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? I wouldn’t have it any other way. The guy who had us in stitches with Happy Gilmore and hitting the feels with Funny People is back in full force, and this time he’s bringing the whole whānau along.
Sandler’s partnership with Netflix has been a match made in comedy heaven. Since signing that mega-deal, he’s served up everything from road trip shenanigans to heartfelt dramedies. But the latest chatter? It’s all about Roommates, 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 movie captures that weird, intense bond of first-year uni friendships, and you can bet Adam had a hand in shaping its raunchy yet tender vibe. It’s like seeing a Sandler film through a younger lens, and it totally works.
Of course, you can’t talk about Sandler without tipping your hat to the classics. Remember Grown Ups? That movie is basically a time capsule of mid-2000s comedy, with Sandler and his crew (Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James) just mucking about and making us crack up. It’s the kind of movie 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 out there, 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 for me. That movie 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 muck around. Working with Judd Apatow, he played a version of himself—a famous comedian facing his own 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 humour, the heartfelt moments, and now he’s giving a platform to the next generation. Roommates 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 movie 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 mate comedy gold.
- Eight Crazy Nights – Perfect for that holiday weirdness.
- Funny People – When you want Sandler with a side of depth.
- Roommates – The new generation’s take on Sandler-esque humour.
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.