37 men who are worthy runners-up for Michael B. Jordan's Sexiest Man Alive title

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Gabbi ShawNov 19, 2020, 03:40 IST
37 men who are worthy runners-up for Michael B. Jordan's Sexiest Man Alive title

Harry Styles, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Pedro Pascal.Getty Images

  • On November 17, Michael B. Jordan was announced as People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2020.
  • Pretty much everyone was happy about it.
  • We've found 37 other supremely sexy guys that we think are worthy runners-up for the title this year.

There you have it. According to People, the Sexiest Man Alive this year is Michael B. Jordan. Pretty much everyone is happy about it, which is rare — People magazine doesn't always impress readers with its selections.

We created a list of 37 other handsome, talented men who have easily earned the silver medal for Sexiest Man Alive this year — or who could snag the title in the future — from Jake Gyllenhaal to Jason Momoa to Harry Styles.

Keep scrolling to see our picks for this year.

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Chris Evans joined Instagram this year and broke the internet.

Chris Evans joined Instagram this year and broke the internet.
Chris Evans in 2019. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Evans, 39, joined Instagram in May and has been keeping us fed with a steady diet of cute photos of him and his dog ... along with the occasional accidental nude. But the way the "Defending Jacob" star was able to play it off with a laugh made us love him even more.

After releasing two supremely sexy music videos and becoming the first man to be on the cover of Vogue, Harry Styles has taken over 2020.

After releasing two supremely sexy music videos and becoming the first man to be on the cover of Vogue, Harry Styles has taken over 2020.
Harry Styles in "Golden." Harry Styles/YouTube

The 26-year-old former boy-bander has completely shed his One Direction skin. In a revealing Rolling Stone profile, Styles stated that his second album, "Fine Line," is "all about having sex and feeling sad."

Styles is definitely redefining what it means to be "sexy" in 2020, by challenging masculinity and gender norms through his fashion, especially by rocking a dress on the cover of Vogue.

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There was an entire Instagram account dedicated to "Normal People" star Paul Mescal's chain.

There was an entire Instagram account dedicated to "Normal People" star Paul Mescal's chain.
Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron in Hulu's "Normal People." Hulu

"Normal People" was one of the biggest hits of the pandemic, when it seemed like everyone was bingeing the story of Marianne and Connell, two Irish star-crossed lovers who fell in love in high school and couldn't seem to shake each other.

Connell, played by 24-year-old Mescal, became an immediate sex symbol, mainly because he seemed like a genuinely nice person with a thin golden chain. That chain even has its own Instagram account, @connellschain, with 180,000 followers. We expect big things from Mescal in the future.

Adam Driver was at the center of one of this year's thirstiest bits: John Oliver begging him to step on his neck.

Adam Driver was at the center of one of this year's thirstiest bits: John Oliver begging him to step on his neck.
Adam Driver in 2020. Rich Fury/Getty Images

Driver, 36, kicked off 2020 with an Oscar nomination and many a meme about him punching the wall in "Marriage Story." Over the last decade or so, Driver has established himself as both an indie darling and a box office star (does the name "Kylo Ren" ring any bells?), and showed us all his strong comedic timing with "SNL" hosting gigs.

And throughout the year, "Last Week Tonight" host John Oliver has made us all laugh by thirsting over Driver in an increasingly violent fashion. As he correctly put it, Driver is "hot, right, and massive."

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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was the breakout star of HBO's "Watchmen," for good reason.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was the breakout star of HBO's "Watchmen," for good reason.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in 2019. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO/Getty Images

Over the last two years, 34-year-old Abdul-Mateen has appeared in "Aquaman," "Us," "Black Mirror," "Watchmen," and "The Trial of the Chicago 7" — has there been a better two-year run?

Next year, he's set to star in the highly anticipated "Candyman" remake, and he secured a role in the fourth "Matrix" film. Get ready to see more of the Emmy-winning actor in the future.

Hasan Minhaj is the definition of "brains and beauty."

Hasan Minhaj is the definition of "brains and beauty."
Hasan Minhaj in 2019. Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Peabody

Anyone who wants to learn about the issues that are plaguing the world while simultaneously admiring the person talking about them should watch every episode of Netflix's dearly departed "Patriot Act" — or check out his comedy special "Homecoming King," or watch him host the 2017 White House Correspondents' Dinner.

