Carl Weathers was due to have a “massive part” in Happy Gilmore 2 before his death.
In February 2024, the actor who played Rocky passed away at the age of 76. Adam Sandler, the lead actor, announced that this sad news necessitated a significant change to the upcoming sequel, as Derick “Chubbs” Peterson, the character played by the deceased actor, had died in the original 1996 golf comedy.
58-year-old Sandler shared with Collider: “We experienced a difficult transformation. Carl Weathers played a significant role… I would converse with Carl, and we were thrilled, but then Carl passed away. This necessitated rewriting much of the material, and even the story itself. We included many heartfelt references to how remarkable Chubbs was in the original film. That was the most substantial modification.
In the sequel, it was initially planned for Weathers to make an appearance, given that a prior version of the script depicted Weathers’ character visiting Sandler’s character in dreams.
In the original concept, the character portrayed by Adam Sandler in the movie “50 First Dates” had a son. This son was resentful towards the character named Happy, as he believed Happy had caused the death of his father.
Despite not being able to appear in the upcoming movie on Netflix, scheduled for release on July 25th, Adam Sandler and director Kyle Newacheck intend the sequel to honor the essence of Chubbs.
The filmmaker stated: “It’s impossible to create Happy Gilmore without Chubbs Peterson. The movie simply doesn’t exist. Rest assured, his spirit permeates the entire film. Although he’s no longer physically with Happy, he remains on his shoulder.
NFL player Travis Kelce, currently linked to pop sensation Taylor Swift, finds himself in the follow-up film, calling it a “wish fulfilled” to collaborate with Sandler.
Earlier this year, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs shared on The Pat McAfee Show: “It was a dream come true! I’d always thought Saturday Night Live would be the pinnacle of my acting and entertainment career. But working alongside Adam Sandler, famously known as Happy Gilmore, and Happy Productions was absolutely incredible!
Happy Gilmore 2 premieres on Netflix on July 25.
Every Adam Sandler Movie Ranked From Worst to Best
51. Going Overboard
Adam Sandler’s career had an unpromising start with the seemingly humorless “comedy” titled Going Overboard, which took place on a cruise ship filled with beauty pageant contestants. As per IMDb trivia for this film, once producers obtained access to the ship and decided to produce a movie, it was hastily written in three days, cast in one day, prepared in two days, and filmed in six days. To be honest, given that the script was penned in just three days and filmed in a mere six days… it’s far worse than your imagination could ever conjure up.
50. The Cobbler
In the 2010s, Adam Sandler starred in some less-than-stellar films, but “The Cobbler” stood out as particularly poor. In this film, Sandler’s character Max possesses a magical sewing machine that enables him to assume the identities of the people whose shoes he dons. An unusual twist occurs when Max transforms into his father (portrayed by Dustin Hoffman), allowing him to fulfill his mother’s wish for one final dinner with her late spouse – yes, Sandler essentially courts his own mother in this movie without any hint of awkwardness or discomfort.
“The Cobbler” is a film that defies logic, managing to be both overly sentimental and subtly racist at the same time. The plot culminates in one of the most bizarre endings in recent cinematic history – it’s truly outlandish, bordering on the absurd.
49. Jack and Jill
In a Dunkin’ Donuts ad featuring Al Pacino crooning for their Dunkaccino, I’d rate it a solid five stars. However, the rest of this comedic sketch, where Adam Sandler portrays an irritating pair of siblings, unfortunately ranks among the less impressive chapters in his Hollywood journey as a leading man. And let’s not forget the unexpected, cringe-worthy celebrity appearance by… Jared from Subway. Quite off-putting!
48. Men, Women & Children
In this thought-provoking drama, a group of characters navigate through the complexities of modern life online. The film serves a crucial lesson: not everything about the digital world is as glamorous as it seems. Adam Sandler portrays a man stuck in an emotionless marriage who turns to the internet for affection; his story is just one example among many that illustrate the perils of the web (all of which are based on real-life experiences). However, these warnings about the hazards of the internet are presented in a heavy-handed and overly preachy manner.
