Find A Big Bang Theory Buddy By Taking The Nerd Quiz
- by Dylan Dembrow
- – on
- in Movies and TV
By nature, nerds aren’t the most social individuals. And chances are, they'd much rather have their minds wrapped up in a book or a video game on a Friday night than be crammed into a bar with dozens of strangers who are trying to make small talk over the blaring music.
While this can make it harder to meet people, all it can take for a nerd to find a lifelong friend is to meet someone who is just as interested in the same types of nerdy hobbies that they are.
While most people think of nerds as those who are only obsessed with science fiction and comic books, these days, being a nerd is more often synonymous with someone who has an unnatural obsession with something very specific. And yes, more often than not, those things are sci-fi and fantasy related. But there are plenty of nerds who are obsessed with things like academics, space exploration, and technology as well, as is the case with the nerdy characters featured on the massively popular CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory.
So let's take a look at some nerdy movies, TV shows, and hobbies and see which character on The Big Bang Theory would be the perfect nerd buddy!
Rather watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the World of DC?
Only just recently did the shared DC Universe rebrand themselves as the Worlds of DC, which came years after fans and even people in the industry were referring to the franchise as the DCEU — or, DC Extended Universe. But will this be enough to steer the series toward sunnier shores? Or will the MCU continue to dominate?
Pick a nerdy TV show that’s currently on the air.
While comic book movies continue to rule the big screen, there are plenty of other types of science fiction and fantasy show available on TV. While none of the shows listed below are actually on TV right now, they currently have a number of seasons in the works, all of which are highly-anticipated.
How about one that’s no longer on the air?
Of course, the thing about being a nerd is that they don’t always like the shows that are popular by today’s standards. They also enjoy nerdy shows from decades past that mainstream audiences have largely forgotten about. Take, for instance, the original Star Trek, which was actually canceled due to low ratings and revived solely by the love of nerds.
Who played the better Batman?
No one seems to know for sure if Ben Affleck will return to play the Caped Crusader ever again. And while his run as Batman has been less successful than Christian Bales, many have still argued that Affleck’s turn as the Dark Knight was one of the best things about Batman v Superman and Justice League.
Rather play Pokemon or Magic: The Gathering?
Though many people ended up simply collecting Pokemon cards, there was indeed still a game that could be played with said cards. Meanwhile, Magic: The Gathering is very much an interactive game, which has been around since 1993 — a full half decade before Pokemon cards were ever released. So which one would you rather play?
Rather play Dungeons & Dragons or go LARPing?
It doesn’t get much nerdier than Dungeons & Dragons or going LARPing (that’s live-action role-playing for those of you who may not know). However, it certainly takes someone with a little more bravery (or nerdiness) to actually get out in the real world and suit up as a fantastical character to play a role-playing game.
Rather play with Legos or Lincoln Logs?
While Legos may seem a bit nerdier, whether you’d rather play with Legos or Lincoln Logs probably depends upon which one of these toys you grew up with. While you may think that Lincoln Logs are way older than Legos, they were both released a very, very long time ago.
Rather collect action figures or playing cards?
Nerds love to collect things. But what they prefer to collect will vary greatly from one individual to the next. However, it is specifically this intense and passionate interest in a very particular field that makes someone a nerd — whether that field be anything from NASA equipment to old stamps.
Pick a Marvel/ Netflix series to watch?
While some of the biggest Marvel characters are enjoying the limelight, some of the lesser-known gems are getting the attention they deserve on Netflix as well. This Marvel/ Netflix deal really began with Daredevil, which was released in 2015 to positive reviews from critics and audience alike. But do you like a newer series better?
Who played the better Hulk?
Edward Norton may have only played Bruce Banner/ the Hulk in one film — but it was largely considered a massive step up over the Eric Bana movie that had been released a few years before. So do you think the MCU would have been better off if Norton had stuck around?
Favorite subject in school?
The nerds on The Big Bang Theory are definitely more into math and science than they are other subjects. But that doesn’t mean that nerds can’t love English or History instead. In fact, there are plenty of nerds who would rather have their heads buried in a fictional book than spend their time trying to solve equations.
Rather play World of Warcraft or The Elder Scrolls?
Though they both contain elements of fantasy, open worlds, and role-playing, World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls are still two very different types of video games. So are you someone who would rather get online with a bunch of other nerds? Or embark on a solo quest of your own with NPCs instead?
Prefer sci-fi or fantasy?
A ton of the biggest movies being released today dip their toes into both the genres of fantasy and science fiction. Take, for instance, the Star Wars franchise or the Marvel Cinematic Universe — these movies don’t easily fall into one specific genre. But if you had to choose, do you prefer things grounded in reality or totally make-believe?
Pick a contemporary gaming console
Being a nerd usually means indulging in the make-believe. And one of the most immersive ways to do this today is with video games, which — unlike movies, TV, and novels — actually let the consumer assume the role of the character. So do you have a particular system that you enjoy more?
How about a classic gaming console?
