A groundbreaking study by Monsta Toys has crowned Gilbert Blythe from “Anne of Green Gables,” Rhysand from “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” and Wesley from “The Princess Bride” as the most beloved fictional boyfriends — igniting fan speculation about a long-awaited reunion or spinoff.
The romantic fantasy genre isn’t just trending — it’s dominating readers’ hearts and shelves. A new analysis conducted by Monsta Toys, a fantasy-driven toy brand, has revealed which fictional male leads are currently resonating most powerfully with audiences. The findings? Classic characters like Gilbert Blythe, Rhysand, and Wesley aren’t just nostalgic favorites — they’re cultural touchstones for modern romance readers.
The study, which tracked social media trends and search volumes over an 11-month period ending October 2025, assigned each character a “popularity score” based on their presence in Reddit communities like r/YAlit and r/fantasyromance, along with Instagram hashtag mentions and direct search traffic. The results surprised even seasoned fans.
First Place: Gilbert Blythe from “Anne of Green Gables” — the gentle, earnest young man who captivated generations with his quiet devotion to Anne Shirley. His ranking is more than a throwback; it’s a testament to timeless emotional appeal.
Second Place: Rhysand from Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” According to Jenna Brightwell, relationship expert at Monsta Toys, Rhysand embodies the fantasy ideal: powerful yet emotionally available, respectful of boundaries, and deeply committed to his partner. “He respects boundaries, communicates openly and puts his partner first,” she said. “That’s incredibly appealing in a genre where emotional connection matters as much as the fantasy elements.”
Third Place: Wesley from “The Princess Bride.” His charm lies not only in his wit and loyalty but also in his enduring legacy as one of cinema’s most beloved romances. Fans have long speculated about a sequel or reboot — now, data suggests he might be the next big thing.
These three characters represent vastly different eras and mediums — from classic literature to contemporary fantasy novels to beloved films — yet they share one critical trait: they embody emotional authenticity. In a genre often defined by grand battles and magical realms, these heroes ground their stories in genuine human connection.
The study also identified rising stars among fictional boyfriends. Bastian Marwood from Clare Sager’s “A Kiss of Iron” led this category with a staggering 350% increase in reader interest over the study period. Other breakout characters include Jacks from “The Hollow,” Luther Corbois from “The Cursed Kindred Saga,” Keris Veliant from “The Bridge Kingdom,” Richard Gansey III from “The Raven Cycle,” and Wendell Bambleby from “Emily Wilde.”
This trend aligns perfectly with broader industry data. Spotify’s inaugural Audiobooks Wrapped report and Everand’s State of Reading Report both confirm that romance and fantasy remain among the top five most consumed genres. Readers are craving escapism — but not just any kind. They want emotional depth, moral complexity, and characters who feel real.
Interestingly, characters like Rowan Whitethorn and Dorian Havilliard from “Throne of Glass,” Aaron Warner from “Shatter Me,” Kaz Brekker from “Six of Crows,” Howl Pendragon from “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and Cardan Greenbriar from “Folk of the Air” all made the runner-up list — further reinforcing the idea that emotional intelligence is king in today’s fiction.
What makes this research particularly compelling is how it connects fandom across generations. “Anne of Green Gables” was published nearly a century ago, yet its protagonist still ranks alongside modern fantasy giants. Similarly, “The Princess Bride” — released in 1987 — continues to inspire new waves of fans through streaming platforms and TikTok trends.
For many fans, this ranking isn’t just about popularity — it’s about validation. Characters like Gilbert Blythe and Wesley weren’t just chosen because they’re handsome or charismatic — they were selected because they represent ideals of loyalty, patience, and emotional maturity.
And if there’s one takeaway from this data, it’s this: the future of romance fiction belongs to those who blend fantasy with heart. Whether you’re drawn to the medieval magic of “A Court of Thorns and Roses” or the wholesome charm of “Anne of Green Gables,” the common thread is clear — readers crave characters who make them feel seen, understood, and loved.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, studios and publishers should take note. These characters aren’t relics — they’re renaissance figures. Their enduring popularity suggests there’s a massive, untapped market for content that prioritizes emotional resonance over spectacle.
So what’s next? Could we see a crossover event featuring Gilbert Blythe and Wesley? Or perhaps a limited series exploring Rhysand’s journey before he became the prince of darkness? The possibilities are endless — and the data says it’s time to start planning.
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