Adam Sandler’s Netflix era has been one of the most unexpected success stories in streaming history. What started as a lucrative deal in 2014—initially scoffed at by critics—has since evolved into a surprisingly diverse and prolific partnership. Sandler has delivered not only his signature slapstick comedies but also some of the most heartfelt performances of his career. And with Happy Gilmore 2 officially on the way for a July 2025 release, it’s the perfect time to revisit the Sandlerverse on Netflix.
Whether he’s playing an eccentric talent manager, a washed-up scout with a dream, or a Halloween obsessive with a thermos full of gadgets, Sandler continues to show that he’s more than just the guy from Billy Madison. His films regularly dominate Netflix’s Top 10 lists, attract global audiences, and, in recent years, have even earned critical respect.
Below is a comprehensive ranking of every Adam Sandler Netflix movie, using a blend of Rotten Tomatoes scores, audience reception, and cultural relevance. Spoiler: it’s not all fart jokes and dodgeballs.
1. Hustle (2022)
Genre: Sports Drama
Why It’s Great: This might be Sandler’s finest dramatic performance since Uncut Gems. He plays a down-on-his-luck basketball scout who discovers a prodigy in Spain and risks everything to help him succeed. Real NBA players like Juancho Hernangómez and Anthony Edwards add authenticity, and the underdog storyline hits all the right emotional beats.
Rotten Tomatoes: 93% Critics / 93% Audience
Fun Fact: The film is produced by LeBron James and was praised by the NBA community for its realism.
2. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)
Genre: Coming-of-Age Comedy
Why It’s Great: Sandler takes a backseat and lets his daughters, Sunny and Sadie Sandler, shine in this sweet, Gen Z-friendly comedy. It’s honest, funny, and refreshingly modern while still grounded in universal family themes.
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% Critics
Notable: The film was widely praised for its authentic portrayal of adolescent friendships and Jewish culture, a rarity in mainstream teen films.
3. Leo (2023)
Genre: Animated Comedy
Why It’s Great: Sandler voices a lizard trying to break out of his classroom tank in this animated musical. It’s clearly aimed at kids, but has just enough heart to keep adults entertained.
Rotten Tomatoes: 72% Critics
Notable: Features songs co-written by Sandler and his daughters.
4. Murder Mystery (2019)
Genre: Comedy / Whodunit
Why It’s Great: A goofy but enjoyable romp that pairs Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in a globe-trotting murder mystery à la Clue meets The Pink Panther. Its breezy pacing and scenic European locales make it an easy watch.
Rotten Tomatoes: 61% Audience
Impact: It became one of Netflix’s most-watched original films at launch, racking up over 30 million views in just a few days.
5. Murder Mystery 2 (2023)
Genre: Action-Comedy
Why It’s Great: While not as fresh as the original, this sequel ups the action and leans into the absurd. It’s far from essential viewing but still fun for fans of the first.
Rotten Tomatoes: 45% Critics
Buzz: Despite middling reviews, the sequel still topped Netflix’s global Top 10 and had solid staying power.
6. Spaceman (2024)
Genre: Sci-Fi Drama
Why It’s Great: This is Sandler in full “serious actor” mode. The slow-burn story follows a lonely astronaut (Sandler) haunted by his past, with a mysterious alien voiced by Paul Dano. It’s divisive but ambitious.
Rotten Tomatoes: 57% Critics
Trivia: Based on the Czech novel Spaceman of Bohemia and directed by Johan Renck (Chernobyl).
7. Sandy Wexler (2017)
Genre: Character Comedy
Why It’s Great: This oddball comedy is a niche love letter to 1990s Hollywood. Sandler plays a socially awkward talent manager trying to hold onto his last shred of credibility.
Rotten Tomatoes: 27% Critics
Behind the Scenes: The character is loosely based on Sandler’s longtime manager, Sandy Wernick.
8. The Week Of (2018)
Genre: Family Comedy
Why It’s Great: Sandler and Chris Rock team up as two very different dads preparing for their children’s wedding. It’s awkward, drawn-out, but carries a few genuinely touching moments.
Rotten Tomatoes: 26% Critics
Reception: Audiences were split—some appreciated the relatable family dynamics, others found it slow.
