Who would have guessed a movie about a computer nerd could be such a big deal? Now
that the tale of the world's youngest billionaire is receiving raves from critics
and audiences alike, we thought we'd put together a fun little feature to
celebrate David Fincher's The
Social Network. Here, from #15 to #1, are the results of our Fandango
user survey, asking all of you, who are the all-time movie computer geeks?
By Chuck Walton
The #15 spot on our survey is owned by Jeff Fahey, known to modern audiences as fan favorite Captain Frank Lapidus on "Lost," but also known back in the day as Jobe Smith, or "The Lawnmower Man." While not exactly a good guy (far from it in fact), Fahey's Jobe does make an impression as he transforms from simpleton lawnmower guy next door to experimental lab rat to all-powerful, virtual computer man. For early CGI, this is a pretty cool metamorphosis.
At #14, we have a young Charlie Korsmo as the picked-upon high school graduate who is determined to finally get even with the high school jock who's made his teen years miserable. In the process, he'll also learn about the joys of partying and getting completely hammered. He'll also eventually form a hugely profitable computer company. Just like another William we know.
Nerrrdddssss! Who can forget the rallying cry, or the ubiquitous (?) use of the Queen song "We Are the Champions" at the end of Revenge of the Nerds. Leading the charge is ultra-versatile Anthony Edwards as Gilbert Lowell, a pocket nerd in the year 1984. One year later, Edwards would morph into the over-partied frat boy in The Sure Thing.
The cool thing about Ilan Mitchell-Smith's nerd Wyatt Donnelly in Weird Science is that he can make cool things using his computer...like Kelly LeBrock. His creation, named "Lisa," is the kind of ultra-hip party girl who knows a smart and sensitive winner when she sees one, and promptly turns Wyatt into a porsche-driving stud geek.
Amongst computer auteurs, Angelina Jolie represents the ultimate femme nerd. In 1995, developers the world over got their wish - watching Jolie and lots of tech gadgets in the same film frame. She's the ultimate combo: beauty, brains and enough hacking creds to make even Neo the maginificent a bit jealous.
He's adored by millions and is now an Oscar winner. Twenty eight years ago, he was also a super duper computer programmer named Kevin Flynn, who sets into action a chain of events that will be continued this December in Tron: Legacy. The thing about Flynn is that while he's a mega nerd, he was also one of the first smart kids who seemed kind of cool, and even operated his own video game parlor.
Stupid is as stupid does. Same for smart. And same for smartass. Val Kilmer's Chris Knight is the smartass king, who does whatever he pleases and with such a total sense of Real Genius affability that a quarter century later, he's still the whip-smart cool dude we all wish we could be. To quote the man himself, "I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates...who said...I drank what?"
Forget the computer. One of the all-time geeks period, Anthony Michael Hall practically made a living out of playing nerdlike over the course of his early film career. From Sixteen Candles to Weird Science to The Breakfast Club and beyond, Michael Hall effortlessy assayed geeks of varying i.q. and chutzpah.
The other Michael Bolton is such an underrated creation of geek specificity that David Herman is truly deserving of his lucky #7 rating. From the look (glasses, coif, button down shirt and on) to the mannerisms to the ever-increasing irritation over his namesake (plus a special way with gangsta rap), Herman's Bolton is a computer geek for the centuries.
After gaining fame as the endearing, beer-drinking, "eh"-spouting McKenzie brother Bob on SCTV, Moranis evolved from the goofy doof from Ghostbusters to full-fledged zany computer scientist dad in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Imagine the fun if he was your pops. Your backyard could become an adventure through an overgrown Amazon, and your allowance would be as big as a house.
He's not just the Apple guy. In Live Free or Die Hard, Justin Long proves believable as a computer nerd who could literally fight side by side with Bruce Willis. Not too geeky or too polished, Long's Matt Farrell serves as audience substitute for the over-the-top scenarios, and a handy hacker capable of nullifying a bad guy's bank account or utility bill.