If you're still missing the 35-year-old after the cancellation of "Patriot Act," you won't have to wait for long. He recently secured a recurring role in Apple TV Plus' "The Morning Show."

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Dan Levy made his People's Sexiest Man Alive issue debut this year, and we couldn't agree more.

Dan Levy made his People's Sexiest Man Alive issue debut this year, and we couldn't agree more.
Dan Levy in 2020. George Pimentel/Getty Images

If you've ever heard that success makes someone (even) sexier, look no further than Levy, 37, who broke Emmy records this year when "Schitt's Creek," which he co-created, produced, starred in, wrote and directed for, won the big seven categories for a comedy: writing, directing, actress, actor, supporting actress, supporting actor, and best comedy overall.

Next up, you can see Levy in Hulu's LGBTQ+ holiday rom-com "Happiest Season."

Even though we rarely see Pedro Pascal's face in "The Mandalorian," we all know what's going on underneath.

Even though we rarely see Pedro Pascal's face in "The Mandalorian," we all know what's going on underneath.
Pedro Pascal in 2019. Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Pascal, 45, played easily the sexiest character in "Game of Thrones" history, Oberyn Martell (RIP, we miss you). And ever since, we've been waiting for People to give him the respect he deserves.

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"New Girl" became everyone's favorite quarantine show, and Nick Miller, aka Jake Johnson, is at the center of it.

"New Girl" became everyone's favorite quarantine show, and Nick Miller, aka Jake Johnson, is at the center of it.
Jake Johnson in 2019. Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

The term "quarantine bae" applies to Johnson, 42, maybe more than anyone else, as he seems to completely inhabit the role of "New Girl's" Nick Miller. Watch this video of Nick and Jess' first kiss, which has been called "to this day the hottest kiss I've ever seen on network TV," and try not to swoon.

As writer Alana Bennett put it to Bustle, "He's what we wish those men who don't own curtains or pillowcases would be like in real life but they never are. He's a fantasy, but he's a perfect one."

Netflix's "Never Have I Ever" introduced us to Darren Barnet.

Netflix's "Never Have I Ever" introduced us to Darren Barnet.
Darren Barnet in 2019. Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for The Artists Project

In "Never Have I Ever," Devi, your typical teenager, lusts over the frankly breathtaking Paxton Hall-Yoshida, a bro with a heart of gold. And we get it. We immediately felt compelled to Google how old Barnet is in real life — a perfectly respectable 29.

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Sendhil Ramamurthy periodically showed up in the show as a hot ghost dad, though we've been singing his praises since "Heroes."

Sendhil Ramamurthy periodically showed up in the show as a hot ghost dad, though we've been singing his praises since "Heroes."
Sendhil Ramamurthy in 2018. Paul Drinkwater/NBC/Getty Images

Ramamurthy first hit it big with "Heroes," which he starred in from 2006 to 2010 — and for the last 10 years, we've been waiting for him to star in another big hit, which he finally did with "Never Have I Ever."

The 46-year-old made us all swoon whenever he'd appear in flashbacks and dream sequences, and we're patiently waiting for season two to show us more.

Robert Downey Jr. concluded a 10-year run as Iron Man last year, and it's high time he was recognized by People.

Robert Downey Jr. concluded a 10-year run as Iron Man last year, and it's high time he was recognized by People.
Robert Downey Jr. in 2017. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

As proof that some things only get better with age, 55-year-old Downey is arguably at the peak of his powers right now. He broke all our hearts in "Endgame," generated some Oscar buzz, and is potentially turning into Tony Stark in real life? Yes, "Dolittle," was a misstep ... but it's still the sixth-highest grossing film of 2020.

Simply, we love him 3,000.

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Zayn Malik became a dad this year, giving new meaning to the phrase "zaddy."

Zayn Malik became a dad this year, giving new meaning to the phrase "zaddy."
Zayn Malik in 2018. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

The former boy-bander was almost immediately branded as the "dark, sexy, mysterious" one in One Direction. Now, the 27-year-old is half of one of the sexiest couples of all time alongside Gigi Hadid, and they welcomed their first child in September — just imagine the power of their combined genetics.

