Tools for this page
Print

10 Things I Hate About You

(1999, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Engaging but edgy update of Taming of the Shrew.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Tolerance of individual differences. Heroines demonstrate a very healthy attitude and strong self-esteem, defending their hearts and their bodies very capably. Kat and her father have a tough time communicating but eventually come to understand each other.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Many references to sex. Kat flashes her breasts at a teacher as a diversion (nothing shown). Kat and Bianca's dad is an obstetrician and makes his daughters wear a fake pregnant belly before they go on dates. Senior Kat discusses a bad sexual experience in 9th grade.
  • Language:

    Occasional.
  • Consumerism:

    Plug for Sarah Lawrence College
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One teen character gives up smoking to attract a girl. Drinking at an out-of-control high school party. Main character throws up after drinking and dancing on a table.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About 10 Things I Hate About You

Parents need to know there are a great many references to sex, even by the standards of teen comedies, and especially a number of references to male genitalia, including a boy who draws a picture on the face of another and a boy who pretends to expose himself in the lunchroom, using a bratwurst, as well as the usual teen references to who has "done it." There is a wild party, with teen drinking and smoking, and brief references to drug use. The scene in which a girl bears her breasts to a teacher is worth discussing.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how realistic the portrayal of teen life is or isn't.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about 10 Things I Hate About You?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 24 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    10 things is great show for 12+

    Good show to show how 2 sisters can be different. One very smart and popular and one that is tomboy thats ok

  2. I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    10 Things I Hate About You is a deffinite Hit!

    I love this movie! Strong willed Kat stands up for herself and what she believes in. There is some mild language, and the drinking is a little excessive. Also some sexual references that make it innapropriate for younger children. Overall, i think the love story is very poetic and teens will be able to relate to the characters.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Depends on the age...

    I've seen this movie a couple times actually, but my opinion hasn't changed. The actors/actresses are pretty good and well known but the content is suitable for teens and up. There are sex references and alcohol use. It's just that kind of thing that make it inappropriate for little kids.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    LOVE IT!!!!

    Love this movie. Very funny and teens can relate to the movie. I bought it off of iTunes too....worth the money.. WATCH THE MOVIE!!!!!!!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    yay

    I love this movie

  6. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    LOVED IT!!!!!!

    OMG this is my new fave movie! I didn't know how good it was but my mom said it was good so I bought it off of iTunes and I loved it!!!!! It's so funny and the actors and actresses are really good!!!!!!!!!!

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    Amazing-Ness!!

    Amazing, very funny, cute, entertaining!! Well worth watching!! R.I.P Heath..

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    butterflysecrets

    hi this film is great

  9. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Arkansas
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    YOUNG HEATH LEDGER

    the young heath ledger is an hear. A great movie. A great plot. Not so great language. Not so great sex refrenses

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    this movie is so good

    i saw this movie in the theaters! best movie ever.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Heath Leger r.i.p.

    Fantastic movie, I watched it a couple days after Heath Leger died. The movie is hilarious and I LOVE it. Rest in peace, Heath.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    It was a good movie, a fair amount of achol and stuff, cute and funny though.

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Loosen up!

    There's nothing really bad in this movie. Parents need to realize that no matter how much they try to shelter us, we still live in a different time. all of my friends have had talks about drugs, and "the talk" by the time they're 10-12. 10 things is a really fun movie. if anything, there is some language. it's not a bad movie.

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    good 4 mature 12 yr olds

    i saw this movie on tv when i was sick one day & theres LOTS of sexual referances. & kat has sex w/ a guy (not shown but mentioned) (ew) language is ok. theres the d word tho (d--k)

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    my fav. movie

  18. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A must see!!!

    I believe this movie is a must see for anyone older than 16.

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name