Matthew Broderick was the first leading man, movie computer geek star in War Games. He made plugging your phone into a modem, and turning on that nifty audio doo-dad as fun as anything James Bond could pull off. Along with Bridges' Kevin Flynn, Broderick ushered in a golden age of movie computer geekdom.
If you ever need a credible hip computer geek in your movie who's believable as the smart guy, but doesn't need to be on the Mark Wahlberg level of coolness, then Seth Green's your man. He looks like he'd know his way around javascript, and he'd be able to keep his calm around world-class beauties such as Charlize Theron.
While Angelina Jolie's hacker might be the more downloaded one on certain geeks' computers, if you were actually to spend a project together poring through data matrices, Sandra Bullock's the beauty whose next-door-neighbor, down-to-earth appeal and smarts make her the movie star nerd with whom guys and girls would love to share an online chat.
He's not the greatest thespian on the planet. But would you rather see Ben
Affleck in The Matrix? If you asked any real computer geek, who
would be your idealized
comic book superhero version of yourself, then 9 nerds out of 10 say
Keanu Reeves in The Matrix...as long as it's
the first Matrix.
Did the voters miss anyone? Let us know below!
Get the Beskar Bounty Bundle and receive one movie ticket to Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu plus a Limited Edition 28" x 11.5" Concept Art Print!
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Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 6am PT on 5/18/26 and 11:59pm PT on 5/24/26 and purchase at least one (1) movie ticket to Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing a link (“Link”) to the Disney Music Emporium website that is good for 20% off the purchase of The Mandalorian and Grogu Helmet Die-Cut vinyl. Link expires, and can no longer be used, at 11:59pm PT on 6/29/26. Limit 1 purchase per Link. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive the Link. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. This offer is subject to Fandango’s terms and policies at https://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies and the Link is subject to Disney’s terms and policies at https://disneytermsofuse.com/
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Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log into your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 6:00am PT on 5/18/26 and 11:59pm PT on 6/14/26, purchase three (3) or more tickets to see Scary Movie, and use the Fandango Promotional Code SCARYMOVIEB3G1 (“Code”) to get up to $20 off one (1) additional ticket for the same showtime (equal or lesser value, up to $20 total ticket price and associated fees and charges). Code must be entered at checkout. Code expires and can no longer be used after 11:59pm PT on 6/14/26, or when Scary Movie is no longer in theaters, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, whichever comes first. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have a Fandango account, and be logged into your account, to use the Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. One-time use only. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. If cost of the ticket (and associated fees and charges) obtained through the Code is more than Code’s maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy a ticket to see Stop! That! Train! in theaters and receive three free months of WOW Presents Plus!
Get 1 free ticket instantly when you join FanClub with your Young Washington ticket order.
The ‘Young Washington – 1 free ticket FanClub Promotion' offer (the “Offer”) begins 5/6/26 and will run for a limited time. Offer valid for new FanClub members only. To be eligible, you must subscribe to a 1-month paid FanClub membership ($9.99 per month + tax) when purchasing tickets Young Washington on the Fandango website or mobile app, and Offer will be automatically applied at checkout. To redeem the Offer, you must complete checkout while an eligible FanClub membership is in your cart and Offer is applied. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law); void where prohibited. Adjustments to prior purchases not permitted. Taxes may apply. Offer may only be redeemed once per person. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply, including Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Share the gift of Young Washington and experience the making of a future general.
Get 4 months of FanClub member benefits, 4 free movie tickets, plus a $20 Fandango at Home promo code.