Jonathan Majors has had a wild last three years.

Jonathan Majors has had a wild last three years.
Jonathan Majors in September 2018. Jim Spellman/Getty Images)

If you've just learned about Majors, 31, from the summer's hit show "Lovecraft Country," we have some homework for you. Watch "When We Rise," "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," "Jungleland," and "Da 5 Bloods," and then try to tell us you don't have a massive crush.

In 2020, Majors was cast in the upcoming "Ant-Man 3," so it's the perfect time to hop on the Majors train.

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It's a bit shocking that Henry Cavill hasn't already taken the title.

It's a bit shocking that Henry Cavill hasn't already taken the title.
Henry Cavill in 2018. Yanshan Zhang/Getty Images

Remember when Cavill, 37, appeared in a "Mission Impossible" film and appeared to "reload" his fists before punching Tom Cruise? We could never forget.

2020 was a good year for Cavill, with a starring role in "The Witcher," which became one of Netflix's most popular shows, and taking on the mantle of Sherlock Holmes in "Enola Holmes." Forget Benedict Cumberbatch — this is the real hot Sherlock.

John Cho doesn't seem to age, does he?

John Cho doesn't seem to age, does he?
John Cho in 2017. Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for AT&T

Cho, who is unbelievably 48, deserves a starring role in a rom-com so that the rest of the world who didn't watch "Selfie" before it was canceled can learn what we know: He's definitely deserving of a Sexiest Man Alive title.

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As Chidi in "The Good Pllace," William Jackson Harper proved that being a nerd can be very sexy.

As Chidi in "The Good Pllace," William Jackson Harper proved that being a nerd can be very sexy.
William Jackson Harper in 2019. Maarten de Boer/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Harper, who was nominated for an Emmy this year for his work on "The Good Place," quickly emerged as a fan-favorite from the show — and he's clearly only going to become a bigger star. The 40-year-old (!) appeared in "Midsommar" and "Dark Waters" last year, and has more big projects coming up in the future, like Barry Jenkins' "The Underground Railroad."

At this point, it's just blasphemous that Ryan Gosling has never been granted the title.

At this point, it's just blasphemous that Ryan Gosling has never been granted the title.
Ryan Gosling walks the red carpet at the 75th Venice Film Festival in 2018. Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images

It's shocking that he's never won — not after "The Notebook," not after "Crazy Stupid Love," not after "La La Land," and not after the "Hey Girl" meme went viral.

According to ET, the 40-year-old has actually turned it down before, but that humility only adds to the sexy vibe.

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Dev Patel stole the show in his episode of "Modern Love" back in 2019, and his hair deserves awards of its own.

Dev Patel stole the show in his episode of "Modern Love" back in 2019, and his hair deserves awards of its own.
Dev Patel attends the BFI Luminous Fundraising Gala at The Roundhouse on October 1, 2019. Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

Besides his episode of "Modern Love," which People ranked as the best episode of the season, Patel, 30, also took on the role of David Copperfield in "The Personal History of David Copperfield," was released this year, and received rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival.

His latest film, "The Green Knight," a medieval epic that Patel is top-billed in, was supposed to be released this year, but was taken off the schedule due to the pandemic, but we can't wait for it to finally be released.

And we already mentioned his hair.

Will Smith is another shocking Sexiest Man Alive snub.

Will Smith is another shocking Sexiest Man Alive snub.
Will Smith attends the movie premiere of "Aladdin" in May 2019. Isa Foltin/WireImage/Getty Images

Smith's "Bad Boys For Life" is currently the highest-grossing film of 2020 — not too shabby.

The 52-year-old is also an extremely wholesome presence on Instagram, and he is smartly using nostalgia to his advantage by releasing a fashion collection inspired by "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Nothing sexier than a man who's business savvy, we say.

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Jake Gyllenhaal's chaotic energy during the "Spider-Man Far From Home" press tour in 2019 reminded everyone why we love him so much.

