Sexy Nerds: The Hottest Geeks in Film
Jul 7th, 2009 by Michelle Lauren
July is Nerd Appreciation Month 
All month, stop by my site for cool nerd facts and hot pics of the sexiest geeks on TV, in movies and romance. And, let’s not forget, there will be PRIZES!
NOTE: This is part III in my “Nerd is the New Sexy” series. See previous installments here and here.
Check out the new, 2010 Nerd is the New Sexy schedule! Plus — get the chance to choose the next topic.
Today, I’ll be sharing my picks for the sexiest nerds in film. So buckle up and enjoy the ride.
JUSTIN LONG (Matt Farrell, Live Free or Die Hard)
Justin Long won fans over when he starred as a “Mac” computer in a series of Apple vs. PC commercials. He has made a career out of playing the irreverent, nerdy guy with impeccable comic delivery.
He also happens to be ripped and not afraid to show it.
Exhibit A (to the right) and Exhibit B (the torso pic of Justin from the film Jeepers Creepers) testify to this :
Nerdalicious TM Quote (s):
“I get the worst of both worlds. I look like a geeky hacker, but I don’t know anything about computers.”
DAVID DUCHOVNY (Fox Mulder, X-Files: I Want to Believe)
Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World, it’s no wonder that David Duchovny makes it on this list.
He epitomizes the hot nerd to me. I fell for this actor hard in the 1990’s when the X-Files series ran on television. Since the series ended, he has appeared twice on the big screen as Fox Mulder, an FBI agent with a lot of conspiracy theories and a whole lot of sexiness.
Soft-spoken with a dry, satirical sense of humor, the character of Fox Mulder claims an intelligence that is almost frightening to watch and an impressive six foot frame. Plus, he’s not too hard on the eyes, huh?
Nerdalicious QuoteTM (s):
“I’m half Jewish, half Scottish. It’s hard for me to buy anything.”
DANIEL RADCLIFFE (Harry Potter, Harry Potter)
Beloved by audiences worldwide as the titular wizard in author J.K. Rowling’s bestselling Harry Potter series, Radcliffe first came to my attention as the cute, owl-eyed boy who brought to life this series.
The word “sexy” never entered my mind in reference to this actor…until “Equus.” Otherwise known as “That Play about Horses where Daniel Radcliffe Gets Naked.” 
*WARNING: Not Safe For Work Due to Gratuitous Nipple Shots and Sexiness**
To quote Veronica Mars: “Damn. I repeat, damn.” Can I get an Amen 
That role – along with his ripped physique – earned Radcliffe the number 23 spot on Empire Magazine’s 100 Sexiest Movie Stars in 2007.
Intense, intelligent and armed with bravery and a surprising six pack, this former-child actor not only brings the sexy (and happy trails) back, he also gets a permanent spot on this list.
Nerdalicious TM Quote (s):
“I’m not clumsy, I’m just accident prone.”
“I’ve never been one of the cool people at school, but then again, I don’t get the people who are cool. It’s not that I don’t like them[;] it’s just that they don’t interest me.”
TOPHER GRACE (Pete Monash, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton)
This actor has some serious geek cred going for him: Topher Grace gained nationwide fame after starring in the hit television series That 70’s Show. Since then, he has starred in films such as In Good Company, Oceans 11 and the recent hit Spiderman 3.
Known for his lanky frame, deadpan humor and intense green eyes, Topher reminds me of a younger David Duchovny. His sexiness is understated but undeniable.
Nerdalicious TM Quote (s):
[Talking about his scene with Michael Douglas in Traffic (2000)]: “I threatened Michael Douglas! Oh man, that guy could beat me over the head with his Oscar!”
From Ocean’s 11: (Playing a game of five-card draw poker)
Topher Grace: Fellas! Fellas! Check this… all… reds! (shows an assortment of hearts and diamonds)
HUGH JACKMAN (Stanley Jobson, Swordfish)
How should I put this? If hotness were a degree in college, Hugh Jackman would have triple doctorates. This 6′2 ½” Australian born actor has a diverse portfolio of work ranging from romantic comedies, to Broadway plays, to action movies. His drool worthy performance as Logan/ Wolverine in the X-Men movie series, including the May 2009 prequel film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, cemented him as an international sex symbol.
So how does he end up on the Hottest Nerds in Film list? One word. Swordfish.
In this 2001 film, Jackman played Stanley Jobson, a computer hacker recently released from prison and recruited by John Travolta to help steal billions in unused government funds. That’s right, people. Not only is his character a nerd, he’s an ex-con nerd who looks like he could bench press a car. With this role, Jackman sexifies hacking as a career.
Nerdalicious TM Quote (s):
[from Swordfish]
Stanley: And you are?
Ginger: I’m Ginger.
Stanley: Where’s Gilligan?
[on his 8-year-old adopted son Oscar]
He said to me the other day, ‘Dad, two o’clock, hot chick.’ He walks over, and I heard him say, ‘Hey, my dad’s Wolverine.’ That’s his opening line! He brings them over and asks, ‘Dad, can we have a few autographs for the girls?’ I’m like, ‘Am I pimping for my kids?’
HONORABLE MENTION
JON HEDER (Napoleon Dynamite, Napoleon Dynamite)
Because no list about nerds is complete without a shout out to Napoleon. Since hitting the big screen in the 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite, a film that catapulted him to international stardom, Jon Heder has made a career of playing geeks (Blades of Glory and The Benchwarmers).
But he will always hold my heart as the lovable, curly-haired outcast who falls for the shy girl (the fantastic Tina Majorino) and wins the love of his school after his unforgettable dance. Enjoy!
READER QUESTION: Who are your favorite hunky, movie nerds?
I <3 Hugh Jackman! I’d forgotten about Swordfish because his character isn’t the “typical” geek. But he’s def hot.
Justin Long was great in “He’s Just Not that into You.” His character wasn’t a nerd per se but he did have some awkwardness to him. I LOVE those Mac v PC commercials. I wish they still ran.
Great list Michelle! I’ve always liked Ethan Embry. He played a nerdy guy in love with Jennifer Love Hewit in “Can’t Hardly Wait.”
John Cusack as Lane Meyer on Better Off Dead.
I liked John Cusack as Lane Meyer in Better Off Dead.
I love Justin Long. He’s the romantic lead in the new movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” and he totally makes the movie!!
And Hugh Jackman is just yummy in anything…
Minx
Again I’m late. You have a great list. Hugh is hot but I have a soft spot for Justin Long. Sigh!
@ Arch: Thanks for the recommendation. I’m trying to view Better Off Dead now, but I’ll prob have to buy the movie online since it’s not in stores.
@ Minx: Yeah, Justin Long is just hunky.Plus — how can you not love that ab shot of him above?
@ Danielle: Thanks so much for stopping by. Don’t worry about being late. Happens to me frequently.