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Unforgettable WB Heartthrobs, Ranked From Nah to Hell Yeah

Moviefone
June 10, 2016 - 1 min read
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Before The CW brought us shows like "Gossip Girl" and "The Vampire Diaries," the network was known as the WB and it was a late '90s/early 2000s must-watch that churned out some of the most memorable teen dramas of all time. Another thing it brought us? Hunky leading men. Here, we remember some of the standout swoon-worthy characters from the WB's heyday and rank them based on personality, datability, and overall it factor. Which one will be the boyfriend of our dreams 4eva? 

11. Dawson Leery, 'Dawson's Creek' (James Van Der Beek)

So what if the show is named after him? That doesn't mean he can't be its weakest link. Dawson may have boy-next-door good looks, but he was super whiny, indecisive, thinks he's better than everyone, and consistently let his pride get in the way of his actions. And he'll probably never live that cry face down. 

10. Dean Forester, 'Gilmore Girls' (Jared Padalecki)

Oh, Dean. You may be a handsome strapping lad, but what you have in floppy hair you lack in personality. You never made a funny joke ever, you always seemed slightly bewildered, and you cheated on your wife and treated her like dirt. Dean is the least edgy person on the planet, yet he's still sort of a low-key jerk. Not a good combination. 

9. Matt Camden, '7th Heaven' (Barry Watson)

What can we say about Matt Camden? Honestly, "7th Heaven" was on for a bazillion seasons and we can't think of that much. He's a nice dude who almost always did the right thing (though this is "7th Heaven" we're talking about -- the "very special" marijuana episode was one of the show's most extreme), but he just remains kind of blah in our television memory. 

8. Jess Mariano, 'Gilmore Girls' (Milo Ventimiglia)

Although Jess somewhat evolves eventually and is the walking embodiment of the cliched definition of "cool," he's really a selfish meanie who makes everyone around him miserable. We give him points for spicing up Rory's life and giving us the best "Gilmore Girls" seasons, but despite his bad boy appeal and knowledge of Allen Ginsberg, we know he's not to be trusted and makes a pretty crappy boyfriend. 

7. Vince, 'What I Like About You' (Nick Zano)

Yup, we're including this underrated Jenny Garth/Amanda Bynes WB sitcom on the list. Why? Because Nick Zano. If you can look past his bro-ness and womanizing ways, Holly's (Bynes) most memorable love interest not only had abs for days, he was funny, easy-going, and really likable. Also, abs. 

6. Angel, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'/'Angel' (David Boreanaz)

Angel is the epitome of hunky brooding mysterious vibes, has a big heart, and seems like he would treat you right. Until he turns bad. Like evil and murdery bad. That's not good. Plus, he might bail on you for a spin-off. 

5. Lucas Scott, 'One Tree Hill' (Chad Michael Murray)

Chad Michael Murray was a huge staple of The WB. He made a big impression on "Dawson's Creek" and "Gilmore Girls" before starring as good guy jock Lucas on "One Tree Hill." It's kind of hard to hate on Lucas even though he can be overly emo and a drama queen. He's a relationship-loving sweetheart who never does anything too objectionable throughout the long-running series.

4. Clark Kent, 'Smallville' (Tom Welling)

Tom Welling makes one attractive and accessible superhero. But dating Superman can be pretty complicated. So much self-loathing. So many secrets. So many lonely nights. If you're up for it, good for you. We have to admit he's pretty darn adorable. 

3. Ben, 'Felicity' (Scott Speedman)

We feel for you, sweet sweet Noel. We really do. But we have to admit we were always #TeamBen all the way. Sure, he had his commitment issues and needed to quit playin' games with Felicity's heart, but deep down he was a really thoughtful and ridiculously good looking man who was just going through some deep stuff. Swoon.

2. Dean and Sam Winchester, 'Sueprnatural' (Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki)

Yes, "Supernatural" has been on so long that it started on The WB. We're not mad at. Just look at these two humans. We can't deny their wit, charm, angst, and brotherly bromance. Jared Padelecki, you have redeemed yourself. 

1. Pacey Witter, 'Dawson's Creek' (Joshua Jackson)

Call him smug, cocky, and sarcastic if you want. We'll just try and convince you that these traits make him the boy nobody can resist. Come on, he rocked the hell out of those Hawaiian shirts and that Caesar haircut. Pacey has his issues and we'll never understand why he briefly became a stock broker that one season, but he's a great boyfriend and a true romantic. If you were an impressionable teen watching this back when, you probably still harbor feelings for his type and hope that someone will buy you your very own wall someday.  

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