Summary (tl;dr)

The iconic 1999 romantic comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" is trending due to a heartfelt tribute to the late Heath Ledger by co-star Julia Stiles on "Dancing With The Stars", joined by other cast members, sparking renewed interest in the film and the enduring on-screen chemistry between Stiles and Ledger.

Essential Background

"10 Things I Hate About You" is a beloved 1999 American teen romantic comedy, loosely adapted from William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew". The film launched the careers of its young stars, including Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford, Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cameron James. It quickly became a cult classic, celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable scenes, and the undeniable chemistry between Stiles and Ledger. Heath Ledger tragically passed away at the age of 28 in January 2008 due to an accidental overdose of prescription medications, leaving behind a profound legacy in Hollywood.

The Full Story

"10 Things I Hate About You" is currently experiencing a surge in online searches and social media discussion following a touching tribute to the late Heath Ledger by his co-star, Julia Stiles, on the October 20, 2026, episode of "Dancing With The Stars". For "Dedication Night," Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa performed a contemporary routine to Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," the song famously serenaded by Ledger's character, Patrick, to Stiles' Kat in the film. The performance culminated with a photo of Stiles and Ledger from the movie appearing on screen, as Stiles laid a rose on the stairs, and was joined on the dance floor by several other cast members from the film, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gabrielle Union, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, and Susan May Pratt. Leading up to the performance, Stiles expressed her desire to honor Ledger, reflecting on his authentic nature and the special memories from filming, noting she wished she could tell him how much people still care about the movie. This emotional reunion and tribute have reignited interest in the film and the enduring impact of Ledger's performance.

Why It Matters

This trend highlights the lasting cultural impact of "10 Things I Hate About You" and the deep affection fans still hold for its cast, particularly the late Heath Ledger. The renewed attention, fueled by the "Dancing With The Stars" tribute, allows both original fans to revisit a cherished film and new audiences to discover its charm and significance. It also underscores the enduring legacy of Heath Ledger's talent, nearly two decades after his untimely death, reminding the public of his vibrant contributions to cinema. Discussions around the film also often touch upon the on-screen chemistry between Stiles and Ledger, with past speculation about their off-screen relationship resurfacing, though it has been clarified they did not date. Furthermore, the recent news of a "10 Things I Hate About You" sequel trilogy, with the first film titled "10 Things I Hate About Dating," and a Broadway musical adaptation set to begin performances in August 2027, also contributes to the heightened public interest in the franchise.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Julia Stiles' performance on "Dancing With The Stars")
• Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, United States (primary filming location for "10 Things I Hate About You", including Stadium High School and the Stratford House)
• Seattle, King County, Washington, United States (additional filming locations for "10 Things I Hate About You", including Gas Works Park and Lake Union)