If you’re looking for a more intelligent and suspenseful movie exploring the risks of the digital age, consider watching “Unfriended.” Yes, it’s the film about the spectral entity that terrorizes users on Skype.
47. I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
In simpler terms, the comedy movie “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” from 2007, despite ending with a speech advocating for equality and respect for gay people, is filled with derogatory comments towards them throughout its duration. The characters Kevin James and Adam Sandler are New York City firefighters who pretend to be a same-sex couple to gain insurance benefits. The movie also includes numerous racist stereotypes of Asians, particularly in the character played by Rob Schneider, who appears frequently and seems intentionally offensive, reminiscent of Mickey Rooney’s portrayal in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” This is shocking given that such jokes were still being used as a marketing strategy for the film.
46. The Do-Over
In the second Netflix movie under his multi-picture agreement, Sandler portrays a character pretending to be an FBI agent who fakes both his and his childhood friend’s (David Spade) deaths for a fresh start without baggage. However, their scheme goes awry, leading to a complex series of events involving stolen cancer drugs and a hired gun nicknamed “The Gymnast.” Given this second chance, I wouldn’t want to witness the initial attempt.
45. Zookeeper
In this film, Sandler lends his voice to a monkey in an imitation of the lower-quality version of “Doctor Dolittle.” The story revolves around a zookeeper named Kevin James who, being lovelorn, seeks relationship advice from the animals under his care.
Fast forward a dozen years, and Sandler would transform this idea of compassionate animals helping people mend their messy lives into a much more successful animated movie. If you find that theme intriguing, it’s recommended to bypass “Zookeeper” and move straight on to “Leo.
44. Mixed Nuts
Title contender for the Worst Film Boasting an Exceptional Ensemble: Mixed Nuts. Besides Adam Sandler, this film showcases Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Anthony LaPaglia, Juliette Lewis, Rob Reiner, Liev Schreiber, Garry Shandling, Rita Wilson, Robert Klein, Parker Posey, and Steven Wright.
In the movie, they portray staff members and clients of a crisis helpline for suicidal individuals. Despite their roles demanding somber performances, the characters instead display eccentric and bizarre behaviors – shouting, colliding with objects, and exhibiting anything but depressive demeanors. The result is a chaotic spectacle. It’s important to note that Sandler isn’t responsible for this; he has a minor role as a quirky ukulele-playing character.
43. The Ridiculous 6
The exact opposite of a promising beginning is what can be described as The Ridiculous 6, which was Adam Sandler’s first film under his massive (and highly impactful) distribution agreement with Netflix.
Sandler takes the lead in this ensemble cast, alongside Terry Crews, Will Forte, Luke Wilson, Harvey Keitel, Nick Nolte, Taylor Lautner, and several others. The movie is a supposedly comedic Western about a group of men who discover they all share the same deadbeat father.
Despite being free to watch if you already had a Netflix subscription, The Ridiculous 6 was still such a terrible movie that it made me wish for a refund even though I had a Netflix account when it premiered.
42. Just Go With It
This version aims to maintain the original’s tone and style while making it easier for readers to comprehend.
41. Grown Ups 2
Adam Sandler’s films, particularly the “Grown Ups” series, have often been criticized as being more about taking a leisurely break with friends than making quality movies. However, when it comes to the “Grown Ups 2,” this criticism seems spot on, as the movie appears to lack any real direction compared to even the original, which was quite casual. (It’s worth noting that the original “Grown Ups” doesn’t hold a candle to “Primer,” but at least it didn’t involve a deer urinating in someone’s mouth or Shaquille O’Neal flooding a pool by urinating everywhere, or Colin Quinn operating an ice cream machine in a way that makes it look like he has severe diarrhea. At least according to my memory.)
40. Pixels
In the 2010s, Sandler’s indifference towards many of his projects was so noticeable that critiquing them became predictable. However, discussing Pixels requires a different approach. This movie is packed with several remarkable scenes where Sandler seems to nonchalantly navigate through them: from hanging out in the Oval Office, running after giant arcade centipedes in London streets, to becoming globally recognized. Despite his seemingly uninterested demeanor on-screen during this period, audiences continue to flock to his films.
