Nerdy movie characters have always been good at entertaining us and making fellow nerds feel less like outsiders. But fictional nerds can do more than that — they can inspire us to take action, stand up for ourselves, and do what’s right in true nerd form (because, let’s face it, we’re all a little nerdy inside). Movies from the 1980s were particularly filled with inspirational nerds, and here are some of the best ones.
Nerd: David Lightman from WarGames
Why he’s inspirational: He shows that intense determination can solve the biggest issues ever.
Okay, starting off, I’ll be fair and admit that it’s David’s computer hacking skills and enthusiasm that caused him to almost start a world war. Yes, this is a problem, even though it makes him quite the nerd. Seriously, who else could unintentionally hack into highly classified governmental information?
But when David discovers what he’s accidentally done, he does everything in h is power to make sure a war doesn’t occur. I have a heart attack while watching every problem he comes across, including the man with the answers to his problems — Falken — seeming completely unenthusiastic about helping. But in the end, everything’s resolved due to David’s perseverance. You have to admire that.
Nerd: George McFly from Back to the Future
Why he’s inspirational: He shows us how to stand up for ourselves and others.
I don’t think a nerd character with such a minor role in a movie has ever been more awesome. George was constantly taunted by Biff — one of the main antagonists of the movie in the past and present. However, when he ends up witnessing Biff attempting to sexually harass his future wife, he punches him in the face. Biff is knocked out, and George gets the girl. Yes!
Pretty much every person loves this scene, mainly because Biff totally deserved to get KOed, but it was also fantastic to see a nerd who was so quiet and meek suddenly stand up for the woman he loves. He also grew up to be a science fiction writer like every good nerd should. George is so much nerd win.
Nerd: Ronald Miller from Can’t Buy Me Love
Why he’s inspirational: We learn along with him that popularity is not everything.
Patrick Dempsey’s character — that’s right, McDreamy was a huge nerd — isn’t like many other nerds: he sacrifices his nerdiness in order to try to be cool by paying a popular girl to go out with him. But after abandoning his nerdy friends and losing his sincerity, the girl exposes their agreement, and he realizes the error of his ways. Of course, in classic 80s fashion, they end up back together.
While Ronald does some cruel things in this movie, his dilemma is one that everyone faces: what would we do to be popular? We all know that high school sucks, but Ronald helps us realize that being fake is not the way to make it suck less. And he loves telescopes, which is adorable.
Nerd: Lewis Skolnick from Revenge of the Nerds
Why he’s inspirational: He never stops defending himself and his friends.
As opposed to the way Ronald tried to be cool, Lewis used his geekiness to defend himself and his friends, never giving up on who he was. When the Alpha Beta fraternity members constantly heckle Lewis and his friends, they use the homecoming Greek Games to prove their worth, utilizing their intelligence and computer skills to win almost every competition.
Sure, not all of their actions are moral — like spying on the women changing their clothes — but in general, it’s inspiring to see a group of outcasts stand up for themselves in a George McFly fashion. They ultimately end up proving their point and getting the frat house while the Alpha Beta members are moved to the gym. Yep, they got owned. By nerds. Which is why this is awesome.
Nerd: Cameron Frye from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Why he’s inspirational: He learns how to confront the things he worries so much about.
He probably isn’t even as nerdy as the other featured nerds in this article, but compared to the ultra-cool Ferris Bueller, he doesn’t really stand a chance. He spends the entire movie freaking out about all of the crazy antics Ferris gets them into, including borrowing Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari for a joyride, which ends up getting stolen at one point and basically wrecked.
I love Cameron, mainly because he’s just as paranoid about everything as I am. It’s inspiring to see how someone so wrapped up in panic over the outcome of an event can finally come to terms with the real problem and decide to confront it. When he chooses to take the blame and face his father, I think the entire audience felt a burden lift from their shoulders. You go, Cameron.
Conclusion
If you thought nerdy characters were only for comic relief, think again! Their decisions, actions, and characteristics serve to entertain as well as inspire audiences. With all of these awesome things going for them, what’s not to love?
