One of the archetypes that has been portrayed many times in Hollywood is the nerd. However, the stereotypical dorky-looking, socially awkward white kid with glasses has now evolved into another kind of ‘cool’ nerd.
If we understand the term ‘nerd’ as someone who is really into something (let’s say, comic books or a genre of music), the nerds are now the ones who rule pop culture. Of course, now they are described as fans.
This change of status quo, from undesirability to the center of entertainment, took place thanks to several characters (as well as the comic book’s overhaul of Hollywood) such as Seth Cohen from The O.C. or Scott Pilgrim. Here, check out some of the most iconic films with nerd(y) protagonists.
Booksmart (2019)
One of the best teen movies of the 2010s, as well as one of the best ones about nerdy characters. One of the things that this movie does best is precisely subverting the classic journey of the nerd character, especially our heroes.
Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) are two high school seniors who entered Ivy League colleges, but they aren’t popular among their peers. After discovering that many of their classmates also made it into prestigious colleges while also enjoying the party scene, they decided to enjoy their last night in high school going to their first party.
Revenge of the Nerds franchise (1984-1994)
Written by Steve Zacharias and Jeff Buhai, the original film was inspired by an article in Los Angeles magazine article, titled “Revenge of the Nerds,” that described computer programmers gaining respect in Silicon Valley.
The series revolves around a group of socially-inept students (the nerds) trying to get revenge on their harassers. While the films, especially the first one, has left a lasting impression on pop culture, many of the films racial jokes, as well as misogynistic tone, have now been harshly criticized (with total fairness).
Superbad (2007)
Superbad, written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (and inspired by their own experiences as high school seniors), is considered one of the best teen comedies of the 2000s. And, unlike other raunchy comedies of its time, it has actually aged well.
The protagonists of this one-night adventure are Evan, played by Michael Cera, and Seth, portrayed by Jonah Hill. Evan is the mathletic one, and Seth is insecure but the two of them are brilliant guys but… Well, still the nerdy-type.
Good Boys (2019)
Produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this film follows their typical formula with nerdy friends as the main characters. This time, the movie follows three naive sixth graders who ditch school to replace a broken drone and prepare for their kisses after being invited to a major party — but things go epically awry.
It stars Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams and Brady Noon, and it received mostly positive reviews. Directed by Gene Stupnitsky, in his directorial debut, the film falls into wacky humor but it also has a lot of heart.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
While Sam (Molly Ringwald) and Jake (Michael Schoeffling), the main characters and love interests of this John Hughes’ classic film aren’t nerds, it is one geek that moves the plot along: Ted (Anthony Michael Hall).
Ted is a nerd who is interested in Sam, and while trying to impress his friends, he actually connects with her and encourages her to go after Jake. He also does the same for Jake. Truly, a great representation of all the geeks out there.
Eighth Grade (2018)
As the “nerd” stereotype has changed throughout time, the same has happened with the pressures that kids go through over their teenage years. In this case, this Bo Burhman’s film really showcases how social media shapes a lot of what teens today do, think and more.
The movie follows Kayla, a teenager attending middle school who struggles with anxiety but strives to gain social acceptance. To cope, she publishes video blogs as a self-styled motivational advice-giver.
She’s All That (1999)
Teen movies based on classics are always iconic. In this case, this film is a modern adaptation of George Bernarnd Shaw’s play Pygmalion. It follows Zack Siler, played by Freddie Prinze Jr., who makes a bet with his friend that he could make any girl at his high school popular. Enter Laney Boggs, played by Rachel Leigh Cook.
In the film, Laney is unpopular, but she is interested in art and it’s timid. However, while Zack gets to know her, he falls for her. It’s true that some scenes are now too cliché (the “makeover” and “removing the glasses to show you’re beautiful”), but it is still a great teen rom-com.
Real Genius (1985)
Featuring Val Kilmer and Gabriel Jarret, the movie takes place at Pacific Tech, a science and engineering university akin to Caltech. The story revolves around Chris Knight (played by Kilmer), a senior-year genius, who teams up with a new student named Mitch Taylor (Jarret) to collaborate on a project involving a chemical laser.
The film was positively welcomed by critics and audiences alike. Despite following some of the cliché tropes, it also has an emotional storyline and characters that were lovable despite their flaws.
The Social Network (2010)
As we said in the introduction, there are different types of nerds. There are nerds that you would like as your friends, and there are nerds that simply are… Conceited. And, let’s say that David Fincher’s The Social Network put them front and center.
The film centers around the founding of Facebook and its founders Mark Zuckerberg ( Jesse Eisenberg), Eduardo Severin (Andrew Garfield) and more. The movie really showcases how these smart, complaining, self-centered men came to define the world we live in today, for better or worse.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
One of the characters that helped change the paradigm from the classic nerd to the “cool nerd” was Scott Pilgrim. Portrayed by Michael Cera, Scott is a slacker musician who is trying to win a competition to get a record deal while also battling the seven evil exes of his newest girlfriend Ramona Flowers ( Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
The film was mostly positively received by critics, but it was a box office bomb. Since its release, it has gained a cult following. And, while the script might be simple, its visuals are dazzling and confirm that the nerds are, in fact, the new heroes.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Hailee Steinfeld stars in this dramedy, written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, as Nadine, a witty, sarcastic, and emotionally troubled teenage girl whose world is shaken when she discovers her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson) is dating her older brother (Blake Jenner).
Nadine, more than a nerd, is actually lonely. However, what is more nerd than having to eat lunch with your teacher because you don’t have anyone to talk to? Apart from that, there’s also another nerdy character (her love interest) that it’s actually lovable.
The Spider-Man movies
One of the most-beloved nerdy characters out there is Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man. It’s true that all the different adaptations put their own spin on the character, but Peter is always pretty smart, interested in science and not very popular in school.
However, he is also brave, caring and kind. While he isn’t that socially smart, Peter isn’t always a total loser. Another thing we love about him, it’s the fact that his intelligence is also a big part of what makes him a great superhero.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Big Hero 6 narrates the journey of Hiro Hamada, a talented young robotics whiz, and Baymax, the healthcare robot created by Hiro’s late brother Tadashi. Together, they assemble a superhero squad to take on a mysterious masked villain linked to Tadashi’s tragic demise.
The film has been considered one of Pixar’s best movies, and it mixes several influences from superhero movies to family drama.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
This amazing movie shares the heartwarming tale of Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon), a student who’s super smart in math and has an incredible IQ. However, he needs some guidance to figure out where he’s headed in life.
In the film, he receives the help of therapist Sean, portrayed by Robin Williams. The movie explores the journey to adulthood and finding a purpose, making viewers reflect on what truly defines a person.
