Critics Hate Adam Sandler’s New Comedy Sequel, But It’s Smashing Records And Rocketing To #1 On Netflix

by

Summary

  • Happy Gilmore 2 broke records on Netflix with 46.7 million views its first weekend.
  • While critics didn’t love it, the sequel was more successful than any of Sandler’s movies.
  • Sandler’s upcoming projects include “Jay Kelly” comedy with George Clooney and another Netflix film.

Despite receiving unfavorable reviews, the latest Adam Sandler comedy has proven to be an enormous hit on Netflix, even setting a new record.

I’ve had an unforgettable journey in the world of cinema, gracing numerous comedies that range from the underestimated gem “The Week Of” to the ’90s favorite “The Wedding Singer”. After my stint as a cast member on Saturday Night Live in the 90s, I’ve become synonymous with portraying dim-witted and zany characters in movies like “Big Daddy” and “Billy Madison”. My holiday flick, “Eight Crazy Nights”, is quite entertaining too. Now, I’m back with an eagerly awaited sequel to one of my most cherished and adored films. Though critics aren’t raving about it, the audience seems to be enjoying it immensely.

Happy Gilmore 2 Is Number One On Netflix And Broke Records Its First Weekend On The Streaming Service

According to Variety, “Happy Gilmore 2” has become the top-watched English language movie on Netflix and earned the highest ratings among all films on the streaming platform during its debut weekend. Remarkably, this sequel also set a new record for Adam Sandler’s movies with an impressive 46.7 million views from July 21st to July 27th, 2025.

Although some enthusiasts believe that sequels should not be produced due to simple nostalgia, there was a great eagerness among viewers to watch the return of Happy Gilmore in the new film. However, several critics didn’t find the sequel as appealing as they had hoped. As noted on Rotten Tomatoes, Johnny Loftus from Decider described it as “directionless,” and Alison Willmore of New York Magazine and Vulture stated that it appeared to be put together in a disorganized manner.

1996 saw the debut of the movie “Happy Gilmore”, with Adam Sandler contributing to its screenplay alongside Tim Herlihy. Despite his lifelong aspiration for professional hockey, financial needs lead him to golf in an attempt to save his grandmother’s home. The impressive ensemble features the late Joe Flaherty portraying a fan named Donald Floyd and Carl Weathers as Derick “Chubbs” Peterson, who provides guidance and motivation to Happy throughout his journey.

In addition to Harry’s grandmother Anna (played by Frances Bay) and girlfriend Virginia Venit (portrayed by Julie Bowen), other characters reappear from the original film, such as Bowen and Christopher McDonald who portrays Shooter McGavin, a golfer that Harry dislikes intensely. Despite mixed reviews for Happy Gilmore 2, fans eagerly awaiting a sequel for three decades were delighted to watch it and catch up with Happy, Virginia, and Shooter once more. Newcomers joining the cast for the second movie include Ben Stiller, Bad Bunny, Bennie Safdie, John Daly, Adam Sandler’s daughters Sadie and Sunny Sandler. Regrettably, Weathers was initially planned to return, but he passed away in 2024.

Adam Sandler is set to appear in another Netflix comedy titled “Jay Kelly,” scheduled for release on November 14, 2025. This film is co-written and directed by Noah Baumbach. In this production, Sandler will portray Ron, the manager of George Clooney’s character, Jay Kelly, as they navigate Europe together. Additionally, Adam Sandler has produced Amy Schumer’s 2024 Netflix comedy titled “Kinda Pregnant” and starred in the sci-fi film “Spaceman” alongside Carey Mulligan. According to his IMDb profile, Sandler will next be seen in a project called “Untitled Adam Sandler/Safdie Brothers,” which revolves around a former baseball player transitioning into the world of sports memorabilia.

Read More

2025-07-30 00:15