While the graphics may not hold up today’s standards, many of the earlier games available on these systems are what nerds grew up on — at a time when being a nerd wasn’t exactly as widely-accepted as it is today. That means many of these consoles hold a fond place in many older nerds' hearts.
Who played the better Joker?
Most people would agree that Heath Ledger’s Joker was far and above a better incarnation of the character than Jared Leto’s. Ledger did win an Academy Award for the performance after all. But that doesn’t mean there still aren’t those out there who prefer Leto’s edgier, more-modern take on the Clown Prince of Crime.
Who would win in a fight?
We doubt that Superman and Wonder Woman will ever come to blows in the Worlds of DC. But that won’t stop fans from debating which character is stronger. While Superman might seem like the obvious winner at first glance, he’s only an alien, whereas Wonder Woman is literally a god.
Pick a faction of the Avengers to join.
Which faction of the Avengers someone chooses to join might just come down to which characters they like more. But there’s a very real ethical debate behind why the Avengers end up fracturing in the first place, which might carry more weight with the comic book nerds who have been invested in the story prior to the MCU.
Rather play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey?
Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey were two of the best-reviewed games of 2017, which surpassed players and critics expectations in nearly every way imaginable. This also meant a very good year for Nintendo, who really needed the Switch to succeed after the Wii U largely failed to take off.
Pick a DC character to cosplay.
Cosplay isn’t just about dressing up like your favorite character, it’s an entire culture built around trying to design one’s own take on the character, or simply succeeding in creating a rendition of the character that was closest to what we got on film. In short, being a good cosplay takes a ton of skill and practice at making things.
How about a Marvel character?
While the MCU may be enjoying more financial success in recent years, some of the more ubiquitous cosplay characters continue to come from DC — like Harley Quinn and the Joker. But if you had to design a costume around one of these characters listed below, who would you end up going with?
Rather watch Star Wars or Star Trek?
There used to be a much bigger divide between Star Wars fans and self-proclaimed Trekkies. But that gap seems to be closing in recent years as most fans continue to agree that people should be allowed to enjoy either franchise without having to receive any flak for it. But which one would you rather watch?
Rather travel into space or deep into the ocean?
Since most nerds have a strong fascination with science fiction, or at the very least advancing technology, many of them also have a fascination with space. So are you one of the many who would like to venture into the cosmos? Or do you go against the grain by preferring an exploration into the ocean depths?
Rather put together a Lego set or construct something original using a 3D printer?
Putting together model kits or toy sets is a hobby of many nerds, especially when these kits are reflective of their favorite stories. However, there are others who would rather construct something of their own creation, and in that regard, a 3D printer is one of the greatest tools to have on hand.
Rather read Marvel or DC Comics?
While many would agree that Marvel is enjoying more success on the big and small screen within the last decade, that doesn’t mean that those people who flock to the latest MCU movie would necessarily rather be reading Marvel comics. After all, many DC characters are actually much more iconic.
Rather attend SDCC or E3?
San Diego Comic Con and the Electronic Entertainment Expo are two of the biggest and nerdiest conventions in the entire world. Unfortunately, they’ve both come and gone for 2018 already. But if you could attend one next year, which one would it rather be? One that revolves around movies and TV? Or one that revolves around gaming?
Who played the better Superman?
A ton of actors have taken on the role of Superman since Christopher Reeve, but many would agree that none of them could quite fill the red and blue spandex like Reeve could. Meanwhile, Henry Cavill currently plays the big screen incarnation of the character, which has been met with largely mixed reviews to date.
Who played the better Quicksilver?
We’ve seen a ton of actors tackle the same superhero role over the course of many years. But none were quite as strange as Quicksilver, who appeared in the MCU and X-Men franchise at almost the exact same time, yet played by two different actors with varying origin stories. So were you drawn to one portrayal over the other?
Favorite character in Rick and Morty?
Rick and Morty is one of the latest shows that nerds have taken under their wing and turned into a mainstream success. While the show is ultimately an animated comedy, it is fully committed to its science fiction premise. Just earlier this year, the Adult Swim series was ordered for an addition 70 episodes.
Favorite type of nerd?
Being a nerd doesn’t just mean that someone is into sci-fi and fantasy. In fact, it can simply mean that someone is just really nerdy about one particular thing — like collecting stamps or building model train kits. So out of these four categories, which one do you nerd out to harder than the others?
Rather play Risk or Settlers of Catan?
They may not be as nerdy as playing Dungeons and Dragons or Magic: The Gathering, but both Risk and Settlers of Catan are two games beloved by many — nerds included. So would you rather just play a game of strait-up world domination? Or would you rather trade, barter, and build for a victory?
Rather use a Mac or PC?
Mainstream entertainment aside, tech nerds are really the primary reason that being a nerd is cool in the present day. Plain and simple, people use computers in nearly every aspect of their daily lives. But just as there is a Marvel and DC rivalry, there is an equally passionate debate over whether Mac or PC makes for the better computer?
