The late 1990s gifted us a cinematic gem – a film that wasn’t just a teen romance, but a clever, witty reimagining of a Shakespearean classic.10 Things I Hate About You, starring a young Julia Stiles and a captivating Heath Ledger, has quietly become a touchstone for a generation, and is now available to stream.
Released in 1999, the film exploded onto the scene, instantly launching the careers of Stiles, Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It wasn’t simply a high school love story; it was a sharp, satirical take onThe Taming of the Shrew, brilliantly transplanted to the hallways and heartaches of Padua High.
The plot centers around Cameron, a new student hopelessly smitten with the unattainable Bianca. To win her affection, he concocts a plan: convince the notoriously independent and fiercely intelligent Kat Stratford to date the school’s resident bad boy, Patrick Verona. What unfolds is a battle of wits, a blossoming romance, and a surprisingly insightful exploration of teenage angst.
Critics immediately recognized the film’s unique charm.The Los Angeles Timespraised its ability to “span generations” with its timeless appeal, whileMovie Viewsnoted how it successfully updated a classic story for a modern audience. It wasn’t just for teens, either;Radio Timesdeclared it “just as enjoyable for adults.”
Over the years,10 Things I Hate About Youhas consistently topped “best of” lists.Teen Vogueonce ranked it number one for teen romances, andGQandHarper’s Bazaarboth celebrated its place among the defining films of the 90s. Its enduring popularity speaks to a quality rarely found in the genre.
Fans continue to champion the film’s brilliance. One viewer on Rotten Tomatoes called it “one of, if not the best romance-comedy movie of all time.” Others praise its “perfect blend of wit, charm, and heart,” and its refreshingly sharp writing that elevates it beyond typical teen fare.
The film’s impact extends beyond its initial release. In 2012, a sequel,10 Things I Hate About Life, was briefly in development, but ultimately shelved. More recently, plans for a new sequel,10 Things I Hate About Dating, have emerged, again with original director Gil Junger at the helm.
Junger has expressed a desire to revisit the original cast, envisioning cameos or even more substantial roles for Stiles and others. He specifically highlighted Julia Stiles’s Kat Stratford as a character who profoundly resonated with young women, shaping their perspectives and inspiring a generation.
This new sequel, inspired by Molière’sThe Misanthrope, is envisioned as the first in a trilogy, with potential follow-ups exploring marriage and parenthood. The project also carries a poignant weight, as Junger intends to honor the memory of Heath Ledger, whose untimely death in 2008 left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Junger has spoken of wanting to ensure Ledger’s legacy is celebrated, stating simply, “He deserves to be loved.” The enduring power of10 Things I Hate About You, and the anticipation surrounding its potential sequels, is a testament to the film’s lasting impact and the unforgettable performances that brought it to life.
