Released on March 31, 1999, is a seminal teen romantic comedy that modernized William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew . Directed by Gil Junger, the film became a definitive cultural touchstone of the late 90s, launching the careers of Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Core Plot and Characters

If you wanted to explain 1999 to a time traveler, you’d give them this soundtrack. It’s heavy on power-pop, punk-lite, and sardonic female vocals.

The poem starts funny and petty:

The film has no sympathy for him. He doesn’t get a redemption arc. He gets a public humiliation: a punch from Patrick and the knowledge that Bianca will never, ever sleep with him. 10 Things understood that status doesn’t equal character, and that was a revolutionary idea for a teen film in 1999.

The movie's influence extends beyond the world of film, with references to "10 Things I Hate About You" appearing in music, TV shows, and memes.

For Heath Ledger, "10 Things I Hate About You" was a career-defining role, showcasing his charisma, talent, and vulnerability as an actor. Ledger's performance as Patrick Verona cemented his status as a leading man and helped to establish him as a Hollywood star.