Falling for 10 Things I Hate About You: The Ultimate Rom-Com!
Confession Time: When it comes to rom-coms, nothing compares to 10 Things I Hate About You. It’s the one movie I can watch over and over again and still feel all the feels every single time.
Released in 1999, this modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is hands down my all-time favorite rom-com, and honestly, it's hard to beat.
Scene Review: The Perfect Blend of Wit and Romance
From the very first scene, 10 Things I Hate About You pulls you into its world of high school cliques, teenage angst, and witty banter. The movie follows Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles), a fiercely independent, sharp-tongued high schooler who couldn’t care less about fitting in.
Then there’s her sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), the popular girl desperate to date but restricted by their father’s strict rule: Bianca can only date if Kat does.
Cue Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), the mysterious bad boy who is bribed to take Kat out, setting off a chain of hilarious, heartfelt, and unexpected events.
One of my favorite scenes (and probably one of the most iconic rom-com moments of all time) is when Patrick serenades Kat with "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You" on the bleachers, complete with a full marching band. That grand gesture is legendary and never fails to make me smile.
But the real heart of the movie is the poem Kat reads at the end, where she confesses how much she doesn't hate Patrick. The poem perfectly sums up all the complex emotions she’s been bottling up, and it's one of the most relatable and emotional moments in rom-com history. Every time I watch it, I get chills.
Why It’s My All Time Favorite
There are a million reasons why 10 Things I Hate About You is my favorite rom-com, but the characters top the list.
Kat is such a refreshing female lead—she’s tough, intelligent, and unapologetically herself. In a genre that often focuses on conforming to win love, Kat stands out by staying true to who she is.
Then there’s Patrick, who may start as the classic bad boy, but Heath Ledger brings a warmth and vulnerability to the role that makes him unforgettable.
The movie also perfectly balances comedy with romance. It has hilarious moments, like Michael's disastrous moped ride down the hill, and sweet, sincere moments that hit you right in the heart. Plus, the soundtrack is chef’s kiss—it’s full of 90s gems like “I Want You to Want Me” by Letters to Cleo.
And let’s not forget the chemistry between Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, it’s off the charts. Every interaction between them is electric, whether they’re trading insults or sharing quiet, vulnerable moments.
Why You Should Watch It (Again and Again)
Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the hundredth, 10 Things I Hate About You never gets old. It’s timeless. The writing is sharp, the characters are memorable, and the romance is everything you could want in a love story—both fun and sincere. If you love rom-coms with heart, humor, and a bit of edge, this one checks all the boxes.
The movie also tackles some deeper themes about identity, self-worth, and learning to open up, making it more than just a typical rom-com. Kat’s journey of softening her walls and letting someone in while staying true to herself is something that really resonates.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the famous scene where Heath Ledger sings "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You" was almost scrapped because the director thought it was too cheesy?
Thankfully, they stuck with it, and now it’s one of the most beloved moments in rom-com history!
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of rom-coms out there, but 10 Things I Hate About You is in a league of its own. It’s funny, romantic, and has so much heart.
It reminds me that love can come when you least expect it, and sometimes the person who sees you for who you really are is worth taking a chance on. It’s a movie I’ll never get tired of and one I’ll always hold close to my heart.
If you want a feel good movie with the perfect mix of laughter, love, and a little bit of Shakespearean charm, then 10 thing i hate about you, is the perfect one for you!
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