Adam Sandler's Netflix Era: From 'Happy Gilmore' to 'Grown Ups' and Beyond
If you’ve been scrolling through Netflix lately, you’ve probably noticed that familiar face—Adam Sandler is everywhere. And honestly? We wouldn't have it any other way. The guy who made us laugh with Happy Gilmore and tear up with Funny People is back in full force, and this time he’s bringing the whole family along.
Sandler’s partnership with Netflix has been a match made in comedy heaven. Since inking that massive deal, he’s churned out everything from road trip antics to heartfelt dramedies. But the latest buzz? It’s all about Kind of Pregnant, a new Netflix project that’s got people talking—not just because it’s hilarious, but because it stars his daughter, Sadie Sandler, alongside Chloe East. The film captures that weird, intense intimacy of friendships in your early twenties, and you can bet Adam had a hand in shaping its raunchy yet tender vibe. It’s like watching a Sandler film through a younger lens, and it works.
Of course, you can’t talk about Sandler without tipping your hat to the classics. Remember Grown Ups? That film is basically a time capsule of mid-2000s comedy, with Sandler and his crew (Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James) just messing around and making us crack up. It’s the kind of film you throw on when you need a guaranteed laugh. And then there’s Eight Crazy Nights, his animated Hanukkah musical that’s become a holiday staple for a certain generation. Sure, it’s weird, but it’s also pure Sandler—sweet, crude, and surprisingly musical.
But let’s rewind a bit. Happy Gilmore is where the legend really took off. That film is peak 90s Sandler: a hockey player turned golfer with a temper that could level a course. It’s quotable, it’s ridiculous, and it still holds up today. Then came Funny People, where Sandler showed he could do more than just goof around. Working with Judd Apatow, he played a version of himself—a famous comedian facing mortality—and it was raw, honest, and hilarious in all the right ways.
What I love about Sandler’s current Netflix run is how he’s blending all these eras. You get the lowbrow humor, the heartfelt moments, and now he’s giving a platform to the next generation. Kind of Pregnant feels like a passing of the torch, but don’t worry—Sandler isn’t going anywhere. He’s still the guy who can make a film about a waterboy or a wedding singer and have us quoting it for decades.
If you’re craving a Sandler binge, here’s a quick starter pack:
- Happy Gilmore – The one that started it all (for sports comedy, at least).
- Grown Ups – Pure buddy comedy gold.
- Eight Crazy Nights – Perfect for holiday weirdness.
- Funny People – When you want Sandler with a side of depth.
- Kind of Pregnant – The new generation’s take on Sandler-esque humor.
So here’s to Adam Sandler: the guy who’s been making us laugh for over three decades and shows no signs of stopping. Whether he’s re-releasing classics or dropping new gems on Netflix, he’s proof that comedy, when done right, never gets old.