10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You is one of the most beloved teen romantic comedies of the late 1990s. Directed by Gil Junger and loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the film blends sharp humor, teenage angst, and romance, while also launching careers for several young actors who later became Hollywood stars.

Detailed Summary

The Stratford Sisters

The story revolves around the Stratford family, specifically the two sisters: Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), the popular and sweet younger sister, and Kat (Julia Stiles), the fiercely independent, sarcastic, and feminist older sister. Their strict father, Dr. Walter Stratford (Larry Miller), refuses to let Bianca date until Kat does, which is a problem since Kat has zero interest in romance.

Enter Patrick Verona

Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the sweet new kid at school, falls for Bianca. Unfortunately, the dating rule blocks him. To get around it, Cameron and his friend Michael (David Krumholtz) hatch a plan: they need to find someone daring enough to woo Kat. They recruit Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), a mysterious bad boy with a rebellious streak, and arrange for him to be paid—using funds from wealthy jerk Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan), who also wants Bianca.

Kat and Patrick’s Unexpected Romance

At first, Kat is completely uninterested in Patrick, seeing him as another shallow guy. But Patrick is patient, persistent, and surprisingly genuine. He makes grand gestures, including the famous “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” serenade on the school bleachers, complete with a marching band. Slowly, Kat lets her guard down and begins to fall for him.

The Truth Comes Out

Tensions rise when Kat learns that Patrick was originally paid to date her. This betrayal stings, especially because she had started to trust him after years of keeping her walls high. Meanwhile, Bianca finally realizes that Cameron is the guy who genuinely cares about her, not Joey.

Movie Ending

In the final act, emotions come to a head. Kat reads her poem “10 Things I Hate About You” in class, a heartfelt moment where she lists what she hates about Patrick—but the truth is that what she really hates is how much she still loves him. This raw confession breaks through Patrick’s pride.

Later, Patrick surprises her with a thoughtful gesture: he buys her the guitar she’s always wanted, using the money he earned from the dating scheme. He admits he screwed up but also shows that his feelings for her became real. Kat forgives him, and they share a passionate kiss in the school parking lot. Meanwhile, Bianca finally stands up to Joey, literally punching him in the face when he tries to hit on her. The film ends on a hopeful note with Kat and Patrick officially together and Bianca with Cameron.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, 10 Things I Hate About You does not have a post-credits scene. The movie ends with the parking lot kiss and a fun performance by the band Letters to Cleo on the school rooftop, which plays as the credits roll.

Type of Movie

This film is a teen romantic comedy with strong elements of high school drama, witty dialogue, and Shakespearean adaptation.

Cast

• Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford
• Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cameron James
• Larisa Oleynik as Bianca Stratford
• Andrew Keegan as Joey Donner
• David Krumholtz as Michael Eckman
• Larry Miller as Dr. Walter Stratford
• Gabrielle Union as Chastity

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack is one of the film’s highlights, blending late 90s rock and pop. The score was composed by Richard Gibbs. Featured bands like Letters to Cleo and Save Ferris bring energy and authenticity to the teen setting. The rooftop performance of “I Want You to Want Me” is especially iconic.

Filming Locations

The movie was primarily shot in Tacoma, Washington. Stadium High School is the standout location—it’s where most of the high school scenes were filmed, and its castle-like structure gave the movie a memorable setting. The city’s real-life spots like Gasworks Park in Seattle also appear in the film, grounding the story in a real, vibrant place.

Awards and Nominations

While not a major awards contender, the movie has received recognition over the years for its cultural impact. Julia Stiles won Best Breakthrough Female Performance at the MTV Movie Awards (2000). Heath Ledger’s performance also gained attention and has since become one of his most iconic roles.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Heath Ledger improvised parts of the bleachers serenade, which has since become one of the most famous rom-com scenes ever.
• Julia Stiles reportedly cried for real during the poem reading scene; it wasn’t acting, but genuine emotion.
• The film’s title was inspired by a diary entry from the screenwriter Karen McCullah, who once wrote “things I hate about…” as a joke.
• Larry Miller improvised much of his dialogue as the overprotective dad, making his scenes stand out.

Inspirations and References

The story is a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew. Kat represents Katherina, the “shrew” who refuses to be tamed, while Patrick embodies Petruchio, the suitor who tries to win her over. The film cleverly updates Shakespeare’s themes of love, independence, and gender dynamics to a late-90s high school setting.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While there are no known alternate endings, a few deleted scenes exist, including extended dialogue between Kat and Patrick that further explored their chemistry. Most of these were cut for pacing, but fans often cite them as worthy additions.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film isn’t based on a book but on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The key difference is the tone: Shakespeare’s original work has a more problematic view of gender roles, while the film modernizes Kat into a feminist figure whose independence is celebrated rather than mocked.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Patrick’s serenade of Kat with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
• Kat drunkenly dancing on a table at a party, showing her reckless side.
• Bianca finally punching Joey at the prom.
• Kat reading her poem in English class, breaking down emotionally.

Iconic Quotes

• Kat: “You don’t always have to be who they want you to be, you know.”
• Patrick: “Don’t let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”
• Dr. Stratford: “What are the two rules? Number one: no dating until you graduate. Number two: no dating until you graduate.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The band Letters to Cleo appears multiple times, even playing on the rooftop at the end, a nod to Shakespeare’s love of music in his plays.
• Patrick’s last name “Verona” references the Italian city where many of Shakespeare’s works are set.
• The Stratford sisters’ last name is another Shakespeare nod—Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Trivia

• This was Heath Ledger’s first American film role.
• Julia Stiles later starred in another Shakespeare-inspired teen movie, O (2001), based on Othello.
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt was only 17 during filming.
• The movie has become a cult classic and regularly appears on “best teen movies” lists.

Why Watch?

Because it’s the perfect mix of smart writing, teenage relatability, and unforgettable performances. Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles deliver electric chemistry, and the film has the right blend of humor, romance, and heart. Even after two decades, it feels fresh and authentic.

Director’s Other Work

• Black Knight (2001)
• If Only (2004)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Clueless (1995)
• She’s All That (1999)
• Never Been Kissed (1999)
• Easy A (2010)
• Mean Girls (2004)