19 Heartthrobs Movie Heroes From the Past Decades and How We See Them On-Screen Today

In previous decades, the big screen introduced us to captivating and charming movie heroes, who effortlessly won our affection. These dashing characters often embodied ideals of romance and bravery, leaving a lasting impression on our impressionable hearts. However, in contemporary times, as we revisit these classic roles, they are now portrayed by individuals who bring their unique interpretation, giving these beloved personas a fresh and distinct identity.

The mythical hero

Kevin Sorbo in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys vs Chris Hemsworth in Thor: Ragnarok

The charming loser

Elijah Wood in The Faculty vs Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Homecoming

The hot hunk

Kevin Smith in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys vs Jason Momoa in the Aquaman film series

The scientist

Scott Bakula in Quantum Leap vs Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers

The good brother

Patrick Duffy in Dallas vs Paul Wesley in The Vampire Diaries

The funny guy

Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective vs Andy Samberg in Brooklyn Nine-Nine

The lover

Philippe Vasseur in Helen and the Boys vs Burak Özçivit in The Magnificent Century

The main hero’s friend

Michael Hurst in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys vs Joey Batey in The Witcher

The action hero

Bruce Willis in The Fifth Element vs Jason Statham in The Fate of the Furious

The homme fatale

Jude Law In The Talented Mr. Ripley vs Jamie Dornan in Fifty Shades of Grey

The most popular boy in school

Jason Priestley in Beverly Hills, 90210 vs Jacob Elordi in Euphoria

The long-haired good-looker

Christopher Lambert in Highlander: The Final Dimension vs Henry Cavill in The Witcher

The charming villain

Alan Rickman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves vs Tom Hiddleston in Loki

The aristocrat

Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice vs Josh O’Connor in Les Misérables

The businessman

Richard Gere in Pretty Woman vs Kerem Bürsin in You Knock on My Door

The captivating villain

Nicholas Rogers in Fantaghirò: Cave of the Golden Rose vs Mads Mikkelsen in Hannibal

The chosen one

Mark Hamill in Star Wars vs Daniele Radcliffe in Harry Potter

The hot doctor

George Clooney in ER vs Matt Czuchry in The Resident

As the years have passed, the landscape of cinema and the characteristics of heroes have evolved. The heartthrobs of today are reflections of the evolving times, reshaping our perception of what is admirable and desirable in the movie.