Emma Watson No. 1 on AskMen's (New) Top 99 Most Outstanding Women of 2015 List—Who Else Made the Cut?

Also, find out why the website, which seeks to "empower young men to become someone they would admire," chose the actress to top its revamped annual roster

By Corinne Heller Mar 27, 2015 7:53 PMTags
Emma WatsonHeForShe

Emma Watson, an advocate of feminism and gender equality, has been made No. 1 on a men's lifestyle magazine's list of women...but not the kind of list you may be thinking of.

The 24-year-old Harry Potter alum tops the 99 Most Outstanding Women of 2015 roster posted on AskMen, which strives to "empower young men to become someone they would admire." In past years, the website had posted a list of Top 99 Most Desirable Women for the past 15 years. Last year's featured Watson as No. 5.

"This year's list is not only a reflection of a shift in the media, but also a shift in modern male thinking," said publisher James Bassil. "We wanted to steer away from 'hot' lists and highlight women who have demonstrated a sheer influence in their industry. We were looking for women who are doing something new this year, something that demonstrates their versatility and raw talent."

AskMen cites several reasons for why Watson was chosen as No. 1, such as her work as a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador (and the powerful speech she gave at the United Nations), her involvement in the HeForShe pro-gender equality campaign, a Facebook chat she took part in on International Women's Day and her British Artist of the Year honor at the Britannia Awards, which she dedicated to her pet hamster who died a horrific death on the set of one of the Harry Potter movies (no, really...watch below).

"For those who grew up alongside the actors in the Harry Potter movies, it's strange to see just how damn accomplished Emma Watson has become," the website states. "Not content with being smart, rich and talented, she's spent much of her time working to end gender discrimination. Hell, at 24 years old, she makes almost everyone seem lazy."

UFC fighting champ Ronda Rousey comes in at No. 2, while Kim Kardashian is in third place.

"Those who know Kim from Keeping Up With the Kardashians might be quick to write her off," AskMen said. "But if you step back and take a look at the facts, Kim has managed to flip Z-level fame into A-list status through pure business savvy. TV show, check. Perfume line? Check. Coffee-table book? Check. Biggest mobile app of 2014? Check, please. If anyone could break the internet, it's Kim K. She's a force to be reckoned with."

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Taylor Swift is No. 4 and ski pro Lindsey Vonn is No. 5. Others who made the cut include Beyoncé (No. 7), Amal Clooney (No. 8), Jennifer Lawrence (No. 9) and Michelle Obama (No. 12).

Jessica Alba, who did not make the Most Desirable list last year, is No. 99.