A Grammy-winning musician, Kravitz’s unique rock and soul style and timeless good looks make him a standout in music and fashion.
Justin Timberlake
Once the frontman of NSYNC, Timberlake has become a solo star known for his smooth music, boyish charm, and dance skills.
Pharrell Williams
An influential musician and producer, Williams has an innovative style and youthful good looks that make him a trendsetter. It’s amazing he’s 51!
Jared Leto
Leto, known for his acting in Dallas Buyers Club and as the lead of 30 Seconds to Mars, captivates with his unique fashion sense and piercing blue eyes.
Heath Ledger
The late Australian star is remembered for roles in The Dark Knight and Brokeback Mountain. His raw talent and charisma left a lasting mark on Hollywood.
Ricky Martin
The Latin pop icon became a global star with hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” Martin’s energy and good looks made him an international sensation
Leonardo DiCaprio
From Titanic to The Revenant, DiCaprio’s talent, environmental work, and timeless looks have made him a Hollywood legend.
Brad Pitt
With iconic roles in Fight Club and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Pitt’s charm and style have made him a favorite across generations.
George Clooney
Award-winning actor, director, and humanitarian, Clooney’s wit and classic charm make him one of Hollywood’s most magnetic stars.
Kurt Cobain
As Nirvana’s lead singer, Cobain became a symbol of 1990s grunge. His talent, piercing blue eyes, and spirit keep his influence alive.
Denzel Washington
An Academy Award-winning actor, Washington’s powerful roles and magnetic presence make him one of Hollywood’s most respected and admired actors.
Richard Gere
Known for Pretty Woman and American Gigolo, Gere’s refined style and humanitarian work have made him a timeless heartthrob.
Clint Eastwood
With iconic Westerns like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Eastwood’s rugged looks and roles have made him an icon of American masculinity.
Robert Redford
Redford, famous for The Way We Were, is a Hollywood legend with timeless looks and a dedication to independent film.
Steve McQueen
The “King of Cool” starred in Bullitt and The Great Escape, making his rebellious, effortless masculinity legendary.
Elvis Presley
The King of Rock & Roll, Presley’s style and charisma set the standard, keeping his influence strong in music and fashion.
Paul Newman
With blue eyes and roles in Cool Hand Luke, Newman’s charm, talent, and philanthropy made him beloved on and off the screen.
Rock Hudson
Hudson, a 1950s and 1960s star, became iconic for his looks and charming roles in romantic dramas.
Cary Grant
One of Hollywood’s greatest stars, Grant’s sophistication and dashing looks made him the epitome of class.
Marlon Brando
In A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather, Brando’s talent and rebellious spirit made him an enduring icon.
James Dean
As the symbol of youthful rebellion in Rebel Without a Cause, Dean’s brief career and tragic death solidified his legendary status.
From classic icons to modern stars, these 50 men have defined attraction through the years. Their allure goes beyond looks—it’s their charisma and confidence that make them unforgettable.
Listening to the Echoes of Time: One Woman’s Mission to Preserve the Stories of the Elderly
The sterile scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air as I navigated the maze-like corridors of the nursing home. I clutched a stack of donated blankets, a small gesture of comfort for the residents. As I rounded a corner, I came upon a heartwarming scene. A group of elderly residents, their faces a tapestry of wrinkles and age spots, sat in a circle, their eyes fixed on a young woman. She sat on a low stool, a small journal resting on her lap, her pen moving swiftly across the page.
“She comes every week,” a nurse whispered to me, her voice hushed. “None of them are her family.”
Intrigued, I watched from a distance. The residents, their voices frail and reedy, recounted stories of long-ago loves, childhood adventures, and wartime experiences. The young woman listened intently, her eyes filled with a gentle curiosity. She would occasionally pause, asking a clarifying question, her voice soft and soothing. As she listened, she meticulously recorded their words, capturing their memories in ink.
Later, I approached the young woman, thanking her for her kindness. “Many of them get no visitors,” she explained, her smile warm and genuine. “Their memories are fading, and I worry that their stories will be lost forever. So, I come here every week and listen. I write down their names, their life stories, the names of their loved ones, the places they’ve been, the things they’ve done. It’s a small thing, but I hope it helps them feel seen and heard.”
Her words struck a chord within me. In a world that often prioritizes the new and the shiny, it was easy to forget the importance of the past, the stories that shaped us. These elderly residents, with their fading memories, were a living archive of history, their lives a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. And this young woman, with her simple act of kindness, was ensuring that their stories would not be forgotten.
As I walked away, I couldn’t shake off the image of the young woman, her pen dancing across the page, capturing the essence of a life lived. Her actions were a powerful reminder that true compassion lies in the small, everyday gestures of kindness, in the act of simply listening and acknowledging the humanity of others.
The experience left me pondering the fleeting nature of time and the importance of preserving our memories. It made me realize that everyone has a story to tell, a legacy to leave behind. And sometimes, all it takes is a listening ear and a pen to ensure that those stories are not lost to the sands of time.
Later that day, I found myself reflecting on my own life, on the stories I wanted to tell, the memories I wanted to preserve. I started a journal of my own, a place to record my thoughts, my experiences, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures. I wanted to make sure that my own story, however ordinary, would not be forgotten.
The young woman at the nursing home had shown me the power of empathy, the importance of connecting with others, and the enduring value of human connection. Her simple act of kindness had not only brought comfort to the elderly residents but had also inspired me to live a more meaningful life, one that valued the stories of others and cherished the memories that shaped us.
As I drifted off to sleep that night, I imagined the residents at the nursing home, their faces lit up with a sense of purpose as they recounted their lives to the young woman. I imagined their stories, their laughter, their tears, all preserved on the pages of her journal, a testament to their lives, a legacy for future generations. And I knew that in a small way, I too was contributing to the preservation of those stories, by sharing my own and by reminding myself of the importance of listening, of connecting, and of cherishing the memories that make us who we are.
The world, I realized, is filled with stories waiting to be told, with lives waiting to be remembered. And in the quiet moments, in the simple acts of kindness, we can all play a part in ensuring that those stories live on.
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