Adam Sandler returns to the fairway in Happy Gilmore 2, premiered on July 25, 2025, delivering a potent mix of nostalgia and fresh ensemble comedy. Nearly 30 years after the original, the sequel reunites Sandler with Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen, while introducing new faces such as Benny Safdie, Bad Bunny, and Ben Stiller, along with cameo appearances by sports icons and entertainers like Travis Kelce, Eminem, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler.
The film not only rekindled fan enthusiasm but delivered a historic broadcast: Netflix announced that Happy Gilmore 2 amassed 46.7 million views in its first three days—the largest U.S. opening weekend ever for any Netflix film. This milestone also marks Sandler’s highest debut performance on the platform, surpassing all his prior titles in Netflix viewership.
The sequel’s success extended beyond itself—interest surged in the original Happy Gilmore (1996), which climbed to No. 3 on Netflix’s global Top 10 Movies chart with 11.4 million views during the same week. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of Sandler’s underdog character and the power of fan-driven nostalgia in streaming media.
Despite a mix of critical reviews—Rotten Tomatoes averages around the 60 percent range and IMDB scores hover near 6.3 out of 10—the film’s audience response has been enthusiastic. Critics acknowledged its playful callbacks, Eminem’s scene-stealing cameo, and star-studded ensemble, but it’s clear that the strong streaming results speak to its broader popularity. The commercial achievement signals future streaming confidence in Sandler-led projects with built‑in audiences.
Netflix has just released few behind the scenes of Eminem’s cameo. You can watch the video below:
Watch these Eminem Happy Gilmore 2 outtakes, ya jackass! pic.twitter.com/Ey78OZO53a
— Netflix (@netflix) August 1, 2025
