13 fictional characters who would make amazing husbands

I am gosh darn lucky and so very happy I’ve met the man I’m going to marry. But every now and then, it’s fun to play the “What if?” game. What if I’d never met my fiancé? What if I could live in the fantasy world of make-believe and marry one of the swoon-worthy guys from my fave rom-coms and TV shows? If that were even a remote possibility, I’ve put together a wish list of fictional fellas I’d like to spend my Happily Ever After with:

1. Noah (Ryan Gosling) in The Notebook

It’s a cliché for a reason. IF YOU’RE A BIRD, I’M A BIRD, RYAN GOSLING.

2. Patrick (Heath Ledger) in 10 Things I Hate About You

A bad boy modernizing Shakespeare and serenading you with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You?” This man defined my teenage years and showed me exactly how I’d like to be wooed.

3. Almost every man in Love Actually

I would marry almost any of them–except from the cheating husband, obviously. But just to live in that movie, on loop, for the rest of my days would basically be heaven.

4. Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) in 500 Days of Summer

I just want to snuggle with him while we read books and listen to The Smiths and drink overpriced hipster coffee. Personally, I love the way he loves Summer.

5. Lloyd (John Cusack) in Say Anything

Would someone stand outside my window with a boombox playing love songs? Anyone? Just, please?

6. Marshall (Jason Segel) in How I Met Your Mother

He’s a responsible adult with a job and family values who is a loving, adorable husband. And he’s hilarious. PERFECT. MAN.

7. Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth) in Pride & Prejudice

This book is so good, they have adapted it roughly a million times, for both the large and small screen. And that is largely because this fictional man is so dang romantic (especially when Colin Firth plays him). The story made “opposites attract” a thing for the future of all great romances, guys.

8. Jerry (Tom Cruise) in Jerry Maguire

He had me at this movie. (But especially at “hello.”)

9. Derek (Shemar Moore) in Criminal Minds

He can stop crime, and my heart.

10. Sam (Tom Hanks) in Sleepless in Seattle 

A widower, with a son who just wants his dad to be happy? An homage to An Affair to Remember? Why yes, as a matter of fact, I would like to be the one to mend his broken heart. Thank you so much for asking!

11. Buddy (Will Ferrell) in Elf

I know I’m going out on a limb and climbing out of the box on this one, but bear with me, ladies and gents. A sense of humor and a positive, optimistic outlook on life are two of the most valuable traits in a life partner, and this guy’s got both in spades. (Plus, we share a mutually intense passion for the holidays, so there’s that, too.)

12. Josh (Paul Rudd) in Clueless

This guy is knowledgeable about the world (and wants to save it), and is also extremely witty. Um, #soulmate.

13. Sam (Patrick Swayze) in Ghost

A love so powerful it transcends death? A ghost who wants to make art with you while “Unchained Melody” plays? Yes, please.

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