Adam Sandler makes a triumphant return in Happy Gilmore 2, the long-awaited sequel now streaming on Netflix, nearly 30 years after the original hit comedy captured audiences in 1996. Defying initial skepticism, the film is earning favorable reviews from both critics and viewers, with its Rotten Tomatoes rating climbing to 65 percent—slightly above the original film’s 63 percent. Although the audience score currently sits at 74 percent compared to the first film’s 85 percent, the new sequel has received only a fraction of the long-standing reviews that the original accumulated over three decades.
According to a report by Forbes, Happy Gilmore 2 manages to rise above the typical sequel label, blending nostalgia with fresh comedic material. The movie quickly gained unexpected momentum when pop sensation Taylor Swift took to Instagram, describing it as “an absolute must watch,” and humorously awarding it a “13/10” rating. Adding to the buzz, Swift’s boyfriend and NFL star Travis Kelce makes a surprise appearance in the film, which has delighted fans and boosted the film’s social media presence.
Critics are largely in agreement that Happy Gilmore 2 delivers a satisfying mix of old and new. Rolling Stone highlighted the sequel’s success in following the golden rule of sequels—“the same, only different”—while also indulging longtime fans with perfectly timed callbacks. The outlet even joked that the movie serves up enough fan service “to choke a one-eyed alligator.”
Meanwhile, Consequence commended the film for successfully balancing heartfelt family moments with thrilling golf antics, avoiding the pitfall of feeling like a recycled storyline. Digital Mafia Takes elevated the praise even further by dubbing it “Adam Sandler’s Top Gun: Maverick,” emphasizing its unexpected depth and entertainment value.
For fans who want to revisit where it all began, the original Happy Gilmore is still available on Netflix—but only until August 1. After that date, the classic comedy will shift over to Hulu and Peacock. The newly released sequel, being a Netflix original, will remain permanently on the platform and is expected to climb to the top of Netflix’s trending list in no time.
