Adam Sandler’s *Happy Gilmore 2* has become Netflix’s biggest US film debut ever, nearly 30 years after the original movie first hit screens.
A Record-Breaking Return
The highly anticipated sequel, *Happy Gilmore 2*, has officially shattered records on Netflix. It now holds the title for the largest US opening weekend of any film on the platform, a significant achievement for the streaming giant. This also marks Adam Sandler’s most-watched debut to date, showcasing his enduring popularity.
The film quickly outpaced *K-Pop Demon Hunters*, an animated Korean movie that had held the top spot for several weeks, demonstrating the immense anticipation for Sandler’s return.
Happy’s Unexpected Comeback
Adam Sandler reprises his iconic role as Happy, the hot-headed, hockey-obsessed golfer who captured hearts in the 1996 original. In this new chapter, Happy is older, seemingly worn down, and finding solace in alcohol.
His motivation for returning to the golf course is different this time around. Instead of saving his grandma’s house, Happy is now driven to fund his daughter’s expensive ballet school tuition in Paris, adding a new layer to his character.
A Star-Studded Reunion
Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and his longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy, the film is a treasure trove of nostalgic easter eggs and cameos. Many original cast members make a welcome return, including Christopher McDonald as the legendary Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen, and Ben Stiller.
The sequel also introduces an impressive lineup of new stars, featuring Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, Benny Safdie, and Eminem. Adding a personal touch, Sandler’s real-life wife, Jackie, and daughters Sadie and Sunny, also make appearances. The movie thoughtfully includes emotional tributes to beloved late cast members from the original, such as Bob Barker, Carl Weathers, and Frances Bay.
Dominating the Global Charts
*Happy Gilmore 2* racked up an astounding 46.7 million views in its initial three days, quickly claiming the No. 1 spot in 47 countries. Its popularity spans across regions like Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, as well as making the top 10 in Asian territories like Hong Kong and Thailand.
Remarkably, the original *Happy Gilmore* has also experienced a significant resurgence, climbing to No. 3 globally with 11.4 million views. This indicates that the sequel is not only attracting new viewers but also drawing existing fans back to the classic. Netflix has refined its viewership reporting over time, now using a “views” metric calculated by dividing total hours watched by a film’s runtime.
Critical Buzz and Fan Love
The sequel scored a 62% on Rotten Tomatoes, a positive outcome given it’s just a point below the original’s 63%. This reception is a win for Sandler, especially compared to some of his other films. Critics have described the movie as “a happy orgy of raucous fan-service nostalgia.”
The cast has openly expressed their joy in returning, with Christopher McDonald praising Adam Sandler’s genuine “heart” and Julie Bowen highlighting the simple fun of reuniting with the original crew.
Other Netflix Highlights
While *Happy Gilmore 2* took the spotlight, *K-Pop Demon Hunters* continues its impressive run, sliding to second place with 26.3 million views in its sixth week. It remains Netflix’s most-watched animated film of all time.
Other popular titles on the platform include *Untamed*, a Yosemite-set murder mystery leading the English TV list, and *Squid Game* Season 3, which continues its global dominance among non-English shows.
- *Happy Gilmore 2* set a new record for Netflix’s biggest US film debut.
- It marks Adam Sandler’s most-watched film opening on the platform.
- The sequel features original cast members, new stars, and emotional tributes.
- The original *Happy Gilmore* also saw a significant boost in viewership.
The overwhelming success of *Happy Gilmore 2* underscores the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of a beloved star like Adam Sandler in drawing massive audiences to streaming platforms.