Sandler’s lack of enthusiasm for most movies in the 2010s was obvious, but discussing Pixels requires a unique perspective. This film features some amazing scenes where Sandler seems unfazed: from visiting the Oval Office, chasing arcade creatures through London streets, to becoming famous worldwide. Even though he appeared disengaged on-screen during this period, people still enjoy watching his films.
39. Eight Crazy Nights
In one perspective, the idea of employing a style reminiscent of classic children’s animation to tell a story about a morally bankrupt individual with alcoholism, auto-erotic behavior, and fecal abuse seems commendable. However, the presentation falls flat – visually and otherwise.
Adam Sandler, who embodies cartoonishness in his own right, appears strikingly underanimated here.
Beyond the controversial notion of an adult-themed animation (one can only wonder), and perhaps the fact that Sandler could voice both main characters in this format, there’s no compelling reason this couldn’t be a live-action film. Moreover, Rob Schneider voices yet another stereotypical character portraying an Asian individual.
38. Bulletproof
In Bulletproof, instead of showcasing Adam Sandler’s unique comedic talents, the movie attempted to fit him into the mold of a conventional buddy cop action film. The basic plot isn’t bad: it’s a road trip movie in the style of Midnight Run, featuring Damon Wayans as a former undercover cop and Sandler as his target, who are forced to work together to bring down a drug lord (James Caan).
However, the script for Bulletproof provides the two comedians with limited opportunities to shine, relying heavily on offensive jokes about homosexuality and mockery of those with mental disabilities. Wayans and Sandler may not have the same chemistry as De Niro and Grodin, which is reflected in the film’s failure to live up to the standard set by Midnight Run.
One standout moment, Sandler singing Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” in the shower, feels like an improvised attempt at humor that his character would unlikely perform under normal circumstances.
37. Grown Ups
In the movie “Grown Ups,” Adam Sandler brought together his old friends from Saturday Night Live (SNL) and other past collaborators for a tale about a group of old friends who get together after their childhood basketball coach passes away. The story itself is quite minimal, serving merely as a pretext for Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider to amuse each other at a lake house.
Unfortunately, they’re laughing much more than the audience; I have rarely seen a comedy where so many people are laughing onscreen and yet there are so few genuinely funny jokes. The ratio of actor laughter (which seems self-congratulatory) to actual comedic moments is roughly 40 to 1.
36. Murder Mystery
As a film enthusiast, I found myself drawn into the intriguing whodunit penned by none other than James Vanderbilt, who also wrote ‘Zodiac’. This time around, he brought together Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, my beloved co-stars from ‘Just Go With It’. They embark on an exhilarating journey as a bored married couple rekindling their love during a belated European honeymoon, only to find themselves entangled in an unexpected murder mystery.
However, despite the undeniable chemistry between Sandler and Aniston in romantic comedies, I can’t help but feel that they haven’t been given a script that truly highlights their remarkable talents (no hard feelings, James Vanderbilt).
35. That’s My Boy
As a dedicated cinephile, I must admit that Adam Sandler’s comedies have evolved significantly since the release of “The Wedding Singer.” Generally speaking, he has steered clear of his more explicit and crude humor, as showcased in his earlier work. However, “That’s My Boy” stands out as a rare exception – an R-rated comedy brimming with profanity, adult themes, and nudity. Given its unique position in Sandler’s filmography, it’s worth discussing.
In an era where Hollywood comedies have become more timid, “That’s My Boy” is a refreshing throwback to the May-December farce genre. Unfortunately, the humor often falls flat, and the core premise – a man whose teacher molested him decades prior – feels uncomfortable rather than funny.
Sandler’s character, a grown man still emotionally stunted from his traumatic past, is intended to be charmingly obnoxious. However, he comes across as more unbearably insufferable than endearing. The film seems to suggest that the audience needs more of Sandler’s energy in their lives, which, for a movie about a man who was sexually abused at age 15 and turned into an alcoholic, is rather peculiar!
