Ten years ago, Francisco “Chico” Lachowski and Lucky Blue Smith carved out a space for themselves in the niche corners of the Internet—think: the old Tumblr and Wattpad days—thanks to Millennials and older members of Gen Z of the time. And in recent years, it’s evolved into a mainstream phenomenon. Enter: the internet boyfriends of 2024.
At the top of everyone’s list? Austin Butler—whose charm and humour made headlines while on press tour for The Bikeriders—and Mike Faist, who sent the Internet in a frenzy as Art Donaldson on Challengers. Joining their ranks is Manny Jacinto, who has newly gained heartthrob status as Sith Qimir in The Acolyte.
Then there are those who have become fashion’s newest darlings. The Idea of You star Nicholas Galitzine, for one, was tapped as the face of Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2024 campaign, and made his first Met Gala appearance earlier this year dressed in a suit from the house.
And it’s in the world of Gucci that How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies star Billkin and Irish actor Paul Mescal meet. Both actors graced the house’s Spring/Summer 2025 men’s show last month in full Gucci gear.
Below, your one-stop guide to each of 2024’s newest internet boyfriends.
Austin Butler
Butler has a long history as a heartthrob. He appeared first in shows like Zoey 101 before moving on to films, playing the titular character in Elvis and Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two.
But what recently caught fans’ attention were interview clips showcasing the actor’s natural ability to create chemistry with TV hosts like 7Bravo’s reporter, Lucia Hawley.
@7bravoau A moment for this moment between @Lucia Hawley & Austin 🎨 #austinbutler #thebikeriders ♬ original sound – 7Bravo
Mike Faist
In case you’re out of the loop, it’s Hot Rodent Boyfriend Summer and the Challengers star is in the running alongside Jeremy Allen White and Glen Powell.
Post-Challengers, Faist was seen at this year’s Met Gala, at the front row of a Loewe show, as well as back on set for The Bikeriders alongside co-star Butler.
Manny Jacinto
The loveable Jason Mendoza from NBC’s hit comedy The Good Place might be Jacinto’s breakthrough role, but the Philippine-born actor revealed a whole new side to himself as the villian Qimir in The Acolyte.
In an interview with Starwars.com, Jacinto shared that Qimir’s mannerisms were inspired by Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and Toshiro Mifune’s Kikushiyo in Seven Samurai.
Nicholas Galitzine
At 29, Galitzine is already an accomplished actor with a particular knack for royal roles—think: Prince Henry in Red, White & Royal Blue, Prince Robert in Cinderella and George Villiers in Mary & George.
He also posts covers of songs from the likes of Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo on his social media pages.
Paul Mescal
Mescal got his first break with the 2020 miniseries Normal People, where he starred opposite Daisy Edgar-Jones. Since then, he has gone on to feature in films like Aftersun, All of Us Strangers and the upcoming Gladiator 2.
His signature look—a mullet and short shorts—has also made him one to watch in the fashion space.
Billkin
Rounding off our list of the newest internet boyfriends? Thai actor Billkin, best known for his role as M in How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. While the film shot him to worldwide stardom, he first gained fame with 2019 Thai drama series My Ambulance.
The actor, who turns 25 this year, is also a musician, and played a part in the soundtracks for the films above.
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