Direction
Gil Junger keeps the Shakespeare-inspired plot easy to follow while giving the ensemble room for both comedy and quieter character moments.
A sharp modern take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, following new student Cameron as a scheme to date Bianca brings guarded Kat and rebellious Patrick together.
At a Glance
Full title10 Things I Hate About You
DirectorGil Junger
CountryUS
LanguageEnglish
Release date1999-03-30
GenreComedy · Romance · Drama
Runtime1h 37m
Why 10 Things I Hate About You stands out
A smart ensemble, memorable performances, and a Shakespeare-inspired premise helped the film outlast many teen comedies of its era.
10 Things I Hate About You updates The Taming of the Shrew without losing sight of its characters. Kat’s independence drives the story, while Patrick’s apparent confidence gradually gives way to vulnerability.
Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger make the central relationship convincing through humor, tension, and quieter moments of trust. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Larisa Oleynik give the parallel courtship a lighter energy.
The film also benefits from a clearly drawn supporting cast, a distinctive late-1990s soundtrack, and a script that gives its characters motives beyond the initial dating scheme.
Its combination of romantic comedy, family conflict, and coming-of-age themes makes it approachable for new viewers while retaining strong nostalgia for audiences who first saw it in 1999.
The romance works because Kat and Patrick are allowed to challenge each other rather than simply fit a high-school stereotype.
Memorable characters
Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger give Kat and Patrick enough personality and vulnerability to carry the central romance.
Rewatch appeal
The soundtrack, dialogue, and strongly defined supporting characters make the film easy to revisit.
Genre impact
Its modernized Shakespeare premise helped establish a model for literary adaptations aimed at teen audiences.
Story
On the first day at his new school, Cameron instantly falls for Bianca, the gorgeous girl of his dreams.
01
World and premise
On the first day at his new school, Cameron instantly falls for Bianca, the gorgeous girl of his dreams.
02
How the story starts
The only problem is that Bianca is forbidden to date until her ill-tempered, completely un-dateable older sister Kat goes out, too.
03
Characters and conflict
In an attempt to solve his problem, Cameron singles out the only guy who could possibly be a match for Kat: a mysterious bad boy with a nasty reputation of his own.
04
Stakes rise
Patrick’s paid assignment becomes complicated as he and Kat discover a genuine connection. Their conversations and shared experiences reveal that neither matches the reputation assigned to them at school.
05
Themes and tone
The comedy balances romance with questions about trust, social pressure, and the right to make independent choices. Kat’s guarded personality gives the familiar high-school setup a sharper point of view.
06
Why fans keep watching
The film remains a widely remembered teen comedy because of its ensemble performances, quotable dialogue, late-1990s soundtrack, and accessible Shakespeare-inspired structure.
Cast
Main characters and performers
Behind the Scenes
Runtime: 1h 37m.
Directed by Gil Junger.
Genres include Comedy, Romance, Drama.
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FAQ
How long is 10 Things I Hate About You?
10 Things I Hate About You runs 1h 37m.
What is 10 Things I Hate About You about?
On the first day at his new school, Cameron instantly falls for Bianca, the gorgeous girl of his dreams. The only problem is that Bianca is forbidden to date until her ill-tempered, completely un-dateable older sister Kat goes out, too. In an attempt to solve his problem, Cameron singles out the only guy who could possibly be a match for Kat: a mysterious bad boy with a nasty reputation of his own.
Who directed 10 Things I Hate About You?
10 Things I Hate About You was directed by Gil Junger.
Where can I watch 10 Things I Hate About You?
Streaming availability varies by region. Check MovieLinks for current options, trailers, and related titles.