34. Bedtime Stories
In a clever move, Sandler solidified his role as a beloved children’s comedy hero with “Bedtime Stories,” where he stars as Skeeter – a name perfectly suited for the protagonist of a kid-friendly comedy. Through his imaginative bedtime tales to his niece and nephew, Skeeter finds that these stories have an uncanny knack for becoming reality. The film may not be particularly remarkable, but it shrewdly capitalizes on Sandler’s significant appeal among kids. By tailoring his content directly towards them instead of appealing above their heads, Sandler demonstrated the potential to earn even greater profits. (“Bedtime Stories” ultimately raked in $212 million worldwide.)
33. Sandy Wexler
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on Adam Sandler’s latest character, Sandy Wexler. Among all the zany characters Sandler has portrayed with eccentric voices, I must admit that Sandy Wexler is by far the most grating. It seems this gentle yet underdeveloped satire of Hollywood is inspired by his real-life talent manager, Sandy Wernick. The fictional Sandy, whose antics and idiosyncrasies are highlighted in a framing narrative filled with more appearances from Sandler’s famous friends than usual, discovers a talented singer (Jennifer Hudson) at a theme park and strives to guide her to fame. I suppose it’s a tribute to Wernick? However, it’s not particularly humorous in my opinion, and Sandy certainly wears thin after a while.
32. Murder Mystery 2
In this sequel, you’ll find the humor to be the casual jokestery you’d anticipate from Sandler. However, what might surprise you is the impressive technical prowess of Murder Mystery 2. There’s an exhilarating comic action sequence involving a runaway van with Sandler and Aniston that is quite fulfilling, boasting well-executed stunts, skillful cinematography, smooth editing, and a genuinely amusing climax. Granted, not much else reaches this level of quality, but it’s a significant improvement over the initial film.
31. Spanglish
It’s tough to criticize Adam Sandler for producing numerous mediocre comedies, as they have consistently earned substantial profits regardless of their quality or reviews. However, most of his attempts at exploring different roles have resulted in moderate box office success and average reviews. For instance, the film “Spanglish” showcases Sandler’s collaboration with romantic comedy director James L. Brooks, yet it still resulted in a critically panned flop.
In this movie, he plays the compassionate head of a struggling California family, and Sandler is an appropriate casting choice for his role as a loving spouse. Nevertheless, the film itself is slow-paced, and the character played by Téa Leoni, who portrays Sandler’s wife, is as nagging and self-centered as the chef and father character is patient and considerate.
30. Click
In the realm of cinema during the 2000s, Adam Sandler delivered yet another dose of heartwarming sentimentality in the movie “Click.” As a dedicated father who stumbles upon a magical remote controlling time, I found myself in the shoes of this hardworking character. Initially, the remote provided a comical escape, allowing me to momentarily halt a tedious conversation with my pesky boss (was that David Hasselhoff?) so I could land a well-deserved punch without any repercussions.
However, as the story unfolds, “Click” transforms into Sandler’s version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The narrative takes a turn, and I begin to understand the far-reaching consequences of neglecting family moments. The special effects are polished, while the message is undeniably sentimental.
29. Blended
In this list, you might observe that several movies feature Sandler’s character going on vacations. This isn’t just a coincidence. Back in 2004, Sandler admitted during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that if he proposed rewriting a script so it was set in a picturesque location, he could film the movie there. As a result, Blended takes place in Africa!
Despite being shot in an exotic locale, Sandler always seems to shine when acting alongside Drew Barrymore. Although this is arguably their least impressive collaboration, they still manage to exude charm together.
28. Big Daddy
Giving credit where it’s due: In a short span after finding success in Hollywood, Sandler realized his charm among children and began incorporating cute, unexpected child characters into his movies. This allowed younger viewers to find a relatable character on screen and added another layer of humor. After all, if Adam Sandler saying and doing adult things is funny, it’s even funnier when he does it in front of underage kids.
In the film “Big Daddy,” released merely three years after “Happy Gilmore,” Sandler portrays yet another irresponsible grump, but this time he must mature quickly when he becomes the guardian for his roommate’s illegitimate son.
What was more astute than Sandler’s blend of risqué jokes and that young male demographic was his growing fascination with product placement. (The film “Big Daddy” even features a whole subplot centered around Hooters restaurants.)
