There is no doubt that 10 Things I Hate About You is one of the greatest teen rom-com movies ever made. A sarcastic heroine, a sisterly bonding scene, fake dating, and a hit dance number make for a romantic comedy fan’s dream movie.
Although this lovable film is one of the absolute classics, there are quite a few movies like 10 Things I Hate About You that will leave you feeling as deliriously happy as watching Patrick (Ledger) dance down the bleachers to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
One of the best aspects of 10 Things I Hate About You is that it can switch genres easily. The Taming of the Shrew is not only a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play, but it is also a teen comedy full of romance, and a movie about a family learning to grow together. Despite sounding cliché, it’s actually true that it’s a movie that offers something for everyone.
You can choose from the following movies based on what makes you most happy: the outsider romance between Kat (Stiles) and Patrick (Gordon-Levitt), or the joy of Kat’s anti-establishment attitude.
All the films on this list are inspired by 10 Things I Hate About You – even if they are sadly lacking in Ledger’s swoon-worthy dance numbers.
1. Deliver Us from Eva
The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted into two different modern adaptations by Union. However, she plays an overprotective older sister in this movie known as Eva. Eva’s sisters’ boyfriends hire one of their pals to seduce her in order to distract her from their relationships, but their plan turns out to work too well. As soon as Ray (LL Cool J) and Eva begin dating, sexy complications ensue, leading to a comedic, warm, and steamy film.
Union and LL Cool J’s chemistry is stellar, but their blossoming romance is only one of the reasons to watch this film. In the wake of their parents’ passing, Eva’s bond with her sisters is the true heart of the story, as she sees just how much she sacrificed for them. Even if Eva and Ray begin their romance as a joke, it’s impossible not to root for them – both for their ability to make each other happy and for Eva’s right to be happy too.
2. Pretty In Pink
Molly Ringwald stars in Pretty In Pink, another John Hughes classic that tells the story of Andie, a boy who is certainly not popular at school, but one of the most popular guys at school likes her. Andie, her best friend Duckie, and Blane are all involved in a love triangle in this movie. John Hughes is known for capturing teen struggles in Pretty In Pink, one of his best films.
3. A Knight’s Tale
In A Knight’s Tale, there is another iconic dance sequence starring Heath Ledger. The late actor portrays William Thatcher, a lowly peasant who disguises himself as a nobleman in order to enter jousting tournaments, in this charmingly anachronistic medieval comedy. After meeting and falling for the noblewoman Jocelyn (Shannyn Sossamon), his scheme quickly goes out of hand. Typical of William and Jocelyn, hijinks ensue, including a memorable moment when they dance to David Bowie’s “Golden Years.”
4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a fantastic fake dating movie, and our office loves it. The relationship between Lana Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo) may start as nothing more than a mutually beneficial agreement, but we all know it is only a matter of time before true love blooms between these two romantic teens. You will grow two sizes in your heart when they finally realize how real their feelings are, just like Kat did when she read her poem about Patrick in front of the class.
5. She’s the Man (2006)
The late ’90s and early ’00s were quite the time for Shakespeare. It was his works that inspired films like 10 Things I Hate About You and Deliver Us from Eva, as well as the improbable yet utterly joyful She’s the Man. Bynes portrays Viola in this Twelfth Night retelling, posing as her twin brother while attending boarding school. Tatum plays her brother and Bynes plays Viola. Duke’s (Tatum) attraction to Viola quickly leads to the twins’ scheme spiraling out of control – after all, who could blame her for being drawn to him?
6. Clueless (1995)
The two characters have nothing in common, but Clueless still works as a companion to 10 Things I Hate About You. Both films are stylish rom-coms that helped redefine high school movies in the ’90s, and Clueless is also an adaptation of a classic – this time, Jane Austen’s Emma gets a teen makeover. The relationship between Cher and her ex-stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd) is filled with the same kind of spiky banter that characterized Kat and Patrick’s relationship.
Also Read: How to watch Clueless on Netflix.
7. Bring it On (2000)
There are plenty of cheerleader movies filled with cool stunts and choreography, but Bring It On dealt with some more serious matters such as cultural appropriation. Despite being raunchy and silly at the same time, it was not far off from 10 Things I Hate About You. This funny and creative film stars Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union as cheerleaders. It’s the kind of film you can’t put down once you’ve watched it. You’ll chant its praise for many years to come.
8. The Breakfast Club
A classic of the 1980s, The Breakfast Club was directed by John Hughes. In the story, a group of kids from a different school clique spend the day in detention and find out more about each other and themselves than they ever expected. If you are looking for a movie about teens figuring themselves out that is full of memorable lines and a great soundtrack, then this is the one for you.
Also Check: How to watch The Breakfast Club on Netflix
9. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
In comparison to 10 Things I Hate About You, The Perks of Being A Wallflower is a much darker and more serious film. Rather than focusing on mental health issues, it focuses on adolescents’ struggles to fit in. Although Charlie, Sam, and Patrick have a great friendship, the film is difficult to watch at times.
10. Easy A
It tells the hilarious story of Olive, played by Emma Stone, a girl who lies about losing her virginity to her best friend. Despite the fact that she hasn’t lost her virginity, she ends up taking the rumors about her in stride. The film has a number of shocking moments that are also its funniest and is definitely worth a watch.
Also Read: