Chris Evans’ sexiest roles: From Human Torch to sweater-clad suspect

Chris Evans has long been one of Hollywood’s most bankable heartthrobs — a combination of chiseled looks, charm, and surprising versatility. From playing comic book heroes to sweater-wearing sociopaths, Evans has captured audiences’ attention in nearly every genre. As he turns 44 and returns to the big screen in Materialists, we revisit his most unforgettable — and undeniably sexiest — roles to date.

The flame that started it all

It’s hard to ignore the symbolism in Chris Evans’ first big superhero outing — after all, his breakout role was quite literally on fire. In 2005’s Fantastic Four, Evans introduced audiences to Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch: cocky, carefree, and constantly smoldering. The film may not have reached the heights of Marvel’s later efforts, but Evans made a lasting impression with his signature blend of swagger and physicality.

Johnny Storm was the perfect fit for Evans at the time — youthful, energetic, and irreverent. And nearly two decades later, the character made a surprising return in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), giving fans a nostalgic hit of that flame-lit charm, albeit with more facial hair and meta-awareness.

But before Evans was torching bad guys, he was already showing skin — and comedy chops — in 2001’s Not Another Teen Movie. As Jake Wyler, he delivers an iconic scene wearing nothing but whipped cream and maraschino cherries. It’s ridiculous, sure, but it laid the foundation for a career built on balancing sex appeal with self-awareness.

From Harvard Hottie to Hollywood heartthrob

Evans’ early career was filled with romantic leads and charming side roles that let his natural charisma shine. In The Nanny Diaries (2007), he literally plays a character called “Harvard Hottie,” opposite Scarlett Johansson. It’s a light rom-com, but Evans’ performance hints at the more grounded and emotionally intelligent roles he would later take on.

His brief but memorable turn as Lucas Lee in Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) saw him send up his own image — a fictional movie star with a skater past and ridiculous one-liners. It’s a hilarious self-parody, and one that confirmed Evans wasn’t afraid to poke fun at the very image that made him famous.

Captain America: Sex symbol with a moral compass

Then came Steve Rogers — the role that transformed Chris Evans from up-and-coming actor to global icon. Debuting in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Evans redefined what a superhero could be. His Captain America wasn’t just a square-jawed patriot; he was sincere, loyal, and deeply principled. And yes, he was also absurdly good-looking.

Over the course of 10 Marvel films (11 if you count a cheeky cameo in Thor: The Dark World), Evans layered Steve Rogers with emotional nuance, making him one of the most beloved figures in the MCU. And let’s be honest — few moments in Marvel history are more iconic than his slow-motion, beard-clad entrance in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). It was the facial hair heard around the world.

Whether leading armies into battle or standing firm in his beliefs, Steve Rogers embodied a kind of old-school masculinity that felt refreshing — strong yet sensitive, brave but not brash. And, of course, there’s America’s ass, immortalized forever in Avengers: Endgame.

Sex appeal with substance

Evans has long been more than a pretty face, and that’s never clearer than in his post-Cap roles. In Bong Joon Ho’s Snowpiercer (2014), he plays Curtis, a haunted revolutionary navigating a class war aboard a frozen train. The film is gritty and intense, with Evans delivering one of his most emotionally raw performances to date.

In Gifted (2017), he softens again as Frank Adler, a single uncle raising a math prodigy. The film gave Evans the chance to showcase his warmth, intelligence, and fatherly appeal — making him just as sexy in a cable-knit sweater as in spandex.

Speaking of sweaters: 2019’s Knives Out gave us one of the most instantly meme-able moments of Evans’ career. As Ransom Drysdale, the smug, privileged villain of Rian Johnson’s whodunit, Evans was as morally repulsive as he was physically irresistible. The cream-colored sweater became a cultural event, and the character proved that sexiness doesn’t have to mean likability.

Spy games, space suits, and rom-com misfires

In the years since Endgame, Evans has experimented with a variety of genres. In The Red Sea Diving Resort (2019), he plays Mossad agent Ari Levinson, leading a daring refugee rescue. In The Gray Man (2022), he reunites with the Russo Brothers to play sociopathic assassin Lloyd Hansen — complete with mustache, questionable hair choices, and unsettling charisma.

Even in animation, Evans exudes leading-man energy. He voices Buzz Lightyear in Pixar’s Lightyear (2022), imbuing the character with emotional depth and gravitas — not to mention a voice that launched a thousand TikToks.

Less successful was 2023’s Ghosted, a high-concept romantic action comedy that paired Evans with Ana de Armas. Despite lukewarm reviews and a Razzie nomination, Evans still looked every inch the movie star, even when saddled with a clunky script.

The next chapter

Now 44, Evans is entering a new phase of his career. With Materialists, a romantic drama from Past Lives director Celine Song, Evans is shifting toward more mature, emotionally layered roles. And while he may be leaving the shield behind, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to captivate audiences — with or without the superhero suit.

Whether he’s setting hearts (or himself) on fire, wielding a shield, or simply filling out a knit sweater, Chris Evans’ filmography is a testament to the many ways an actor can be sexy — through confidence, vulnerability, humor, and integrity. And with plenty of years and roles ahead, the best (and hottest) may still be yet to come.