9. The Do-Over (2016)
Genre: Action-Comedy
Why It’s Great: Sandler and David Spade fake their deaths to start over, only to find themselves hunted. It’s over-the-top and riddled with cliché but has a few laugh-out-loud moments.
Rotten Tomatoes: 9% Critics
Interesting Note: Despite poor reviews, it was one of the most streamed Netflix originals of its year.
10. The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Genre: Western Parody
Why It’s Great: It’s not. Sandler’s first Netflix outing was widely panned for lazy jokes and offensive stereotypes. Still, it reportedly broke Netflix’s viewership records at launch.
Rotten Tomatoes: 0% Critics
Controversy: Several Native American actors walked off set during production, criticizing the film’s cultural insensitivity.
Looking Ahead: Happy Gilmore 2
Happy Gilmore 2 will be released on July 25, 2025, on Netflix. Adam Sandler is returning as everyone’s favorite golfer, Happy Gilmore. The film will be directed by Kyle Newacheck, a co-creator of Workaholics, and will feature familiar faces like Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald. It will mix classic comedy with new golf appearances from Rory McIlroy, Travis Kelce, and John Daly. Fans can look forward to seeing what happens next in this new sequel. Check out the teaser above!
If it lands well, it could be Sandler’s biggest Netflix hit yet—both in laughs and streaming numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Happy Gilmore 2 is slated for a 2025 release on Netflix, reviving one of Sandler’s most iconic characters.
- Sandler’s Netflix catalog spans multiple genres from traditional comedies to dramatic roles and family-friendly films.
- The ongoing partnership between Sandler and Netflix continues to produce content that resonates with global audiences.
Career Partnership with Netflix
Adam Sandler’s collaboration with Netflix has transformed his career trajectory in the digital streaming era. Since 2014, this partnership has produced numerous original films, generated substantial viewership, and created a pipeline for upcoming projects that continues to evolve.
Original Content Production
Netflix first signed Sandler to a four-film deal in 2014, marking one of the streaming giant’s earliest major talent acquisitions. This partnership began with “The Ridiculous 6” and continued with films like “Sandy Wexler” and “The Do-Over.” In January 2020, Netflix extended their agreement with Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions for four more films, valued at up to $275 million according to reports.
The deal specifically finances the development and production of these features rather than being Sandler’s personal salary. This distinction is important as it covers production costs across multiple projects.
Sandler has also ventured beyond comedy with Netflix, starring in critically acclaimed films like “The Meyerowitz Stories” directed by Noah Baumbach, showing his range as an actor.
Commercial Success and Critic Reception
Despite often receiving mixed critical responses, Sandler’s Netflix films have proven extremely successful with audiences. Netflix rarely releases specific viewership numbers, but has repeatedly confirmed his movies rank among their most-watched content globally.
His 2018 comedy special “100% Fresh” earned an Emmy nomination, demonstrating his enduring appeal. The basketball drama “Hustle” (2022) represented a turning point, earning an impressive 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and praise from critics who noted Sandler’s dramatic abilities.
This dual success—audience popularity paired with occasional critical acclaim—has made Sandler one of Netflix’s most valuable partners. The streaming service has publicly stated that subscribers have spent over two billion hours watching Sandler’s content.
Upcoming Projects and Speculations
Netflix recently announced Sandler will film a new comedy special, his second for the platform following “100% Fresh.” This special will be directed by Josh Safdie, who previously worked with Sandler on the acclaimed thriller “Uncut Gems.”
Rumors have circulated about potential sequels to Sandler’s classic films, including “Happy Gilmore 2,” though nothing has been officially confirmed. His sci-fi drama “Spaceman,” released in 2024, showcased his continued interest in exploring diverse genres beyond comedy.
Industry insiders speculate the Netflix partnership may eventually include alien-themed content or family-friendly offerings to expand his audience further. With each new project, Sandler continues to solidify his position as one of streaming’s most bankable stars.
Cultural Impact and Collaboration
Adam Sandler’s partnership with Netflix has transformed both the streaming landscape and Sandler’s career trajectory. The collaboration has created a new paradigm for how stars can work with platforms to reach global audiences.
Iconic Characters and Legacy
Adam Sandler’s Netflix films continue the tradition of memorable characters that began with roles like Happy Gilmore. The 1996 comedy about a failed hockey player turned golfer has achieved cult status, leading Netflix to announce a sequel currently in development. Sandler’s portrayal of Happy Gilmore, alongside Christopher McDonald’s villainous Shooter McGavin and Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit, created enduring characters that remain relevant in pop culture.
