10 hunks that are actually hotter than the sexiest man alive!

It’s that time of year again. People magazine crowns its annual pick and the rest of the conversation follows. This year the magazine named Jonathan Bailey the sexiest man alive. The British actor’s win marks the first time an openly gay performer has taken the title, and the timing lines up with his high-profile turns in Wicked and the later seasons of Bridgerton. The crown moves around, of course. John Krasinski claimed it in 2024 after years of steady leading-man work, and Chris Evans held it back in 2022. Fans keep their own shortlists, and plenty of names keep surfacing as worthy contenders.

Some of those names have already appeared on past ballots. Others are still waiting for their turn. Here are ten actors whose looks, careers, and current momentum make them perennial or rising contenders for the title.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill, now 43, still draws the same reaction he did a decade ago. The British actor’s recent cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine reminded audiences why he remains a fan favorite, and he is set to appear in the 2026 thriller In the Grey. Cavill continues to balance blockbuster visibility with a public persona that mixes comic-book fandom and low-key charm.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu, 37, has moved from breakout star to established MCU player. After Shang-Chi he is returning for Avengers: Doomsday, and his mix of action, comedy, and dance skills keeps him in the conversation. The Canadian actor also brings cooking videos and red-carpet tailoring that fans notice.

Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder, 47, stepped away from on-camera work to focus on producing and environmental activism. The Vampire Diaries alum still registers on yearly lists because of the lasting impact of Damon Salvatore and the steady presence he maintains through his off-screen projects.

Jamie Dornan

Jamie Dornan, 44, has added new chapters since the Fifty Shades films. The Irish actor starred in the thriller series The Tourist and is set to play Strider in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film The Hunt for Gollum. The combination of dramatic range and leading-man looks keeps his name circulating.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac, 47, continues to shift between prestige television and franchise work. His appearance in Beef season 2 and upcoming voice role in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse show the range that first put him on the radar. The Guatemalan-born American actor’s screen presence remains a reliable talking point every December.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski, 46, already has the title. People named him the sexiest man alive in 2024, recognizing both his Jack Ryan run and the producing work he continues alongside Emily Blunt. The former Office star’s trajectory from comedy to action hero keeps the conversation going.

Regé-Jean Page

Regé-Jean Page, 38, has expanded beyond Bridgerton with recent film roles. He appeared in the spy thriller Black Bag and is attached to the 2026 project You, Me & Tuscany. The British actor’s post-Duke career shows the same polished screen magnetism that made him a fan favorite in the first place.

Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia, 48, keeps adding to a career that already spans Gilmore Girls and This Is Us. In 2026 he stars in I Will Find You and I Can Only Imagine 2. The steady stream of work and the way he has aged into leading roles have made him a quiet but consistent mention on yearly lists.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield, 42, balances intimate dramas with franchise obligations. He appeared in the 2025 romance We Live in Time and is set for The Magic Faraway Tree in 2026. The British actor’s combination of stage-honed intensity and approachable charm continues to draw attention.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X, 27, remains a cultural force through music, fashion, and social media. In 2026 the rapper shared updates about mental health and personal growth while continuing to release new material. His ability to command attention across platforms keeps him in the conversation whenever the topic of modern sex symbols arises.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey, the current 2025 winner, brings a stage-to-screen résumé that includes both the later seasons of Bridgerton and the blockbuster Wicked films. As the first openly gay actor to receive the title, his win reflects a shift in how the magazine frames its annual pick. The combination of critical notice and fan enthusiasm makes his placement feel current rather than obligatory.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal frequently tops informal polls and betting markets when the next winner is discussed. The Mandalorian and The Last of Us have given him a broad audience across age groups and genres, and his steady red-carpet appearances keep the conversation active. Reports ahead of the 2025 announcement placed him among the frontrunners, even if the crown ultimately went elsewhere.

Glen Powell

Glen Powell has moved from supporting player to leading man in a short span. Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You established him as a box-office draw, and the industry now treats him as the next reliable romantic-action star. The Texas native’s mix of athletic build and quick comic timing makes him a regular name in modern sex-symbol roundups.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson continues to take on physically demanding roles that showcase both range and screen presence. Recent franchise conversations and the actor’s willingness to transform for parts have kept him visible. The British performer’s trajectory suggests more leading opportunities ahead, and that momentum feeds into yearly discussions about who belongs on the shortlist.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan already held the title in 2020 and shows no sign of fading from the conversation. Creed and its sequels, along with continued producing work, keep him in front of audiences, while his public profile around advocacy and business ventures adds another layer. The combination of past win and ongoing output makes him a perennial reference point whenever the subject returns.

Every December the list gets longer and the arguments get louder. Some names return year after year, while others arrive with fresh projects and fresh attention. The sexiest man alive designation is ultimately one magazine’s choice, but the conversation it sparks keeps these actors in rotation long after the issue hits newsstands.