27. Airheads
As a fan, I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed by “Airheads.” With an ensemble cast like Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler, Joe Mantegna, Chris Farley, Ernie Hudson, Michael McKean, Reg E. Cathey, David Arquette, and Michael Richards, I had high expectations. But despite the impressive lineup, the movie lacks charm and is more watchable than some of Sandler’s blockbusters. The Beavis and Butthead cameo certainly adds a nostalgic touch, making it a remarkable artifact of the ’90s.
26. Anger Management
Although Adam Sandler is now known for playing lovable, everyday family men on screen, in his early days, his comedy was built upon the juxtaposition of his innocent, relatable demeanor with explosive fits of rage. Initially, pairing Sandler with Jack Nicholson might seem like an unusual duo today, but in 2003, it appeared as though two generations of actors who enjoyed playing larger-than-life characters were joining forces for a grand comedy. However, the film’s delivery didn’t quite meet expectations, despite Sandler delivering a convincing performance as a patient driven to his limit by Nicholson’s unconventional therapist character.
25. Spaceman
In my perspective, after embarking on over fifty roles throughout his career, Sandler made a significant leap with “Spaceman.” Here, I portray the protagonist – an astronaut, surprisingly a Czech one, embarking on a mission in the vastness of space. Feeling unbearably lonely and growing distant from my Earth-bound wife, played by Carey Mulligan, I start conversing with a colossal alien spider, voiced by Paul Dano, who claims he can assist me with my marital issues (and may well be a manifestation of my troubled psyche).
The movie primarily revolves around Sandler’s performance, and he delivers an understated, melancholic act that I never thought the Sandler from “Billy Madison” could pull off 30 years ago. However, with its monotonous background music, scarcity of action, and hushed dialogue between Sandler and Dano, “Spaceman” can be a tad… sleepy. I suspect that many Netflix subscribers who plan their Saturday nights around watching “Spaceman” may find themselves nodding off on the couch by the 30-minute mark.
24. The Week Of
In this lively family comedy, Robert Smigel, known for his character Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, takes on directing duties for the first time. The movie follows a chaotic wedding where Adam Sandler’s character, the father of the bride, tries to keep things under control. Chris Rock plays the father of the groom in a more subdued role. While it shares some similarities with the classic film “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner“, it lacks any significant social commentary. Instead, the humor is focused on lighter and sillier topics such as oversized duty-free alcohol bottles. (Can you believe how big they are?) Despite this focus, Smigel skillfully handles a large cast and provides plenty of laughs – more than in most Sandler comedies from the 2010s.
23. The Waterboy
An amusing comedy featuring a clumsy waterboy with an eccentric voice who unexpectedly becomes a college football sensation. This film, which was released in 1998, turned out to be a massive box-office hit, earning nearly $200 million! Today, that seems inconceivable, but it’s a testament to Adam Sandler’s immense popularity and influence at the box office. Eventually, there will likely be a book chronicling all of Sandler’s unforgettable characters, such as Bobby Boucher from ‘The Waterboy,’ who possess unique voices that can only be found in his movies.
22. The Longest Yard
In my opinion, I’d say this sports movie is quite robust, despite some outdated prison humor that might feel a bit antiquated. It takes inspiration from the classic Robert Aldrich film but who am I to argue with success? Both versions of “The Longest Yard” share Burt Reynolds, but in the original, he played the fallen NFL quarterback imprisoned, while in this remake, Adam Sandler steps into that role and Reynolds portrays a former Heisman winner behind bars.
As for what sets this film apart, it’s not so much the elaborate plays that Sandler and his team of convicts employ to outsmart the ruthless prison guards, but rather the occasional witty one-liners and an impressive ensemble cast brimming with former football stars and professional wrestlers. Notable names include Brian Bosworth, Bill Romanowski, Steve Austin, Kevin Nash, Goldberg, and even the Great Khali.
21. Hotel Transylvania 2
Despite not having the prestige associated with a Pixar film or the box-office success of the “Despicable Me” series, the “Hotel Transylvania” franchise stands as a reliable force in contemporary animation. Its understated reputation might stem from its more modest ambitions; these delightful, goofy, and vividly illustrated cartoons evoke an era ruled by the humor and squash-and-stretch animation of “Looney Tunes.” These films are primarily designed for children (and those who never grew up) and generally meet their intended audience’s expectations. They stick to their plan and they’re all decent to good, which is why I present to you: “Hotel Transylvania 2”! Blah blah blah.
