Top 10 Iconic Male Sex Symbols: Classic

With a less than stellar film debut in 1966’s “Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round,” one studio exec told a young Harrison Ford that he’d “never make it in this business”. Boy, was he wrong! With a breakthrough role as Han Solo in the “Star Wars” movies, followed by the title part of Indiana Jones, Ford quickly became one of the most popular actors of the 1980s. Loved by women and men the world over, Ford’s handsome good looks paired with his fabulous acting turned this Chicago native into an international sex symbol.

Do we really need to explain this one? The prominent eyebrows, the sexy Scottish accent, the cooler than cool role as Bond… James Bond: complete with elaborate stunts, awesome cars, high-tech gadgets and all that sexy and strangely named arm-candy. Oh and did we mention that Sir Sean Connery is also a knight? It’s no wonder that even in his 80s, this Edinburgh native is still considered one of the sexiest men alive. We rest our case.

The first black person to win an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “Lilies of the Field,” Sir Sidney Poitier didn’t only break down racial barriers, he probably also broke a lot of hearts thanks to his elegance, suave demeanor, sophisticated style, and serious good looks. A quietly powerful and commanding presence on the silver screen, Poitier remains one of the most respected actors in Hollywood and is a true gentleman. Now that’s the stuff sex symbols are made of.

This king of suave was Hollywood’s quintessential leading man. Grant’s dashing good looks, smooth persona, and charming screen presence turned the British film star into a living legend. Best known for his roles in “The Philadelphia Story,” “An Affair to Remember,” and “North by Northwest,” it was Grant’s romance with Italian screen goddess Sophia Loren – both off-screen and on in “The Pride and the Passion” – as well as his five marriages, that leads us to believe he was probably also quite the ladies’ man despite his more puritanical reputation.

What better way to cement your status as a sex symbol than bedding some of Tinseltown’s most gorgeous and sought-after women? In his hey-day, a younger Warren was famous for his MANY off-screen affairs, including but definitely not limited to Leslie Caron (karen), Julie Christie, Diane Keaton and even Madonna. While the Hollywood stud is rumored to have bedded a staggering 12,000 plus partners, he has been happily married for close to two decades and seems completely devoted to his family. A much sexier feat in our opinion!

Before Brad Pitt there was Robert Redford. Cut from the same seriously gorgeous cloth, Redford and Pitt share more than just golden boy good looks. Sandy-haired, blue-eyed, and insanely handsome, Redford is a big supporter of the arts, an advocate for human rights and an environmentalist. But he’s also a man’s man—an outdoor enthusiast, he skis, horseback rides, fishes and plays many sports. Is there anything sexier than an athletic, rugged babe with a conscience?

We all know that Elvis Aaron Presley was the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. But he was also quite the teen heartthrob. When he first started performing his wild and crazy dance moves while rocking out on his guitar, a whole generation of girls went into hysterics. His plump lower lip, sexy crooked mouth and rebellious charm have made this Memphis truck driver a sexual icon. Remembering the Elvis of the “Jailhouse Rock” days helps us forget his sequined, drug-abusing, overweight latter day sins.

Has anyone else perfected the tragic-rebel persona as well as our number three pick? James Dean is probably one of the most iconic Hollywood stars of all time. He embodies the 1950s rebellious teenager with perfection—those squinting eyes, the way he always leans against things, the constant cloud of smoke surrounding him . . . oh and that hair! It doesn’t get much cooler than James Dean.

Before he was having people whacked as Don Corleone in “The Godfather,” Marlon Brando was steaming up the set of Tennessee William’s “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Cast as Stanley Kowalski, Brando’s performance is so full of sexual energy and tension that if one were to light a match, we’re pretty sure the whole set would have combusted. If you haven’t seen “Streetcar” yet, we highly recommend you do. And you’re welcome!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Richard Gere
- Tom Selleck
- Patrick Swayze
- Steve McQueen
- Jim Morrison

With his piercing blue eyes, pouty lips and seriously chiseled bod, was there ever any doubt that Mr. Paul Newman would steal our top spot? Best-known for his roles in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “Cool Hand Luke,” Newman exuded confidence, masculinity and good humor – at any age. Top that all off with his amazing dedication to charitable causes, and you’ve got yourself a pretty great guy and our most iconic male sexsymbol.

Do you agree with our list? Who are your favorite iconic classic male sex symbols? For more steamy top tens published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.