When "10 Things I Hate About You" was released in 1999, it featured a young cast of rising stars, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Larisa Oleynik. A modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," this romantic comedy became part of the late-90s cinema wave where classic texts were rewritten for younger audiences.
Plotwise, the film centers around Bianca (Oleynik) who can’t date until her older, tough sister Kat (Stiles) does. This leads Cameron (Gordon-Levitt) to hire the charismatic Patrick (Ledger) to win Kat’s heart; what follows is comedic chaos with plenty of iconic moments.
But if you're someone who's starting to tire of the many viewings of Kat reciting her famous poem, fear not! Several films can scratch the same itch, and they come laden with their own nostalgic charm. From adaptations of Shakespeare to other rom-coms capturing the spirit of youthful love, here are ten recommendations for what to watch next.
1. She’s All That (1999) - Releasing the same year as "10 Things I Hate About You," this film is loosely based on George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion." Freddie Prinze Jr. plays Zack, who bets he can transform the unpopular Laney (Rachael Leigh Cook) for prom. This story of popularity and makeover features plenty of familiar faces, including Gabrielle Union and Anna Paquin.
2. A Knight’s Tale (2001) - Starring Ledger as William Thatcher, this film offers Heath’s charismatic heartthrob energy as he competes for glory as he poses as nobility. This hilarious and endearing movie melds medieval jousting with modern rock music, making it as timeless as its source material.
3. O (2001) - Julia Stiles stars again, this time as Desi, with the narrative adapted from Shakespeare’s tragic "Othello" set against the backdrop of high school basketball, addressing themes of jealousy and betrayal among teens.
4. Never Been Kissed (1999) - This sweet comedy stars Drew Barrymore as Josie Geller, going undercover as a high school student for research. It cleverly navigates social dynamics and has its own set of mistaken identities, making it resonate with the high school experience explored in "10 Things."
5. She’s the Man (2006) - Delivering laughs with Amanda Bynes taking on the role of Viola, based on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," this film blends rom-com with sports and challenges gender norms. It’s celebrated for its humor and progressive undertones for its time.
6. The Taming of the Shrew (1967) - An adaptation of the original play featuring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This classic brings Shakespeare’s work alive for those wanting to see the source of their favorite adaption portrayed traditionally.
7. Romeo + Juliet (1996) - Baz Luhrmann’s visually stunning modern take on "Romeo and Juliet" pairs DiCaprio and Danes, proving Shakespeare’s tales can be both timeless and relevant, creating intense emotional connections with viewers.
8. Save The Last Dance (2001) - Starring Stiles again, this film delves deep as it portrays dance culture through the eyes of Sara who learns to blend ballet and hip-hop. The film addresses race and social dynamics, adding depth similar to the themes found within "10 Things."
9. 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002) - Featuring Josh Hartnett, this romantic comedy sees him vow celibacy for Lent, and as he navigates this, he meets Erica. The film shares light-hearted themes reminiscent of the teen antics seen earlier.
10. Deliver Us From Eva (2003) - Gabrielle Union makes another appearance, this time as Eva, whose friends attempt to soften her through romance, inadvertently finding love along the way. It highlights the adaptability of Shakespeare’s stories, particularly "The Taming of the Shrew."
While these films each bring their own spin and flair, they collectively exhibit the universal themes of love, growth, and societal pressures found within "10 Things I Hate About You." With their charming leads, dramatic turns, and quotable lines, they remain eternally appealing to fans of romcoms and Shakespeare alike.
So if you find yourself reminiscing about the antics of Kat and Patrick, you have plenty of delightful films ready to explore next!
