10 Things I Hate About You: A Timeless 90s Classic
10 Things I Hate About You: Why This ’90s Rom-Com Still Rules
Ever wonder why some teen movies fade away while others become cultural touchstones? 10 Things I Hate About You isn’t just another ’90s rom-com—it’s a witty, Shakespeare-inspired masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences 25+ years after its release. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or planning your twentieth rewatch, here’s everything you need to know about this beloved classic.
10 Things I Hate About You is a Modern Shakespeare Adaptation
10 Things I Hate About You is a clever modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” set in a 1990s American high school. The story follows new student Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls instantly for Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik). There’s just one problem: Bianca’s overprotective father has a strict rule—she can’t date until her ill-tempered older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) does.
Since Kat is known as the school’s unapproachable “shrew,” Cameron hatches a plan. He persuades Patrick Verona to date Kat, funded by jock Joey Donner. What begins as a scheme evolves into genuine feelings, highlighted by a memorable poetry reading.
The truth about 10 Things I Hate About You that Hollywood won’t tell you? It’s more than a teen movie; it offers a nuanced commentary on gender roles and high school dynamics, reflecting Shakespeare’s timeless themes, as shown by its lasting popularity according to JustWatch streaming charts.
Much like how Netflix’s Fear Street series wraps up with a nod to ’90s nostalgia, blending it with fresh horror for Gen-Z viewers, 10 Things I Hate About You perfectly captures the essence of its era while remaining relevant today.
The Iconic Cast: Where Are They Now?
The film’s perfect casting contributed significantly to its lasting appeal. Here’s what happened to the stars:
Julia Stiles (Kat Stratford)
Stiles delivered a breakthrough performance as the feminist, outspoken Kat. After 10 Things, she starred in the Bourne franchise alongside Matt Damon and earned an Emmy nomination for her role in Dexter. Recently, she welcomed her third child with husband Preston Cook in 2023 and is directing her first feature film, Wish You Were Here, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment{.
Heath Ledger (Patrick Verona)
This was Ledger’s first American film, launching him to stardom. He went on to deliver unforgettable performances in Brokeback Mountain and The Dark Knight, winning a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker. Tragically, Ledger passed away in 2008 due to a prescription drug overdose. His co-stars remember him as “a very magnetic presence on set” who was “never checked out,” according to Julia Stiles’ 2022 statement.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Cameron James)
Gordon-Levitt has built an impressive career since playing the lovesick Cameron. The two-time Emmy winner has starred in hits like (500) Days of Summer, Inception, and The Dark Knight Rises. He also founded HitRecord, a collaborative media platform.
Larisa Oleynik (Bianca Stratford)
Already known for The Secret World of Alex Mack, Oleynik continued acting after playing the popular younger sister. She appeared in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Mad Men, and joined Hawaii Five-0 in a recurring role.
David Krumholtz (Michael Eckman)
Krumholtz, who played Cameron’s nerdy friend, went on to star in Numb3rs and The Santa Clause films. He’s revealed that he still keeps in touch with Gordon-Levitt and occasionally reconnects with Andrew Keegan, as he mentioned in a 2024 interview.
Other Notable Cast Members
- Gabrielle Union (Chastity): Became a major star with Bring It On and Being Mary Jane
- Allison Janney (Ms. Perky): Won multiple Emmys for The West Wing and an Oscar for I, Tonya
- Larry Miller (Walter Stratford): Continued his successful comedy career in film and television
Cast members have shared insights on the film’s 25th anniversary, with People magazine featuring director Gil Junger’s comments.
For more entertainment news, explore our coverage of Sesame Street joining Netflix’s lineup for nostalgia.
“The Poem”: 10 Things I Hate About You’s Emotional Centerpiece
The film’s title comes from the heart-wrenching poem Kat reads in English class near the end of the movie. This raw, emotional scene was filmed in just one take, with Stiles’ tears being completely unplanned, as documented by multiple sources. The poem has become one of the most memorable moments in teen movie history:
I hate the way you talk to me
And the way you cut your hair
I hate the way you drive my car
I hate it when you stare
I hate your big dumb combat boots
And the way you read my mind
I hate you so much it makes me sick
It even makes me rhymeI hate the way you’re always right
I hate it when you lie
I hate it when you make me laugh
Even worse when you make me cryI hate it when you’re not around
And the fact that you didn’t call
But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you
Not even close
Not even a little bit
Not even at all
The poem expresses Kat’s conflicted feelings for Patrick, beginning with superficial complaints but ultimately revealing her true emotions. The scene’s strength comes from shifting from complaints to a sincere love confession, with Kat revealing she doesn’t hate Patrick.
Plot twist: According to Cineworld’s 25th anniversary coverage, this scene wasn’t originally planned to be so emotional, but Stiles’ authentic performance elevated it to become the film’s most iconic moment.
Just as Spotify’s AI DJ creates emotional connections through music, this poem creates an emotional connection with viewers that has lasted for decades.
People Also Ask: Your Burning Questions Answered
Was 10 Things I Hate About You filmed at a real school?
Yes! The entire film was shot on location, with the gorgeous Padua High School scenes filmed at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington. This castle-like structure was originally built as a hotel but was converted into a school after a fire in the 1890s, as noted in the film’s IMDb trivia section.
Did Heath Ledger actually sing in the stadium scene?
Yes, he did! Ledger performed “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” himself, and interestingly, it was Julia Stiles who suggested this song for the scene, according to Yahoo Entertainment’s cast retrospective. The moment has become one of the most beloved grand gestures in rom-com history.
Are there any sequels to 10 Things I Hate About You?