20. You Don’t Mess With the Zohan
A clear-cut, first-time inductee for the Troublesome Favorites Hall of Fame is the film “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan”. This movie contains questionable jokes about the Middle East, Adam Sandler making inappropriate gestures towards women, and Rob Schneider portraying a Palestinian taxi driver. It also explores a wealth of comedic absurdity by satirizing war and spy films, Israeli cuisine and customs, and shady New York City enterprises. (The store named “Going Out of Business” as a promotional strategy is particularly impressive.) When it’s not offensive, it’s absolutely hilarious.
19. Coneheads
In modern times, this film would likely be celebrated as a contemporary comedy that sheds light on the immigrant life in America and the actions of prejudiced government officials. Moreover, David Lynch might envy creating an unsettling body horror scene as disturbing as the sight of Beldar’s unblemished, seamless behind. A number of renowned cast members from Saturday Night Live make appearances in this adaptation; Adam Sandler plays a minor character who provides Dan Aykroyd’s Beldar with a fake ID.
18. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Genndy Tartakovsky, the co-writer and director who previously handled Hotel Transylvania films, is said to have derived ideas for Hotel Transylvania 3’s script (collaboratively written with Michael McCullers from Austin Powers) based on a real family cruise vacation he took. Although some elements might be fictional, such as the large dog disguising itself to board the ship, the genuine feelings of a family trip are woven into the movie’s events. I found myself particularly moved by the portrayal of Buscemi and Molly Shannon as exhausted werewolf parents, who are overwhelmed with their numerous offspring and can barely manage more than repeat “We can do whatever we want!”
Genndy Tartakovsky drew inspiration for Hotel Transylvania 3’s script from a real family cruise trip. While some parts might not be true (like the dog disguise), the movie captures the ups and downs of a real family vacation. I was especially touched by the depiction of Buscemi and Molly Shannon as tired werewolf parents who struggle to care for their many children on the cruise ship.
17. 50 First Dates
In a romantic comedy twist, a man (Adam Sandler) who typically avoids commitment finds himself in an unusual predicament when he falls for a woman (Drew Barrymore) who suffers from short-term memory loss due to a car accident. Every day, Barrymore’s character believes it’s the day of the accident, which means Sandler must win her heart all over again, essentially taking them on endless first dates.
Despite the unconventional plot, this film manages to work thanks primarily to the strong chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore, making them a perfect duo in romantic comedies.
16. Funny People
In the movie “Funny People,” Adam Sandler plays a successful but lonely comedian named George Simmons who hires a young stand-up comic (Seth Rogen) to write jokes for him, possibly because he thinks he doesn’t have much time left. The character of George seems to offer a glimpse into the darker side of Sandler that we haven’t seen in his other films, as he struggles with self-loathing and the emptiness of his wealth. However, it’s unclear whether this is a reflection of the “real” Sandler or of director Judd Apatow. Both men are family men in real life, so it’s hard to say what’s true and what’s fiction in the movie. Despite its length (145 minutes), I still enjoy revisiting “Funny People” because it makes me think about these questions. The stand-up comedy in the film isn’t particularly funny, but Sandler gives a strong performance that captures the isolation of fame, which is portrayed as an incurable disease.
15. Mr. Deeds
The portrayal of Sandler’s Longfellow Deeds is somewhat confusing. At times he appears as an innocent rural simpleton, while at others he exhibits traits typical of Adam Sandler, such as outbursts of anger or excessive karaoke performances. (Sandler’s New England accent also seems jumbled.) It seems I may be growing sentimental, but I find the tender moments more appealing. Sandler delivers well in this style. However, it appears he lacks faith that the audience will stay engaged without frequent physical humor – and while the movie does have its moments, like John Turturro’s portrayal of Deeds’ eccentrically-accented butler, it never fully coalesces into more than a collection of comedic scenes.
