10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

61% of critics liked it
(61 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(30,627,092 ratings)

As Shakespearean adaptations go, it's not quite as odd as moving The Tempest to another planet (as in Forbidden Planet) or Hamlet to a Canadian brewery (the secret subtext of Strange Brew), but it's still safe to say no one was expecting a version of The Taming of the Shrew set in an American high… More As Shakespearean adaptations go, it's not quite as odd as moving The Tempest to another planet (as in Forbidden Planet) or Hamlet to a Canadian brewery (the secret subtext of Strange Brew), but it's still safe to say no one was expecting a version of The Taming of the Shrew set in an American high school. But unlike the previously mentioned films, 10 Things I Hate About You at least gives the Bard screen credit for his contribution to the story. In 10 Things I Hate About You, Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) is a tenth grader who has never gone on a date, as her parents have a little rule where Bianca isn't allowed to go out with boys until her older sister gets a boyfriend. The problem is, while her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) is attractive and intelligent, she's also a mean-spirited misanthrope who rubs nearly everyone the wrong way -- especially boys. But Bianca and the guy she has her eye on, Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan), are eager to get their romance on the road, so Joey fixes Kat up with Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), a new kid in town who may be just bitter and mysterious enough to suit her. 10 Things I Hate About You is the first feature film for director Gil Junger, who previously worked extensively in television, including episodes of Dharma and Greg, Ellen, and Blossom. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Gil Junger
Written By: Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 31, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Oct 12, 1999
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures

Critic Reviews

Dennis Harvey, Variety
At times the pic doesn't even seem certain which decade it's set in; the squeaky-clean high school environs often feel more '80s than '90s.
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Stiles nails her feminazi, bound-for-Sarah Lawrence shtick, but just as easily melts into giggles or pulls off a slapstick drunk scene.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
The movie wimped out by blanding down the story and the characters to the point where she isn't really a shrew and he isn't really a maniac.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
The notion of a contemporary high school as a hotbed of romantic intrigue is utterly apt, and the performances almost make the update work.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
As satirical as it is romantic, this is one teen film that is wise enough to span generations in its appeal.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
No one in this film is a big star, but everyone is a capable actor.
Rob Humanick, Projection Booth
Steeped in a smartness and sincerity becoming of its Shakespearean roots.
Matthew Pejkovic, Matt's Movie Reviews
A good but patchy romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You does not break new ground, but there are plenty of surprises that will insure a good watch.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Engaging but edgy update of Taming of the Shrew.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...a slightly above average teenage romcom.
Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views
Takes an old story and proves the themes are timeless by applying them to a modern setting.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Gil Junger's TV roots are revealed in his excessive reliance on close-ups and the cast's preponderance of TV actors.
, Film4
It sounds awful, but Junger's movie is utterly winning.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Stiles grows into her character and Ledger is effortlessly charming.
Brad Laidman, Film Threat
Pure of heart and perfectly executed.
Ron Wells, Film Threat
Of all the teen films released this year, this one is, by far, the best.
Laura Clifford, Reeling Reviews
The largely unknown cast sparkles.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Brad W

10 Things I Hate About You is afunny and sweet high school movie that I enjoyed. The storyline is just omay, I enjoyed the characters a lot but the main plot seems done before and cliche, but I still had fun. The cast was really good, Heath Ledger is always a joy to watch, and Joseph… More
10 Things I Hate About You is afunny and sweet high school movie that I enjoyed. The storyline is just omay, I enjoyed the characters a lot but the main plot seems done before and cliche, but I still had fun. The cast was really good, Heath Ledger is always a joy to watch, and Joseph Gordon Levitt is such a sweet guy thats its hard not to love him. The comedy was good, I laughed many times espically at Larry Miller as thedad, but it was not nearly as funny as it couldve been. This film had a weak plot and sometimes cliche jokes, and for the love of god do all these high school films have to end at a prom, but this movie a joy to watch with funny characters and really good acting, I enjoyed this film a lot.
Cassie H

A Funny and Wild movie! :) TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!! :) I love it!!! :) Awesome Heath Ledger movie :) It's a shame he's not alive anymore. He's an excellent actor & he's soooo cute!!! :) Just amazing :) :) :)
Mike S

10 Things I Love About This Film: 1. Hilariously written script, with dialogue that is fun, yet natural-sounding. 2. Julia Stiles, who steals every scene she's in with her amusingly cynical remarks. 3. Consistently enjoyable. 4. Top notch directing all-around. 5. Good… More
10 Things I Love About This Film: 1. Hilariously written script, with dialogue that is fun, yet natural-sounding. 2. Julia Stiles, who steals every scene she's in with her amusingly cynical remarks. 3. Consistently enjoyable. 4. Top notch directing all-around. 5. Good soundtrack, if short of phenomenal. 6. Perfectly paced and not a single bland moment. 7. Great supporting cast, with likeable actors such as Joseph-Gordon Levitt. 8. Holds up for repeated viewings (this is the second time I see it). 9. Refreshingly distinguished from the usual teen movie fluff. 10. Heath Ledger, may he rest in peace, made his Hollywood debut with this film and it's one of his most memorable performances aside from The Joker. Not much more that needs to be said really. A must-see if you're into the high school genre. Or great rom-coms in general.
Bethany M

A great chick flick that will have you smiling. Julia Stiles is extremely fiesty and plays the role well. Heath's singing is hilarious... probably what made the movie for me.
Jennifer X

