Remember Aaron Taylor-Johnson in ‘Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging’?

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the blueprint thanks to his role of Robbie in the 2008 British film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

When the millennial girlies took over Tumblr back in the day, the gifs of Taylor-Johnson with his Justin Bieber-esque swoop and perfect teenage love story were running rampant. However, for those who grew up in America, watching Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging was no easy feat. Because streaming services had yet to make it mainstream, most teens took to YouTube to get their fix. Anyone else remember watching the movie in 14 different parts?

While the actor has since leveled up his acting roles — and looks (can someone say glow up?!) — Taylor-Johnson has no qualms about reflecting on the cult classic that helped him get his start. In fact, he even knows which fans are going to bring up the movie.

Keep scrolling to look back at Taylor-Johnson’s role in the iconic coming-of-age film:

What Happened:

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Taylor-Johnson starred as Robbie alongside Georgia Groome (who now shares a child with her longtime partner, Harry Potter star Rupert Grint) as Georgia in the 2008 film. Based on the 1999 young adult novel, Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison, the movie followed the story of 14-year-old Georgia, who is determined to find a boyfriend. After meeting Robbie on the first day of school, Georgia develops a huge crush. He, however, is already dating the most popular girl in school.

Georgia fumbles several attempts at making Robbie jealous, which turns him off to the idea of them as a couple. Eventually, she apologizes, and Robbie reveals that he’s single — and still interested. At Georgia’s 15th birthday, she and Robbie share a kiss signifying that he chose her.

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Why It Was a Big Deal:

There’s truly no groundbreaking reason this movie became such a phenomenon, but the internet will do what the internet does and make something super popular. Which is how the obsession with Taylor-Johnson was born. There is a specific age group of females that used to be on Tumblr who understands this, Us can promise you that.

What People Said:

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Taylor-Johnson is fully on board with people continuing to bring up the movie.

“I think I was, like, 16. I’ll tell you what, I felt super anxious at that time to do a role like that because I felt like I was doing indie roles … it felt like I was stepping out of my comfort zone,” the actor shared in a December 2024 BuzzFeed interview. “It was a great environment and a great time. Good fun. I never really felt like it was something that would still follow me around today.”

The actor also joked he can “sometimes, sort of identify” which fans will bring up the movie when they see him in public. “Like, ‘OK, you’re maybe an Angus, Thongs fan.’ From way back when,” he said through laughter.

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What Happened Next:

Well, Taylor-Johnson continued to become a star. He’s taken on some seriously iconic roles in movies like Savages alongside Blake Lively and Taylor Kitsch or even Kick-Ass. Let’s not forget he was Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’s also baring his abs to take on the role of another Marvel Comics character, Kraven the Hunter, which hits theaters this December.

Where They Stand Now:

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

It’s unclear if Taylor-Johnson and his former costar Groome are still close. However, the actor does not feel any kind of pull toward his role as Robbie — even though Us is still talking about it.

“I have this weird thing where I shoot something and the moment of wrap, I’m like gone,” he told BuzzFeed. “I sort of shed that skin. It’s sort of like a bit of a curse at times because there are so many beautiful great moments and I kind of erase those too. I really don’t remember things and I don’t go back and watch anything.”