While there was a short-lived TV series adaptation in 2009, there are rumors of three potential movie sequels in development: 10 Things I Hate About Dating, 10 Things I Hate About Marriage, and 10 Things I Hate About Life, as reported in recent entertainment news. However, without the original cast, fans remain skeptical.
What Shakespeare play is 10 Things I Hate About You based on?
The film is a modern adaptation of “The Taming of the Shrew,” with character names like Petruchio (Patrick), Katherine (Kat), and Bianca directly referencing Shakespeare’s original characters, as documented in the film’s Wikipedia page.
For more trending entertainment topics like this, check out our May 2025 trending topics guide, which covers everything from blockbuster releases to streaming trends.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Might Not Know
- Julia Stiles suggested Heath Ledger’s iconic stadium scene where he sings “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” while dancing through the bleachers, according to the film’s 25th anniversary coverage.
- The tears were real during Kat’s poem reading. Stiles wasn’t supposed to cry, but the emotion of the moment overtook her, and they kept that first take, as confirmed by Cineworld’s anniversary facts.
- Heath Ledger improvised the moment where Patrick starts playing with the Bunsen burner in science class, according to IMDb trivia.
- Real bands appear in the movie, including Letters to Cleo, who perform on the roof during the closing credits, as noted in behind-the-scenes coverage.
- The entire film was shot on location in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, with Stadium High School serving as Padua High, as documented in IMDb trivia.
- Rumors suggest Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger dated briefly during filming, though this has never been confirmed, according to retrospective articles.
- Gabrielle Union was 25 years old when filming, despite playing a high school student, as revealed in cast retrospectives.
- The movie is filled with Shakespearean references beyond just the plot, including character names like Patrick Verona (referencing “Two Gentlemen of Verona”), as noted by Shakespeare scholars and film critics.
Forget everything you’ve heard about the film’s production—contrary to popular belief, the movie was shot in just 38 days, an impressively short schedule for such a well-crafted film, according to behind-the-scenes information.
This kind of cultural impact is similar to what we’re seeing with classic shows finding new life on streaming platforms, as audiences rediscover beloved content in new contexts.
Where to Watch 10 Things I Hate About You in 2025
As of May 2025, you have several options for streaming this beloved classic, according to JustWatch:
Subscription Services:
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Video Quality | Audio Languages | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | $9.99 | 4K/Dolby Vision | 10+ languages | No |
| Hulu (Disney+ bundle) | $10.99 | 4K | English | 7 days |
| fuboTV | $32.99 | HD | English | 7 days |
| Freeform | Cable subscription | HD | English | No |
Rental Options:
| Platform | Rental Price | Purchase Price | Video Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | $3.79 | $4.99 | 4K |
| Apple TV | $3.99 | $4.99 | 4K/Dolby Vision |
| Microsoft Store | $3.99 | $4.99 | 4K |
| Fandango at Home | $3.99 | $17.99 | 4K/Dolby Vision |
For the best viewing experience, Disney+ offers the film in 4K with Dolby Vision and multiple audio and subtitle options, as detailed on their platform. If you’re already subscribed to Disney+, that’s your most cost-effective option. Otherwise, renting from Amazon Prime Video at $3.79 is your best bet for a one-time viewing.
For more streaming recommendations and platform comparisons, check out our entertainment section, where we regularly update readers on the best ways to access classic and contemporary content.
Why It Still Matters: The Legacy of 10 Things I Hate About You
What makes 10 Things I Hate About You endure while other teen films of its era have faded? Several factors contribute to its lasting appeal:
- Smart writing that respects its audience – The film never talks down to teens, offering witty dialogue and literary references.
- Strong female characters – Kat Stratford remains a feminist icon who refuses to compromise her values for popularity.
- Authentic performances – The chemistry between the cast members feels genuine, particularly between Stiles and Ledger.
- Timeless themes – While the fashion may be dated, the film’s exploration of identity, authenticity, and first love remains relevant.
- Perfect soundtrack – From Letters to Cleo to Save Ferris, the music perfectly captures the alternative rock scene of the late ’90s.
Film critics commend the movie’s intelligence and heart, with Roger Ebert noting its entertaining and harmless update despite being a teen film
This enduring appeal mirrors what we’re seeing with other nostalgic content, as explored in our article on how ’90s nostalgia is influencing current entertainment trends.
7 Ways to Appreciate 10 Things I Hate About You on Your Next Rewatch (Backed by Fan Data)
- Track the Shakespeare references – Beyond the plot, look for subtle nods to the Bard throughout the dialogue.
- Watch for Heath Ledger’s improvisations – Many of Patrick’s most charming moments were unscripted, as noted in IMDb trivia.
- Note the feminist undertones – Kat’s character was revolutionary for teen films of the era.
- Appreciate the Seattle setting – The film captures the city’s 90s alternative scene perfectly.
- Listen for soundtrack gems – The carefully curated music enhances every scene.
- Observe character growth – Each character undergoes meaningful development beyond typical teen movie tropes.
- Look for early performances from future stars – Many cast members went on to impressive careers, as documented in cast retrospectives.
For more entertainment insights and recommendations, visit our entertainment archives for the latest in film, television, and streaming content.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, 10 Things I Hate About You offers the perfect blend of Shakespeare, ’90s nostalgia, and timeless romance. Featuring strong performances from Ledger and Stiles, along with clever writing and a memorable poem, this film remains beloved over two decades later.
So grab your combat boots, queue up your streaming service of choice, and prepare to fall in love with this modern classic all over again. As Patrick Verona might say, it’s a film that will take you to places you’ve never been before.
If you enjoy streaming classic content, you might also be interested in our article about Sesame Street joining Netflix’s lineup, another example of beloved content finding new audiences through modern streaming platforms.