Netflix has a new champion as a new comedy sequel tees off to a flying start, racking up an astonishing 46.7 million views within its first three days on the platform.
Happy Gilmore 2, Adam Sandler’s much-anticipated sequel to his cult classic, has surged straight to the top of the global streaming charts, proving that audiences can’t get enough of Sandler’s short-fused golf legend or his trademark blend of slapstick and nostalgia.
Directed by Kyle Newacheck and penned by Tim Herlihy with Sandler himself, Happy Gilmore 2 finds the infamous Happy (Sandler) years after his prime: widowed, struggling with alcoholism and long retired from golf.
When his daughter lands a place at a prestigious overseas ballet school, Happy is forced back onto the green to raise the funds for her dreams – a move that brings both chaos and heart to his comeback story.
The film reunites familiar faces from the original including Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, Dennis Dugan and Kevin Nealon.
New additions such as Benny Safdie, Bad Bunny and John Daly bring extra star power and a flurry of cameos delighting those who have waited decades for another round.
Fan responses on Rotten Tomatoes highlight exactly what’s driving this surge: “Great sequel to a crazy funny movie. Too many cameos to count. We really enjoyed it.”
Another viewer praised the family angle: “Classic Adam Sandler. Love that his two daughters and wife are in it. They are budding talented actors.”
While critics have given mixed reviews – some noting that the film leans heavily into nostalgia – audiences appear undeterred. One fan sums up the mood: “Great to watch, simple comedy, nostalgic in all the best ways, not an Oscar but enjoyable family film.”
Others appreciate its ability to offer escapism: “A genuine laugh and a hit of nostalgia… Exactly what I wanted and needed given the current state of the world.”
Happy Gilmore 2 was filmed on location in New Jersey from September to December of last year before its global Netflix release on July 25th.
The film is now available to stream on Netflix.