Rather watch The Lord of the Rings or The Matrix trilogy?
Two very different trilogies, The Lord of the Rings is about as straightforward as high-fantasy comes, while The Matrix also fully commits to its own genre of science fiction. So do you prefer the idea of a world that’s totally make-believe? Or a world that is simply not what it seems?
Who would win in a fight?
The Hulk is often regarded as the strongest of the Avengers (though Thor is considered the most powerful of them all). So in a fight involving nothing but brute strength, do you think the Hulk would have an edge over Thanos. Or is the Mad Titan simply too powerful even without the aid of the Infinity Gauntlet?
Favorite character on Stranger Things?
It’s hard to think of a more talked-about show in the last few years than Netflix’s Stranger Things. While this sci-fi series is loved by many, it is ultimately those who follow the show with a devout passion that have turned Stranger Things into an instant classic. So who's your favorite character?
Pick a sci-fi world to visit.
By definition, science fiction actually all takes place without our own universe — or, at least, in a fictionalized or distant version of our own universe. So for this questions, you really just have to consider which one of these movie franchises you would want to get sucked into if you could.
How about a fantasy one?
Unlike the worlds in science fiction, the worlds of most fantasy stories are completely make-believe — existing in a totally different plane of existence from our own. Of course, there are always exceptions, like Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series — which is still very much a part of our own world, even if it’s totally unrealistic.
Ever fixed a broken computer?
Unless you’re specifically a tech nerd, there’s a good chance that you would have no idea how to fix a computer that’s completely fried. Though with the IQs that the characters have on The Big Bang Theory, we have no doubt that any one of the four main nerds would have a problem completing this task.
Pick an anime series to watch.
In most parts of the world, anime is a particular style of animation that is often associated with Japanese culture. Another notable difference between many anime shows is that simply because they’re cartoons, doesn’t mean they’re intended for young audiences. In fact, many anime shows are specifically made for nerdy adults.
Pick a school to attend.
In The Big Bang Theory, the characters live in Pasadena, California — which is home to the prestigious California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech. So would this be your go to school to attend if you had the choice? Or would you rather go someplace else, like Harvard? Or Hogwarts?
Rather play Horizon Zero Dawn or Destiny 2?
Both Horizon Zero Dawn and Destiny 2 were released last year to largely positive reviews from critics. The former is set in a world overrun by monstrous machines who must be taken down through ranged attacks, while the latter takes on Earth, which has been overrun by various alien races.
Pick an author to read.
There are plenty of prolific writers out there who turn out no shortage of content for nerdy readers. While some of these authors have been well known for decades (like Stephen King and J.K. Rowling), others are relatively new to the scene (like Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss). So which one would you rather read?
Rather play chess or checkers?
When it comes to skill, we don’t think anyone would argue with the fact that chess requires much more intelligence and strategy than a game of checkers. But if you’d rather keep your board games for pure enjoyment rather than mental workouts, we wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to stick with a game of checkers.
Rather watch horror or comedy?
While sci-fi and fantasy seem to be the chosen genre of most nerds, there are certainly a fair share of horror and comedy nerds out there as well. And while there are plenty of amazing movies that blend these two genres together (like Evil Dead 2 and Shaun of the Dead), which genre do you ultimately prefer over the other?
Rather play an RPG or an FPS?
Role-playing games are games known for letting the player actually assume the role of the characters. This means that they can modify the character to their liking and often make decisions that will effect the outcome of the game. Meanwhile, first-person shooters often already have a well-established protagonist for the player to inhabit.
Rather take a time machine into the future or into the past?
At one point or another, we’re sure most nerds have imagined what they would do if they had a time machine. But from a strictly storytelling standpoint, it seems as though traveling into the past can be much more problematic for the space-time continuum. So would you rather just play it “safe” and stick to visiting the future?
Rather play Fortnite or Overwatch?
Two of the most revolutionary games in the last few years, both Fortnite and Overwatch have attracted an impressive online community of players who can’t get enough of the addictive gameplay. But would you rather build while battling in Fortnite? Or do you prefer the traditional combat that is featured in Overwatch?
Pick a sci-fi race to join.
It's no wonder that The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper has such a fondness for the Vulcan race of Star Trek, as he comes off as somewhat of a Vulcan himself. But maybe this overtly-logical and emotionally-numb race isn’t exactly your cup of tea. So which one of these would you rather join?
Now pick a fantasy one.
Of course, we can’t forget the fantasy nerds who have longed to join the race of elves from Middle-Earth or inhabit the body of a dwarf for a game of Dungeons and Dragons. So would you rather stick with a race that is still relatively human looking? Or be a part of something that is a lot more fantastical?
Ever owned a telescope?
It’s no secret that the characters on The Big Bang Theory have a deep passion for outer space — especially Howard Wolowitz, who even holds the high honor of becoming an astronaut. So do you have a fascination with the cosmos as well? If so, there’s a good chance that you’ve owned a telescope at some point in your life.
