Cameron James, a newcomer at Padua High School in the Seattle area, finds himself instantly captivated by the stunning and popular sophomore, Bianca Stratford](/actor/julia-stiles). However, his friend, the nerdy Michael Eckman, warns him that she might be superficial and self-centered. To complicate matters, Bianca has an overprotective father, Walter, an obstetrician overly concerned about teenage pregnancy, who forbids both Bianca and her intimidating older sister, Kat, a senior, from dating. While Kat receives an acceptance letter from Sarah Lawrence College, Walter wishes for her to remain close to home and enroll at the University of Washington. Bianca, desiring to date the wealthy senior, Joey Donner, has to contend with her father’s new dating restrictions, which state that neither daughter can date until the other does.
Determined to win Bianca’s heart, Cameron learns of the new rule and comes up with a plan to date Kat first. He decides to ask the rebellious Australian "bad boy," Patrick Verona, to take Kat out, even though Patrick's demeanor initially intimidates him. With Michael's help, they convince Joey to pay Patrick to date Kat, which they believe will create a pathway for Joey to then date Bianca. Although Kat is initially resistant to Patrick's advances, through a series of clever schemes and revelations about her interests, Patrick begins to break through her tough exterior.
At a party where the tension escalates, Kat finds herself feeling vulnerable after witnessing Bianca with Joey, leading her to drink excessively. Patrick tends to her during this emotional time, and she starts sharing her aspirations of forming a band. However, when she attempts to kiss him, he recoils, hurting her feelings. Meanwhile, Bianca begins to see the true nature of Joey and finally recognizes Cameron's earnest affection for her, resulting in an unexpected kiss that signifies their budding relationship.
Joey, wanting to take Bianca to the prom, tries to manipulate circumstances by persuading Patrick to take Kat, but Kat's feelings for Patrick become complicated. Despite her anger, Patrick ultimately serenades her with an iconic rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," complete with a marching band, which wins her over. Although their romance appears to blossom, Kat’s suspicions about his intentions grow when he insists she attend prom with him.
Feeling neglected by Cameron, Bianca accepts Joey’s prom invitation. Still, Walter refuses unless Kat agrees to join them. Kat opens up about her past experience with Joey, revealing her regrets, which drives a wedge between the sisters. Ultimately, Kat decides to attend prom with Patrick, and Bianca chooses Cameron over Joey. At prom, Bianca is devastated to learn of Joey’s ulterior motives, which ignites a confrontation where Bianca defends herself and her friends against Joey's aggression.
The next day, the sisters reconcile, and Bianca embarks on a relationship with Cameron. With newfound confidence in her daughter, Walter grants Kat permission to attend Sarah Lawrence College. During a poignant classroom moment where students present their versions of William Shakespeare's Sonnet 141, Kat reads her heartfelt poem, "10 Things I Hate About You," revealing her lingering affection for Patrick. He surprises her with a Fender Stratocaster, purchased with the money Joey provided him, and admits that he has fallen in love with her. Their relationship mends beautifully with a passionate kiss, solidifying their deep connection.