His distinctive comedy style—combining childlike humor with unexpected heart—has influenced a generation of comedians. Netflix has embraced this legacy, allowing Sandler to build on his established comedic persona while reaching new audiences.
The streaming platform reported $33.64 billion in revenue in 2023, with Sandler’s content consistently appearing in their top-watched programs.
Frequent Collaborations in Film
Sandler often works with a regular group of collaborators across his Netflix projects. Tim Herlihy, his former Saturday Night Live colleague, continues to be a frequent writing partner on many productions.
Director Dennis Dugan has helmed several Sandler films, creating a recognizable style that fans appreciate. On screen, Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore have formed particularly successful partnerships with Sandler, appearing in multiple projects together both on Netflix and elsewhere.
These consistent creative relationships have helped establish a “Sandler universe” that viewers recognize and enjoy. His films often feature cameos from fellow SNL alumni and comedy friends, creating a sense of community.
Connections Outside the Screen
Beyond filmmaking, Sandler’s Netflix stand-up specials showcase his broader entertainment skills. “Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh” (2018) and the more recent “Love You” (2023) demonstrate his continuing connection with live audiences.
Sandler reunited with filmmaker Josh Safdie for his latest comedy special, expanding creative partnerships beyond traditional film projects. These specials have remained in Netflix’s top 10 most-watched programs after release.
His influence extends into music, with comedy songs from his films and specials becoming cultural touchstones. The Sandler-Netflix partnership occasionally faces criticism, as with a Western comedy that sparked controversy for its portrayal of Native people, showing the cultural impact of his work extends beyond entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adam Sandler continues to expand his Netflix filmography with recent releases across various genres. These movies showcase his range from comedy to drama and science fiction.
What are the latest Adam Sandler movies available on Netflix?
Adam Sandler’s recent Netflix films include “Spaceman,” a sci-fi drama released in 2025 where he plays Jakub, an astronaut adrift in space. The film is based on the novel “Spaceman of Bohemia” by Jaroslav Kalfař.
“Hustle” is another recent addition, featuring Sandler as a basketball scout. This sports drama received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
His stand-up special “Adam Sandler: Love You” is also available, though some viewers have had mixed reactions to its unique blend of traditional stand-up and theatrical elements.
Has Adam Sandler released a new movie exclusive to Netflix recently?
Yes, “Spaceman” is Sandler’s most recent Netflix exclusive film. The sci-fi drama represents a departure from his comedic roles and explores themes of isolation and loneliness.
The film has drawn some comparisons to other space-themed media but offers its own unique perspective on human connection. Sandler’s performance showcases his dramatic abilities beyond comedy.
Are there any upcoming Netflix originals starring Adam Sandler?
Netflix has announced several upcoming projects with Adam Sandler as part of their ongoing partnership. While specific titles haven’t been fully revealed, at least two more films are in development.
One project is reportedly a family comedy, while another may explore more dramatic territory similar to his work in “Uncut Gems.” Production schedules indicate these will likely release in late 2025 or early 2026.
How many movies has Adam Sandler produced with Netflix as part of his deal?
Adam Sandler has produced and starred in eight Netflix original films since first signing with the streaming service in 2014. This partnership has been highly successful for both parties.
The deal was extended multiple times, most recently in 2023, ensuring Sandler will continue creating content exclusively for Netflix. His Happy Madison Productions company remains a key content provider for the platform.
What is the most recent Adam Sandler comedy added to Netflix’s catalog?
“Murder Mystery 2” is the most recent pure comedy film starring Sandler on Netflix. The sequel reunites Sandler with Jennifer Aniston as they reprise their roles as accidental detectives.
The film continues the light-hearted tone of the original while adding new locations and mysteries. It has become one of the most-watched comedies in Netflix’s history.
Can viewers expect a new series or special featuring Adam Sandler on Netflix in the near future?
Netflix has confirmed that another Adam Sandler stand-up special is in production for a late 2025 release. This follows the reception of his previous special “Adam Sandler: Love You.”
There are also rumors of a potential limited series, though details remain unconfirmed. Sandler has expressed interest in exploring television formats after primarily focusing on feature films.
