The iconic 1999 teen romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, frequently hailed as one of the greatest rom-coms of all time, has just been added to Channel 4's streaming library, available for free to UK viewers. This perfectly executed film, which modernized William Shakespeare's classic play The Taming of the Shrew, launched the careers of stars Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and has since achieved cult classic status.
A Modern Shakespearean Tale
Written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, the movie transports Shakespeare's comedy to a late-1990s American high school setting. The plot follows new student Cameron James, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who becomes infatuated with Bianca Stratford, portrayed by Larisa Oleynik. To circumvent her father's strict dating rules, Cameron enlists the help of bad boy Patrick Verona, Heath Ledger's character, to date Bianca's unsocial sister Kat, brought to life by Julia Stiles.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Legacy
Upon its release, the film received widespread praise for its clever blend of satire and romance. The Los Angeles Times noted its generational appeal, stating it was "wise enough to span generations." Movie Views highlighted its timeless themes applied to a modern context, while Radio Times commended its smart pacing and universal enjoyment for both teens and adults.
Over the years, 10 Things I Hate About You has cemented its place in pop culture. Teen Vogue ranked it number one on its list of best teen romance movies, GQ included it among the best films of the 1990s, and Harper's Bazaar listed it as a defining movie of the decade. Fans continue to celebrate it on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, with one viewer calling it "one of, if not the best romance-comedy movie of all time," and others praising its wit, charm, and enduring high school setting.
Sequel Developments and Tributes
In 2012, a standalone sequel titled 10 Things I Hate About Life entered development with director Gil Junger returning, but the project was eventually shelved. More recently, in May of last year, another sequel, 10 Things I Hate About Dating, was announced. This film, also directed by Junger, will be based on Molière's The Misanthrope, or the Cantankerous Lover, and is planned as the first in a trilogy, with tentative follow-ups titled 10 Things I Hate About Marriage and 10 Things I Hate About Kids.
Junger has expressed interest in involving the original cast, stating he would love to work with Julia Stiles again, noting that her character Kat "shaped the lives of millions of women." He also confirmed that the new film will pay tribute to Heath Ledger, who passed away in 2008, saying, "He deserves to be loved."
10 Things I Hate About You is now streaming for free on Channel 4, offering both longtime fans and new viewers a chance to experience this beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
