You know the drill. You’re scrolling through TikTok or X at 2 a.m., and suddenly you’re faced with a rapid-fire choice: smash or pass male celebrities. It’s the ultimate internet litmus test. Honestly, the game has changed. We aren't just looking at generic "pretty boys" anymore. In 2026, the vibe is shifting toward what people are calling "unconventional intensity" and, weirdly enough, a massive resurgence of the 1980s aesthetic.
If you watched the 2026 Golden Globes, you saw it firsthand. The red carpet looked like a time machine.
The Mullet Men of 2026: A New Aesthetic
For a long time, the "smash" category was dominated by the clean-cut Marvel Chris-types. That's over. Right now, the internet is losing its mind over the mullet trend that swept through the awards season this January. Glen Powell, who basically owns 2026 with his upcoming role in J.J. Abrams’ The Great Beyond, debuted a "baby mullet" that had everyone debating. It’s a polarizing look. One side of the internet says it’s a hard "pass," while the other is obsessed with the "business in the front, party in the back" energy.
He wasn't alone. Jacob Elordi—fresh off his Best Supporting Actor win at the Critics Choice Awards for Frankenstein—showed up with a tousled, curly version of the same cut.
Elordi is a fascinating case study in smash or pass. He’s gone from the "heartthrob" in The Kissing Booth to playing Heathcliff in the 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights opposite Margot Robbie. He’s leaning into "destructive antihero" energy, which, let's be real, is a "smash" for about 90% of his fanbase.
The "Internet Daddy" Evolution
We have to talk about Pedro Pascal. The man is 50, and his "smash" status is practically a matter of international law at this point. 2026 is arguably his biggest year yet. He’s juggling Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and returning to voice Din Djarin in The Mandalorian & Grogu, which hits theaters in May.
What’s interesting about Pascal is the "nuance." He isn't just a face; he’s a vibe. He’s the guy who can play a hitman looking for redemption in Freaky Tales (releasing April 2025/early 2026) and then voice a protective space-dad. That versatility is what keeps him at the top of every list. People aren't just smashing the look; they’re smashing the personality.
The Rise of the "Gritty" Leading Man
Then there’s Jeremy Allen White. Honestly, if you haven't seen the 2026 buzz around his Bruce Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere, you’re missing out. He’s nominated for another Golden Globe for The Bear (Season 4), but it’s his transformation into "The Boss" that has everyone talking.
White represents a different kind of celebrity appeal. He’s not "traditionally" polished. He’s got that "I just finished a double shift in a kitchen" look that the internet has collectively decided is peak attractiveness. When he’s paired with Austin Butler in the upcoming A24 crime flick Enemies, it’s going to be the "Smash or Pass" event of the decade.
Speaking of Austin Butler, he’s still riding high from Dune: Part Two and Caught Stealing. He’s moved away from the "Elvis voice" and into a rugged, Breitling-wearing outdoorsman persona. He told Gentleman’s Journal he’s been hiking the Grand Canyon and camping in the wilderness. That "rugged survivalist" energy? Massive smash.
Why Some Celebrities Get a "Pass"
It’s not all sunshine. The "pass" side of the game usually comes down to overexposure. Paul Mescal actually addressed this recently. He told People magazine that he’s looking forward to a period where he isn't promoting anything because he thinks the world needs a "welcome break" from seeing his face.
He’s filming the Beatles four-film project all through 2026 (he’s playing Paul McCartney), so he’s intentionally stepping back. Sometimes, being too available makes you a "pass." There’s a psychological element here—mystery is hot. When a celebrity is in every single commercial and talk show, the "smash" factor takes a dip.
The 2026 Smash or Pass Power Rankings
To give you a clear picture of where things stand right now, here is the current breakdown of the men dominating the conversation:
- The Unstoppable Smash: Pedro Pascal. It’s the consistency. Between Marvel and Star Wars, he’s inescapable but still beloved.
- The Trend-Setter: Glen Powell. Whether you love or hate the mullet, he’s the one taking the risks. His role in The Running Man remake later this year will likely cement his "action hero" status.
- The Indie Darling: Paul Mescal. Even with his "hiatus," his role as William Shakespeare in Hamnet keeps him in the high-brow "smash" category.
- The New Guard: Cooper Koch. After his Emmy-worthy turn in Monsters, he’s become the new favorite for fashion campaigns (Calvin Klein, anyone?).
How to Play the Game Fairly
Look, the "smash or pass" trend is basically just a digital version of "who do you have a crush on?" but it can get weirdly toxic. The key to keeping it fun is recognizing that beauty is subjective. One person's "absolute smash" (like Barry Keoghan and his unique, sharp features) might be someone else's "pass" because they prefer the classic look of someone like Henry Cavill.
Experts in digital culture, like those at Out Magazine or InStyle, note that these trends are often driven by "thirst traps" and viral moments. Tom Holland taking a cold plunge for Men’s Health or Zac Efron's vacation photos can flip a "pass" to a "smash" in 24 hours.
If you’re looking to stay updated on who’s trending, keep an eye on the Fan Expo lineups and the major A24 release schedules. The actors who take the weird, gritty roles are usually the ones who end up winning the internet's heart.
Actionable Insights for the Celebrity Obsessed
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and know who the next "smash" will be, do these three things:
- Follow A24 and Neon Casting News: These studios are the breeding ground for the next "Internet Boyfriends."
- Watch the International Film Circuit: Actors like Joshua Hong (from the K-pop group Seventeen) are crossing over into Western "smash or pass" lists through events like the Golden Globes.
- Monitor "The Mullet Index": As weird as it sounds, hair trends often signal a shift in who we find attractive. The move toward "messy" and "unstructured" hair in 2026 suggests we’re valuing authenticity over perfection.
Check out the latest red carpet photos from the 2026 Critics Choice Awards to see if your favorite made the cut.