After nearly three decades, Adam Sandler returns to the golf course in Happy Gilmore 2, now streaming exclusively on Netflix. The movie premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025, bringing back the beloved hockey player-turned-golfer for another swing at comedy gold. But does this long-awaited sequel live up to the original’s legendary status?
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What’s Happy Gilmore 2 About?
Happy Gilmore isn’t done with golf — not by a long shot. Adam Sandler’s short-fused legend swings for a comeback to make his kid’s dream come true. The sequel finds our protagonist years after his championship win, now dealing with personal struggles and attempting a comeback to fund his daughter’s ballet school dreams.
Key Cast & Characters:
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Sandler | Happy Gilmore | Former hockey player, now aging golfer |
| Julie Bowen | Virginia Venit | Returning love interest |
| Christopher McDonald | Shooter McGavin | Happy’s longtime rival |
| Ben Stiller | Nursing Home Orderly | Cameo appearance |
| Benny Safdie | Frank Manatee | New antagonist CEO |
Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews Across the Board
On Rotten Tomatoes, 65% of 43 critics’ reviews are positive, while Metacritic assigned the film a score of 52 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. The reception reflects a divided audience – nostalgic fans enjoying the return versus critics wanting more substance.
What Critics Are Saying
Happy Gilmore 2 is dominated by flying clubs and balls, nonstop slapstick, gag after gag — with many working — but also some genuine emotion. However, some reviewers found the sequel lacking the heart of the original, focusing too heavily on celebrity cameos rather than character development.
The sequel features an impressive roster of real-world golfers and celebrities, which some see as a strength while others view it as a distraction from the core story.
Nostalgia vs. Innovation: The Sequel Dilemma
Happy Gilmore 2 faces the classic sequel challenge: balancing fan expectations with fresh storytelling. There are so many clips from its predecessor that even those who never saw the original film will have no trouble catching up.
The film attempts to recapture the magic of 1996’s original while addressing modern themes of family, legacy, and second chances. Whether it succeeds depends largely on your attachment to the original and tolerance for Sandler’s evolved comedy style.
Streaming Success on Netflix
Netflix’s investment in Adam Sandler continues paying dividends, with the comedian delivering his 13th film for the platform. The sequel capitalizes on the streamer’s strategy of reviving beloved franchises for global audiences seeking comfort viewing.
Worth Watching? If you’re a die-hard Happy Gilmore fan or enjoy Sandler’s Netflix comedies, this sequel offers enough laughs and nostalgia to warrant a watch. However, don’t expect it to revolutionize comedy filmmaking.
Looking for more Netflix content reviews? Check out our latest streaming guides for the hottest releases and hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to watch the original Happy Gilmore before the sequel?
A: Not necessarily. The sequel includes plenty of flashbacks and references that catch new viewers up to speed, though watching the 1996 original enhances the experience.
Q: Is Happy Gilmore 2 appropriate for family viewing?
A: Like most Adam Sandler comedies, it contains crude humor and mild language that makes it more suitable for teens and adults rather than young children. Check the official Netflix rating for specific content warnings.