Jake Gyllenhaal's chaotic energy during the "Spider-Man Far From Home" press tour in 2019 reminded everyone why we love him so much.
Jake Gyllenhaal attends the premiere of "Spider-Man Far From Home" at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 26, 2019. Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Gyllenhaal is another almost unbelievable snub in the Sexiest Man Alive canon. He's been a favorite since 2001's "Donnie Darko," for crying out loud! And while the 39-year-old hasn't had the busiest 2020 (who has?), he has a packed slate lined up: the film adaptation of musical "Fun Home," a West End run of "Sunday in the Park with George," and will star in "Francis and the Godfather," a movie about the making of "The Godfather."

But, we'd be remiss not to mention the press tour for "Far From Home," and the subsequent bromance that sprouted between Gyllenhaal and his co-star Tom Holland. We could watch interviews of them for hours.

Keanu Reeves was retroactively named 1994's Sexiest Man Alive, but we think he deserves the honor for real.

Keanu Reeves was retroactively named 1994's Sexiest Man Alive, but we think he deserves the honor for real.
Keanu Reeves at the premiere of "Toy Story 4." Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

As per usual, Reeves, 56, was one of the most beloved celebrities this year, from his hilarious cameo in the third "Spongebob" film as a tumbleweed named Sage to his third go-around as Ted in "Bill & Ted Face the Music." We're already counting down the days until he reprises his role of Neo in the upcoming fourth "Matrix" movie.

He's just an overall great person, and for that, he should be recognized.

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Collectively, BTS is the biggest boy band in the world right now.

Collectively, BTS is the biggest boy band in the world right now.
BTS in 2018. Kevin Mazur/BBMA18/WireImage/Getty Images

BTS didn't show any signs of slowing down this year. The seven members, RM, Jungkook, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, and V, have taken over pop music.

They're one of the first K-pop groups to breakthrough in the US. In 2020 alone, they released their fourth album "Map of the Soul: 7" to critical acclaim, became the first K-pop group to perform at the Grammys, released their first English-language single "Dynamite," which broke YouTube records, and have their fifth album, "Be," all ready to go.

Of course, their ravenous fanbase, called ARMY, would claim that they've been the Sexiest Men Alive for quite some time.

Paul Rudd is certainly making us feel things with his long hair and beard.

Paul Rudd is certainly making us feel things with his long hair and beard.
Paul Rudd in 2019. Mike Smith/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

There's an entire meme dedicated to how Rudd, 51, simply does not age. He looks the same as he did during 1995's "Clueless."

And after the success of the "Ant-Man"movies, it's clear that Rudd knows how to bulk up. Funny, jacked, and a great actor? Rudd easily deserves the title.

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When Travis Scott released his documentary "Look Mom I Can Fly" last year, fans saw a whole new side of the rapper.

When Travis Scott released his documentary "Look Mom I Can Fly" last year, fans saw a whole new side of the rapper.
Travis Scott in 2017. Burak Cingi/Redferns/Getty Images

Thanks to now-ex-girlfriend Kylie Jenner, we all saw that Scott is a big romantic, from filling Jenner's entire home with rose petals for her birthday to buying her a potentially $500,000 diamond necklace.

In "Look Mom I Can Fly," there was no shortage of adorable moments between the 29-year-old rapper, Jenner, and their daughter Stormi. As many would say, good parenting = sexy.

If you're not totally in tune with Latin music, you may not know Maluma yet, but it's only a matter of time.

If you're not totally in tune with Latin music, you may not know Maluma yet, but it's only a matter of time.
Maluma in 2017. Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

The 26-year-old singer hails from Colombia, and he recently released his fifth album this year, "Papi Juancho." It hit No. 2 on the US Latin Charts and reached 34 on the Billboard 200.

Mainstream audiences will get more exposure to Maluma in 2021, when he appears in the upcoming Jennifer Lopez film, "Marry Me." But People could have been ahead of the curve by picking Maluma this year.

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The thirst for Timothée Chalamet showed no signs of slowing down this year.

The thirst for Timothée Chalamet showed no signs of slowing down this year.
Timothée Chalamet in 2019. Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images

The love for 24-year-old Chalamet only grows as he continues to star in prestige movies, and as he continues to take fashion risks.

What else proves that Chalamet inspires a semi-unhinged fervor amongst fans? When the first stills from the 2019 "Little Women" remake were released, filled with powerhouse actresses like Meryl Streep, Laura Dern, Saoirse Ronan, and Emma Watson, all anyone could talk about was Timmy.