14. Hotel Transylvania
Among all Hotel Transylvania movies, the original one is my favorite, despite the fact that they are all enjoyable to watch. The voice of Dracula, portrayed by Adam Sandler, is a bit ambiguous. On one hand, it resembles Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, which makes many lines quite amusing just because of that similarity. However, it also leaves me wishing for a Hotel Transylvania sequel featuring Robert Smigel as the voice of Dracula instead (something I would look forward to).
13. Shakes the Clown
In this quirky film by Bobcat Goldthwait titled “Shakes the Clown,” Sandler portrays a resident of a town filled with clowns, which seems to be the norm. Released prior to Sandler’s tenure as a writer on Saturday Night Live, it’s unlikely that viewers would have predicted Sandler’s future fame from watching this movie. However, Sandler seamlessly blends into this unique and unapologetically strange portrayal of alcoholism (and clowning).
12. You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah
In this movie, Adam Sandler typically casts his friends and family in various roles, but here his wife, kids, especially his daughters Sunny and Sadie, take the main spots. While Adam plays a tired yet lovable father, his younger daughter Sunny gets into a significant fight with her best friend just before their bat mitzvahs. The movie is heartwarming, and both Sunny and Sadie deliver strong performances. It’s been 30 years since I was 13, so it was reassuring to see that the old tradition of handing out 200 glow stick necklaces at a bar or bat mitzvah party is still around!
11. Little Nicky
Incredible is how well large-budget comedies from the past hold up, considering that such movies are seldom produced nowadays. It seems almost unbelievable that Hollywood once splurged exorbitant amounts of money on slapstick and bathroom humor, making it appear as if a supernatural event occurred. I highly doubt Netflix would produce a film like “Little Nicky” today, especially when you consider some of the Happy Madison productions they have released in the past.
In 2024 dollars, New Line Cinema invested $85 million on a movie called “Little Nicky,” where Adam Sandler sported an awful wig and lisp, Kevin Nealon wore prosthetic breasts on his head, Hitler had a pineapple shoved up his backside, Quentin Tarantino portrayed a mad street preacher, Dana Carvey was a possessed Harlem Globetrotters referee, Reese Witherspoon played Sandler’s angelic mother, and there were numerous product placements for Popeye’s, which may have warranted a supporting actor credit.
“Little Nicky” was a box office failure at the time of its release, but it offers an enjoyable dose of madness due to its sheer existence — making it one of the craziest films ever produced. While it’s not consistently hilarious, it provides an entertaining glimpse into Hollywood’s past insanity.
10. Billy Madison
In his raw, comedic beginnings, Sandler landed his initial leading role in Tinseltown with the film “Billy Madison.” He infused the production with boundless energy, numerous goofy voices, nonsensical chatter (such as “SHAMPOO IS BETTUH!”), and a sprinkling of moments that made viewers squirm (marking the start of the Adam Sandler movie era, where he got drunkenly enthusiastic about a questionable celebration known as “Nudie Magazine Day”).
9. Hubie Halloween
8. Happy Gilmore
In the passage of time, Happy Gilmore continues to embody the archetype of an Adam Sandler comedy: It features Sandler as an unsuspecting underdog with a rough exterior, but a pure heart and hidden talent (in this instance, Happy is a poor hockey player who transforms into a prodigious golfer).
In the professional sports milieu, Sandler’s character, Happy, pursues a woman beyond his reach with his endearing allure, vanquishes a bothersome antagonist, and showcases his explosive temper to hilarious effect – most notably in his fight with Bob Barker, the host of The Price Is Right, during a celebrity golf tournament. Many of these elements can be found in various combinations in almost every movie he has produced since then.
7. Leo
In Sandler’s earlier works aimed at family audiences, his attempts often felt forced and insincere, with diluted humor and unmerited life lessons. However, as Sandler has aged, he has masterfully combined his eccentric (and occasionally crude) sense of humor with genuine emotion – as seen in the amusing yet touching film, “Leo”.
In this movie, Sandler portrays a class pet who learns that his time might be limited and decides to impart his life lessons to a group of mischievous fifth graders. Remarkably, the turtle urination jokes are effective, and the songs (yes, “Leo” is a full-fledged musical) about growing older not only work but resonate deeply. The portrayal of kindergarten children as whirlwinds of chaos is remarkably accurate, making this film a true gem.
