“Gilmore Girls” provided some of our best childhood crushes — from Dean Forester to Jess Mariano to Logan Huntzberger, it was clear that Rory had good taste in men. These love interests made Rory’s and our own little hearts skip a beat. Rory’s choice in men was exceptional, but who was the love of Rory’s life? I personally want to help you decide, so here’s a power ranking of Rory Gilmore’s boyfriends.
3. Dean “Stars Hollow’s Hero” Forester
Dean, played by Jared Padalecki, was Rory’s first love. Dean was the literal definition of the “boy next door” and unsurprisingly became a fan favorite. He was super loving not only toward Rory, but also toward Lorelai. He was more than devoted to Rory and did everything in his power to make her happy — he even built her a car! What a whole-ass man! However, young love has some bumps in the road. Dean was jealous and insecure about their relationship and was way too dramatic. There was an underlying feeling of him holding Rory back. *SPOILER* There is no doubt that Dean loved Rory, but his devotion makes him cheat on his wife, who is not Rory. Because of this, Dean is ranked last on the list of beloved Rory Gilmore’s boyfriends.
2. Jess “Bad Boy” Mariano
We all love bad boys — more than we’d like to admit. Viewers of “Gilmore Girls” got our fix of the bad boy with Jess Mariano, played by heartthrob Milo Ventimiglia. Seriously, years later and he still tugs at our heartstrings in the award-winning show, “This Is Us.” Jess was the perfect bad boy — he had a motorcycle, edgy hair and challenged Rory in ways she had never been challenged before. Jess ranks as No. 2 in my power ranking because he was low-key a shitty boyfriend, but also helped Rory grow as an individual. Being on the same intellectual level as Rory, they shared a love for reading and wit that made their relationship exciting to watch, especially when comparing Jess to Dean, who didn’t really do much. Even Paris liked Jess, which says a lot! On the other hand, Jess and Lorelai had conflicts. I know how much Lorelai’s approval meant to Rory. *SPOILER* Their relationship did get a little awkward, too, because of Lorelai and Luke’s evolving relationship. With Luke being Jess’s uncle, they would technically be cousins.
With Dean ranked at No. 3 and Jess at No. 2, that only leaves one man to be Rory’s soulmate …
1. Logan “Playboy” Huntzberger
Logan Huntzberger is Rory’s Yale boyfriend, and the last boyfriend we are introduced to (before the revival, of course). Logan, who is played by Matt Czuchry, ranks at the top because of how he helps Rory loosen the stick up her ass. He also works at the Yale Daily News — so I may be a little biased. Logan introduces Rory to the real college experience and other things season one Rory would have never done, such as stealing a yacht! Although Logan is smart, charming and handsome, he’s also rich, which makes it difficult for him to work hard for things. However, he definitely works hard to keep his relationship with Rory afloat. *SPOILER* In the Netflix reboot, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” Rory and Logan are still involved. Rory ends up pregnant and odds are that it’s Logan’s kid, which also plays into his ranking of No. 1. This becomes a universal sign that Rory and Logan will live in our hearts forever.
Rory Gilmore has had her ups and downs with boyfriends. I can’t help but root for none other than Logan Huntzberger to end up with Rory. Here’s to young love and hoping “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” releases another season to confirm that Logan really is the love of Rory’s life.