Heath Ledger dancing up and down on those steps getting restrained by the school's security guards will forever be a staple of contemporary teenage cinema. There are so many memorable scenes in this thing.
Dead A

It was fun to watch. I avoided this movie for a long time but decided to watch it anyway. And I'm happy that it didn't waste my time.
Conner R

The basic idea of 10 Things I hate About You should be terrible, but it ends up being ingenious. You'd think a high school version of "Taming of the Shew" would be ridiculous and stick out like a sore thumb. However, this is so well translated and well put together that… More
The basic idea of 10 Things I hate About You should be terrible, but it ends up being ingenious. You'd think a high school version of "Taming of the Shew" would be ridiculous and stick out like a sore thumb. However, this is so well translated and well put together that there's absolutely no denying that this has become a complete classic. Now as someone who's seen this multiple times, it really never gets old and the character interaction is just as fresh as it was back when it came out. It pokes just enough fun at the source material and manages to be very original within the confines of a re-imagining. A lot of the effectiveness and quality is due to the star studded cast. Anyone who sees it will agree that Heath Ledger's performance is the one that ends up stealing the show, mainly because he's just so cool and perfect in the role. Everyone else is great too and their ability to interact in such a genuine high school fashion is what makes the characters work. As a tail end entry in the 90s teen genre, it's probably the best and has the best standing reputation today. It's kind've hard not to enjoy this.
Thomas B

teen movies aren't always bad. in the same way ferris bueller's day off became a teen cult classic, 10 things i hate about you has become extremely popular, and with good reason. Heath Ledger is great, rest his soul, and David Krumholtz i great as usual
Shawn E

10 Things I Hate About You is one of my favourite romantic comedies. The chemistry between Ledger and Stiles is hilarious and the Shakespeare references from Taming Of The Shrew are quite good.
Alice S

Amazingly smart teen adaptation of The Bard. I like the liberties the film takes in making Bianca a much stronger character and putting more heart in the father/daughter/sister relationships. Hilarious supporting characters and rockin' soundtrack. However,… More
Amazingly smart teen adaptation of The Bard. I like the liberties the film takes in making Bianca a much stronger character and putting more heart in the father/daughter/sister relationships. Hilarious supporting characters and rockin' soundtrack. However, http://www.11points.com/Movies/11_Things_Julia_Stiles_Hates_About_Heath_Ledger_in_10_Things_I_Hate_About_You
erika b

really good plot but it was missing something. A- It was not the best teen film i saw but it was still really good.
Mark H

Father forbids younger Bianca to go out with boys until unpopular, rebellious older sister Kat begins dating first. Light, breezy update of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew is a first-rate teen romantic comedy. Entertaining material works because of the clever… More
Father forbids younger Bianca to go out with boys until unpopular, rebellious older sister Kat begins dating first. Light, breezy update of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew is a first-rate teen romantic comedy. Entertaining material works because of the clever screenplay. It's witty and zings with plenty of catty banter to engage the viewer. Additional credit also goes to the spirited cast with talent to spare. Julia Stiles is nasty with just enough sweetness to be likable and Heath Ledger is pleasing as the boy who charms her. He even sings "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" in this early role. A refreshing addition to films about high school life.
KJ P

This film that finishes off the 90's, comes out on top as one of the best films of the 90's. I absolutely love 10 things I hate about you. It has hilarity, emotion, heart, and lovable characters. Never loses your attention and has you going until the final moment of the… More
This film that finishes off the 90's, comes out on top as one of the best films of the 90's. I absolutely love 10 things I hate about you. It has hilarity, emotion, heart, and lovable characters. Never loses your attention and has you going until the final moment of the film, that will hold a smile on anyones face!
Lorenzo v

"How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways." A remake of the classic Shakespare play "The Taming of the Shrew.", set in a modern day highschool. <center>"How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways." A remake of the classic Shakespare play "The Taming of the Shrew.", set in a modern day highschool. <center>REVIEW</center> No one will mistake Stiles and Ledger for Taylor and Burton but there are a few enjoyable moments in 10 Things to make it a marginally worthwhile teen oriented adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. The likeable teen cast which features many recognizable faces besides the leads do a competent job bringing their characters to life. Unfortunately too many of the characters are written as stereotypes of what the writers think teenagers are supposed to be like. We have all seen these characters many many times before. And the writers couldn't resist having the climax be at the all important prom as if that plot device hasn't been used a million times before. Still despite the clichés, I found myself interested enough to see it through.
Spencer S

The classic teen flick: witty banter, paintball, and based off Shakespeare work. Ah, Heath.
Dean !

A good 90's teen comedy/Rom com. Starring a young Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. It is pretty funny in places, I love sarcasm, one of the better high school set comedies but looking a bit dated now.
Anthony L

Inoffensive enough, a first for a Julia Stiles film! It made me laugh a couple of times and I thought it was alright for the best part, nothing special and a nice idea, better than most American high school films.
Jennifer D

Loved it. So many great people in one film.
Carlos M

The cast puts in nice performances, specially a charismatic Heath Ledger, but in a very unfunny cliché teen movie.
Eliza N

Finally, one romantic comedy that wasn't stupid and made me laugh for real .Thank God these kind of comedies existe ! It was really nice and I really liked it .A must watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!