6. Reign Over Me
In the world before 2007, one wouldn’t expect Adam Sandler to portray a man devastated by the loss of his entire family during 9/11 anything but a challenging role. However, the movie “Reign Over Me” proves otherwise, with Sandler delivering an exceptional performance. He is remarkably convincing as a tormented widower and powerfully moving in a crucial scene where, after years of avoiding his pain, his character finally reveals the harrowing story of his past.
5. Hustle
Adrian Sandler’s ardor for basketball is evident in various productions over time, yet it has never been as impactful as in the movie “Hustle.” This film tells the tale of an NBA scout (portrayed by Sandler) who discovers a hidden talent and strives to mold him into a promising draft pick. Although there are numerous basketball movies to compare this one with, “Hustle” seems to draw its inspiration from “Rocky,” if you imagine “Rocky” narrated from Mickey’s perspective, with Sandler’s beleaguered coach attempting to transform an underdog into a competitor. The setting is even Philadelphia. Remarkably, this combination works exceptionally well, and Sandler’s affection for the game is palpable throughout.
4. The Wedding Singer
It’s hard to believe that “The Wedding Singer” is now older than the fashion and music from the ’80s were when the movie was first released. If “The Wedding Singer” had been about such old pop culture in 1998, as it is today, Adam Sandler would have been singing songs like “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” at weddings instead of “You Spin Me Round.” Time has a way of making us all seem foolish.
Yet, despite its age, “The Wedding Singer” remains surprisingly relevant. It could have easily been just a funny ’80s spoof, but it was much more than that. The plot – about a wedding singer who gets left at the altar on his own wedding day and loses his confidence – could have been turned into a broad comedy similar to “Billy Madison.” However, Sandler cleverly chose to explore a more romantic angle, blending his comedic outbursts with a genuinely heartwarming relationship between his character and Drew Barrymore’s irresistibly cheerful one.
3. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)
As a movie enthusiast, it’s hard to believe that Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler haven’t collaborated more in the past 20 years; their last joint effort before “The Meyerowitz Stories” was “Happy Gilmore”! Yet, in this film, they deliver performances so compelling that it leaves one pondering why we haven’t seen more of their collaborations. Nonetheless, the wait for “The Meyerowitz Stories” was undeniably worth it, as these two talented actors convincingly portray estranged half-brothers grappling with their complex, dysfunctional relationships with their father, Harold (played brilliantly by Dustin Hoffman).
2. Punch-Drunk Love
In an interview on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, Adam Sandler attributed his successful career in roles outside of comedy to Paul Thomas Anderson. He stated that it was Anderson who recognized his potential beyond comedic roles featuring silly voices and slapstick humor – although Conan O’Brien recalled that Sandler had mentioned during their time together on Saturday Night Live that he aspired to become a serious actor.
The film Punch-Drunk Love, while occasionally humorous, opened up many new facets of Sandler’s screen character. In the movie, Sandler portrays a typical Sandler character – a lonely and mistreated schmuck who hatches a plan to exploit a supermarket promotion, while simultaneously dealing with blackmail from a phone sex line and developing feelings for a coworker of his sister’s. However, the film takes this familiar character type on an unpredictable journey. The movie’s pacing is unusual, the music is rich and melancholic, and Sandler shares an intense (almost unsettling!) chemistry with co-star Emily Watson.
1. Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler delivered an outstanding performance in the character study and thriller “Uncut Gems”. He skillfully made the diamond merchant Howard Ratner both detestable and compelling, leaving viewers torn between cheering for him and wanting to express frustration as he struggles desperately to find a solution to his catastrophic financial issues.
The Safdie brothers, native New York filmmakers, have crafted a remarkably accurate depiction of the city’s complex spirit in “Uncut Gems”. They expertly showcase both its beauty and brokenness, with Sandler at the heart of it all, hustling, negotiating, making us laugh and want to pull our hair out, and ultimately captivating audiences until Howard’s luck finally runs out.
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2025-07-18 17:07