10 Things I Hate About You

On his first day at a new high school, Cameron quickly sets his sights on Bianca, the girl everyone notices. Bianca is off limits until her older sister Kat agrees to date as well, a rule that makes Cameron's pursuit suddenly complicated. To win Bianca's heart, he schemes around the enigmatic transfer who carries a notorious reputation, hoping the plan will soften Kat's defenses and open a path to Bianca. A bustling cast of classmates gets pulled into the plan, leading to a series of awkward chases, witty banter, and misread signals as a new chapter of high school romance begins to unfold under the fluorescent lights. The result is a warm, goofy look at growing up and finding yourself.

Directed by Gil Junger and released in 1999, the film adapts Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew for a breezy contemporary high school setting. Screenplay by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, with Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon-Levitt headlining.

Over the years the movie became a touchstone of late 90s teen cinema, helping to define a playful, quotable tone for romantic comedies. It spotlighted Ledger and Gordon-Levitt early on, while giving Stiles a breakout role that propelled her into wider stardom. Its charm endures in memes and fan debates.

Critics praised its brisk pace and sharp dialogue, and audiences connected with the mix of humor, romance and teenage angst. The film treats first love with warmth while examining how appearances mask deeper personalities, and it stays entertaining without entirely forsaking substance. It remains a favorite for high school romantics.