My Favourite Films About Nerds of All-Time

Few characters attract audiences to theatres like nerds. Since the 1980’s, nerds have often appeared in unforgettable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, genius teachers or disturbed therapists, the genre has created many strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about nerds which deserve to be celebrated.

1. The Breakfast Club

High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I remember fond memories of attending a high school where I faced intense pressure. No matter how hard I often tried, I couldn’t stand up against mean bullies in my school that left me terrified. Being a shy nerd, I often struggled to fit in with my peers in a dark school where my voice was rarely heard. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the fact that high school did play roles in shaping the person I have become today. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the struggles faced by nerds to fit in a club as powerfully as “The Breakfast Club”. Ever since its release in 1985, John Hughes’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about nerds. With the greatest film of his career, Hughes used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the heavy burden that nerdy teenagers bear. Hughes has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of nerdy teenagers that face turmoil, and “The Breakfast Club” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Hughes effectively used improvisation to create a realistic portrait of nerds in a school seeking compassion. For instance, the confession scene in which Brian reveals the reasons why he is in detention causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Michael Hall, who portrayed a nerdy teenager seeking acceptance. Ultimately, what makes “The Breakfast Club” my favourite film about nerds of all-time is its universal appeal. The film delivers a profound message about adolescence which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated, its themes remain relevant today. Despite focusing on teenagers during the 1980’s, its themes of adolescence resonate with modern adolescents today. Nearly 40 years after the release of an iconic film about dark teens lacking a life direction forming bonds in detention, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that has made unforgettable movies about the lives of nerds that are worthy of celebration.

2. The Social Network

Friendships are fragile relationships that often face hardships. I remember developing friendships with a kid in school that I grew up to treasure. However, our bond came to a closure. No longer the friend I had grown up to adore, he became a stranger I didn’t recognize anymore. As someone haunted by memories of a broken friendship on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured nerds that contributed to the formation of Facebook. Fincher uses captivating montages capturing a nerdy entrepreneur forming a social network organization. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo breaks Mark’s laptop after discovering his shares have been lowered is one of the greatest moments of the business genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who captured the personality of a renowned social network founder. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a social network company that’s successful, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing great movies about nerds which audiences consider to be special.

3. Spider-Man

Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that always impressed my grandfather. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that appreciated the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero making him feel heard. He would always praise a hero whose great powers came with great responsibility shaping his identity. In 2002, Sam Raimi honoured the superhero with a nerdy personality in his movie “Spider-Man”. Raimi used captivating montages to capture the hardships that a nerdy superhero in high school is facing. For instance, the scene in which Peter is bullied by Flash in school revealing his superpowers causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tobey Maguire, who portrayed a legendary superhero that comic-book fans admire. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of finding a work-life balance that would resonate with everyone. It turned Spider-Man into a hero with humanity that anyone could identify with. A touching tribute towards a superhero whose great powers come with great responsibilities that are challenging, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making engaging movies which are worth celebrating.

4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Anxiety shaped my personality. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced pressure in a class that was cruel. Unable to cope with stress, I faced a nervous breakdown that impacted my academic success. Being a shy nerd, I struggled to cope with anxiety in a school where my voice was rarely ever heard. As someone that faced anxiety as a nerdy teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a beloved book about nerdy teenagers. Chbosky used voice-over narration to capture a nerdy teenager facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Charlie experiences a severe nervous breakdown after bidding goodbyes to friends is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Logan Lerman, who captures an anxious adolescent. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a coming-of-age classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of wallflower teenagers that deteriorate, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced movies about the lives of nerdy adolescents which audiences appreciate.

5. A Beautiful Mind

Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students about a disorder causing the lives of individuals to deteriorate. As someone treasuring a teacher that was fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s beautiful masterpiece captured the Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard uses stunning unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash experiences a nerve-wracking breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an great role by Russell Crowe, capturing a mathematician that accomplished success years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a commemorated message about illness which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a phenomenal reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured one-of-a-kind movies leaving a lasting legacy behind.

6. The Theory of Everything

Few physicists have built a legacy as inspiring as Stephen Hawking. An inspiring historical figure, Hawking overcame disabilities to create groundbreaking theories. In 2014, John Marsh honoured the inspiring physicist in his movie “The Theory of Everything”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Theory of Everything” stand out is depiction of disability. Marsh uses captivating montages capturing a nerdy physicist that overcame frightening disabilities to create theories that are groundbreaking. Assisted by Eddie Redmayne who is extraordinary in the lead role, Marsh honoured Stephen Hawking’s legacy. A powerful tribute towards a physicist that changed the world forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies about icons that audiences treasure.

7. Jurassic Park

Dinosaurs are dangerous creatures that I have always found frightening. With their sharp jaws, larger-than-life figures and pitiless eyes, dinosaurs have often frightened me. My lifelong fear of dark dinosaurs began when I first saw “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie captured nerdy scientists investigating dinosaurs. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Jurassic Park” stand out is its spectacle. Spielberg uses captivating practical effects to capture committed nerds seeking to overcome dinosaurs that are frightening. Assisted by Jeff Goldblum who is amazing in the lead role, Spielberg created a compelling dinosaur blockbuster. As precious as the Jurassic Park theme park, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies with a spark.

8. The Imitation Game

Alan Turing is a genius mathematician that built a legacy that’s lasting. During WWII, Turing was a mathematician that designed a machine winning the war. An awe-inspiring mathematician, Turing created a machine that prevented destruction. In 2014, Morten Tyldum celebrated the mathematician achieving fame in his movie “The Imitation Game”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Imitation Game” stand out is its depiction of engineers. Tyldum used stunning flashbacks to honour a mathematician that made a historical contribution. Assisted by Benedict Cumberbatch who is superb in the lead role, Tuldum honoured Turing’s legacy. 90 years after Alan Turing designed a groundbreaking machine, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made movies which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.

9. Hidden Figures

When it comes to the most genius women in NASA’s space history, it’s worth discussing the hidden figures. During the 1960’s, African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become legendary figures.  In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hidden Figures” stand out is its depiction of racism. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles nerdy black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Assisted by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent in the lead role, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards Africa-American women that participated in NASA’s space race, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies that audiences embrace.

10. 10 Things I Hate About You

Few movies ever made about nerds have managed to captivate audiences like 10 Things I Hate About You. Since its release in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie has become a high school classic. Junger used montages capturing nerds treated in ways that are cruel in high school. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is amazing in the lead role, Junger created a captivating coming-of-age classic. Although I’ve always admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of nerds as outcasts rejected by girls they fall in love with causing adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Cameron’s love for Bianca, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies about nerds facing a dilemma in schools which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.