"OFFER TERMS AND CONDITIONS This “FanClub Summer Movie Pass” offer (the “Offer”) is valid from May 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026 (the “Offer Period”). To qualify, you must purchase a FanClub Summer Movie Pass at www.fandango.com/fanclub/summerpass for $49.99. This Offer is not valid for current FanClub members; however, individuals may become eligible after their existing FanClub membership has expired if such membership expires before the end of the Offer Period. The FanClub Summer Movie Pass includes four (4) months of Fandango FanClub membership beginning upon enrollment. After the initial four (4) month period, your membership will automatically renew at $9.99/month (plus applicable taxes) unless canceled prior to the renewal date. The Offer also includes four (4) Fandango movie ticket promo codes (each, a “Ticket Code”). One (1) Ticket Code will be delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours after enrollment. The remaining three (3) Ticket Codes will be delivered via email monthly over the subsequent three (3) months. Each Ticket Code is valid for one-time use for the purchase of one (1) movie ticket on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app. Ticket Codes expire on the earlier of 12/31/26 or when your FanClub membership expires. The Offer also includes one (1) $20 Fandango at Home promotional code (the “FAH Code”, and collectively with Ticket Codes, “Codes”), which will be delivered via email within 24 to 48 hours after enrollment. The FAH Code is valid for up to $20 off a qualifying purchase on Fandango at Home. The FAH Code expires on the earlier of 12/31/26 or when your FanClub membership expires. The FAH Code is valid for one-time use only. Any price difference between total transaction price and FAH Code's maximum discount will not be refunded. If cost of purchase is more than FAH Code's maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. To redeem any Codes, you must have and be logged into your Fandango or Fandango at Home account and still be a FanClub member. Lost or stolen Codes cannot be replaced. This Offer has no cash value except as required by law, is void where prohibited, and cannot be combined with any other offer. It is valid only in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Codes are non-transferable, not for resale, and void if sold or exchanged. Taxes may apply. Limit one (1) FanClub Movie Pass Pass per person. Redemption is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. No adjustments will be made for prior purchases. Fandango reserves the right to modify or withdraw this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply. See Fandango FanClub Program Terms for details. FREE FANDANGO MOVIE TICKET TERMS AND CONDITIONS Fandango promotional code (“Code”) is good for one (1) ticket to any movie at a participating Fandango theater. Codes expire on the earlier of 12/31/2026 or when you FanClub membership expires. To be eligible for this offer, you must be a paying Fandango FanClub Movie Pass member at the time the offer is sent and remain a FanClub member at the time that you redeem each Code. Each Code is one-time use only. Codes are valid only for the purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If the cost of movie tickets and associated fees and charges exceeds a Code’s maximum discount, you must pay the difference. Any price difference between the total transaction price and a Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account, and be a FanClub member, to redeem a Code. If a Code is lost or stolen, it cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited.Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit one redemption per Code per person. Redemption of each Code is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. $20 FAH MOVIE TICKET TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Fandango at Home promo code (“Code”) included in this Offer expires on the earlier of 12/31/2026 and when your FanClub membership expires. To be eligible for this offer, you must be a paying Fandango FanClub Summer Movie Pass member at the time the Offer is sent and remain a FanClub member at the time that you redeem the Offer and Code. The Code is good for up to $20.00 (twenty dollars) off any single movie or episode purchase in a single transaction. To redeem your Code, enter the Code at checkout during your next Fandango at Home purchase. The Code is a one-time use discount. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code's maximum discount will not be refunded. If cost of purchase is more than Code's maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Code cannot be combined with any other offers. Code is non-transferable and has no cash value, except as required by law. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Adjustments to prior purchases will not be permitted. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply. See Fandango FanClubProgram Terms for details."
Step into the battle for Eternia like never before. Grab your Masters of the Universe Power Pint bundle and witness He-Man and Skeletor clash in Dolby Cinema—plus receive Fandango-exclusive collectible pint glasses that bring the power with you.
*Power Pint Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The set of two collectible pint glasses will begin shipping in May. Please use a physical U.S. address where the set of two collectible pint glasses shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://store.fandango.com/products/pint-power-bundle
Share the fun of seeing WWE Clash in Italy on the big screen!
Limited time offer. Purchase $50.00 or more worth of Fandango gift card(s) in a single transaction on Fandango.com between 12:01am PT on Wednesday 5/19/2026 and 11:59pm PT on Sunday 5/31/2026. At checkout, enter the promo code MAY26 (“Code”) to receive 10% off your purchase. Code must be entered at checkout to receive discount. Maximum $50.00 discount off a single transaction. No cash value, except as required by law. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Void where prohibited. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and the redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at www.fandango.com/Terms-and-Policies.