Common Sense Media Review
Engaging but edgy update of Taming of the Shrew.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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10 Things I Hate About You
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 35 parent reviews
Parents say that this movie is a beloved teen comedy that combines humor with important lessons, particularly about relationships and consent, while featuring strong female characters. Though many enjoy its charm and relatable characters, it contains notable sexual references and themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences, leading to varying opinions on its appropriate age rating.
- funny and relatable
- strong female characters
- sexual references
- appropriate for teens
- great conversation starter
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 138 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an engaging teen rom-com with a humorous storyline and relatable characters, though it contains a significant amount of sexual references, language, and instances of drinking and smoking. Many viewers express that while it’s entertaining and fun for older tweens and teens, it may not be appropriate for younger audiences due to its edgy content.
- funny storyline
- relatable characters
- sexual references
- teen drinking
- age-appropriate for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), a high school sophomore, longs for a social life and romance. But her father won't let her date until her older sister, Kat (Julia Stiles), does. In an attempt to woo Bianca, Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) tries to get Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to go out with Kat. Patrick is game to help his friend out, but the challenge winds up being more than he'd anticipated.
Is It Any Good?
This romcom benefits from fresh, smart dialogue and talented young performers, including Stiles, Ledger, and Gordon-Levitt in some of their earliest roles. Based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You shines thanks to its punchy lead heroine, an endearing "bad boy with a heart of gold," and comedian Larry Miller who's terrific as the girls' overprotective father. Adding to the fun are the film's unreliable teachers, including a guidance counselor more concerned with writing a steamy novel than with the behavior and well-being of her students. While the film still has clichés found in most high school movies—familiar cliques, wild parties, and White upper-middle-class characters living in big houses—its young stars make it more than the sum of its parts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the portrayal of teen life in 10 Things I Hate About You. Is it realistic?
How are drinking and smoking portrayed in the movie? Are they glamorized, or are the potential negative consequences shown?
Would you consider 10 Things I Hate About You more feminist than The Taming of the Shrew? Why, or why not?
In what ways do characters in the film demonstrate courage? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 31, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : October 12, 1999
- Cast : Heath Ledger , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Julia Stiles
- Director : Gil Junger
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Touchstone Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude sex-related humor and dialogue, alcohol and drug-related scenes, all involving teens
- Last updated : February 17, 2026
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