Fans who were disappointed by the return of Happy Gilmore should look no further than these reliable comedy classics that are also all streaming on Netflix.
One of them even stars Adam Sandler himself at the height of his powers for those looking for a dose of nostalgia.
The return of the Hollywood funnyman’s badly behaved pro golfer is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated sequels of the year.
However, it hasn’t exactly been a hit with critics, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it “terrible” as well as “moronic, witless and relentlessly vulgar”.
Casual viewers have also been somewhat let down, as one said on X: “Happy Gilmore 2 is, unfortunately awful. I had to force myself to watch all of it.
“I just kept hoping it would just end. It was like watching something made by a 10 year old.”
Thankfully, there are plenty of side-splitting options available to stream for anyone in need of a good laugh this weekend.
Bridesmaids is considered one of the best female-fronted comedies ever made (Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
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Bridesmaids
Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy star in this acclaimed comedy which assembles some of the funniest women in Hollywood for a sharp-witted take on modern female friendship.
When Annie Walker (played by Wiig) is asked to be maid of honour for her friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding, chaos ensues when she clashes with snooty newcomer Helen (Rose Byrne).
The film has remained a favourite all these years later, with one Google review raving: “Love this movie lol, 10 years now it’s been making me laugh.
“Years later.. I still watch probably twice a year. There’s not one filler part.. it’s all funny and if it’s not it has a reason for it. Pretty great soundtrack too. All the actors at their absolute best.”
Bridesmaids is available to stream on Netflix.
Lindsay Lohan stars in this iconic high school comedy (Image: PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
Mean Girls
Undoubtedly one of the most quotable movies of all time, Mean Girls is the iconic high school comedy starring Lindsay Lohan that was so popular it spawned its own musical.
Written by and co-starring 30 Rock legend Tina Fey, this smash-hit comedy is just as beloved today as it was when it was released over 20 years ago.
One five-star Google review called it an “untouchable classic. Funny, real, and forever quotable.”
And a Letterboxd user concurred: “One of my all-time favorite movies, I love watching it because it makes me laugh so much and it’s super iconic.
“Everything about this masterpiece fascinates me and I’ll never get tired of watching it.”
Mean Girls is available to stream on Netflix.
This beloved comedy from Adam Sandler’s heyday is much better than Happy Gilmore 2 (Image: SONY PICTURES)
Big Daddy
If you were let down by Happy Gilmore 2, you can’t go wrong with throwing on one of Sandler’s cherished early comedies, such as this outrageous gem from 1999.
When slacker Sonny is almost dumped by his girlfriend, he vows to take more responsibility and unwittingly becomes a father figure to a young boy named Julian (Dylan and Cole Sprouse) who’s left on his doorstep.
Expect plenty of hijinks and irresponsible behaviour from this unashamedly silly comedy one fan called “an absolute classic”.
“I am currently watching this again after so many years,” they added. “I can’t believe this was out when I was 9 and the movie is still as awesome as it was when it was released.”
Big Daddy is available to stream on Netflix.
Seth Rogen and James Franco team up in one of the best stoner comedies ever made (Image: SONY PICTURES)
Pineapple Express
One of the best stoner movies of all time teams Seth Rogen and James Franco in a madcap, drug-fuelled romp that’s guaranteed to have you in tears of laughter.
When Dale (Rogen) and his drug dealer Saul (Franco) get caught up in a gang war, they’re left with no option but to go on the run. However, things go from bad to worse when a powerful gangster and a corrupt cop pick up their trail.
One Letterboxd user’s five-star review said: “A stoner comedy classic. I’ve seen this bad-boy around a dozen times and I laugh my damn a** off with every viewing.
“The laughs keep coming and coming, it’s a laugh a second kind of comedy, sure it’s silly, but silly can sometimes be great.”
Pineapple Express is available to stream on Netflix.
Seth Rogen co-wrote this tragic teen comedy based on his own teenage years (Image: SONY PICTURES)
Superbad
Years before starring in Pineapple Express, Rogen and his writing partner Evan Goldberg penned Superbad during their teenage years, inspired by their time in high school.
The product has since become a cult classic, widely considered one of the funniest films in history that helped launch the careers of stars like Michael Cera and Emma Stone.
One enthusiastic Letterboxd review admitted: “I can count on two hands the number of movies that are able to make me laugh out loud on a second viewing; however, Superbad is the only movie that will continue to make me laugh out loud on the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh viewing, etc.
“Michael Cera steals the show. His awkwardness is unlike anything I have seen before and he never fails to make you either laugh or cringe.”
Superbad is available to stream on Netflix.