The entire cast of "Queer Eye," known collectively as the Fab Five, prove that it's sexy to be kind.

The entire cast of "Queer Eye," known collectively as the Fab Five, prove that it's sexy to be kind.
Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, Antoni Porowski, Tan France, and Jonathan Van Ness in 2018. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The Fab Five are only growing their reach, as evidenced by the latest batch of episodes that see them heading to Pennsylvania to help a new group of "heroes."

From taking fashion risks and shedding light on the HIV-positive community to helping people find love again, these five are a much-needed dose of good vibes in 2020.

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Prince Harry makes us swoon whenever he stands up for his wife, Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry makes us swoon whenever he stands up for his wife, Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry in 2016. Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images

Standing up to the British tabloids after they came for his wife, becoming a dad to a cute baby, and renouncing his royal title altogether all add up to a banner year for 36-year-old Prince Harry.

Jason Momoa proves that long hair done right can be very hot.

Jason Momoa proves that long hair done right can be very hot.
Jason Momoa in 2019. Ricky Vigil M/GC Images/Getty Images

Even Helen Mirren is unable to resist how "gorgeous" the 41-year-old "Aquaman" star is. Between his luscious locks, his beard, his shredded body, and his wonderful sense of humor, we think her Momoa obsession is very relatable.

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It was another year of Donald Glover proving that he's a triple-threat.

It was another year of Donald Glover proving that he's a triple-threat.
Donald Glover in 2019. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for LACMA

The 37-year-old multi-hyphenate released his fourth studio album, "3.15.20" to critical acclaim, and teased on Twitter that the upcoming seasons of "Atlanta" will "be some of the best television ever made." A banner year for Childish Gambino, we think.

Milo Ventimiglia makes us swoon and cry every week on "This Is Us."

Milo Ventimiglia makes us swoon and cry every week on "This Is Us."
Milo Ventimiglia in 2018. Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Turner

Ventimiglia, 43, makes a mustache look hot, and for that we are eternally grateful.

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In 2020, Mahershala Ali starred in the second season of "Ramy," and was nominated for an Emmy.

In 2020, Mahershala Ali starred in the second season of "Ramy," and was nominated for an Emmy.
Mahershala Ali in 2019. Kevork Djansezian/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Ali's giant smile is infectious, and his voice is supremely smooth and soothing. What else can you ask from the Sexiest Man Alive? And, it's becoming clear that Ali, 46, is only going to get better with time.

Robert Pattinson starred in Christopher Nolan's newest film this year.

Robert Pattinson starred in Christopher Nolan's newest film this year.
Robert Pattinson in 2019. Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

For years now, Pattinson, 34, has been quietly proving that he is an actor to be reckoned with, avoiding giant blockbusters after "Twilight" and picking eclectic roles and directors to work with.

All that went out the window when he was chosen to take over the cape and cowl and play Batman in the upcoming 2021 movie. But are we complaining? No. It only means that we'll get more of his hilarious interviews, his artfully disheveled hair, and his very cute crooked smile.

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Lakeith Stanfield is hard to look away from when he's on screen.

Lakeith Stanfield is hard to look away from when he's on screen.
Lakeith Stanfield in 2018. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Whether it's in "Knives Out," "The Photograph," "Atlanta," or "Sorry to Bother You," 29-year-old Stanfield is magnetic presence on screen.

Christian Bale is long overdue for his Sexiest Man Alive honor.

Christian Bale is long overdue for his Sexiest Man Alive honor.
Christian Bale in 2019. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Though Bale was decidedly un-sexy as Dick Cheney in "Vice" back in 2018, we can all clearly see he bounced back for awards season and for "Ford v Ferrari." The 46-year-old has been making our hearts flutter since he starred in the 1994 version of "Little Women," in the same role that fellow sexy person Timothée Chalamet took over last year.

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Oscar Isaac has been declared a "short king" by the internet.

Oscar Isaac has been declared a "short king" by the internet.
Oscar Isaac in 2015. Getty Images

A short king for those who don't know, is just any man who is short, according to Mel Magazine. A quick search on Twitter of "Oscar Isaac short king," yields thousands of tweets. So give this 41-year-old short king what he deserves after the disastrous "Rise of Skywalker" and declare him the Sexiest Man Alive.

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