"Happy Gilmore 2" Becomes Netflix's Biggest Hit in the US. Why Audiences Love It and Hate It

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The sequel to the cult 90s comedy racked up 46.7 million views in just three days, becoming Netflix's most successful film in the platform's US history.

The reason? Nostalgia, fan service, and the return of beloved characters after nearly 30 years, reports Variety. Adam Sandler's back as the unhinged golfer, but this time he's not fighting for grandma's house — he's battling to pay for his daughter's ballet school.

Cameos drop left and right: from Bad Bunny and Eminem to Guy Fieri and Sean Evans. Even Sandler's family gets screen time.

What Critics Are Saying and What's Getting Praise

On Rotten Tomatoes, the sequel sits at 61% fresh. That's slightly lower than the original's 63%, but still respectable numbers. On IMDb it's scoring 7.0 out of 10 (compared to the first film's 6.3).
Actor Adam Sandler holding a golf club standing on a golf course
Frame from "Happy Gilmore 2"
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Critics are praising the light tone, humor, and pacing, especially highlighting director Kyle Newacheck's work as he takes over from Dennis Dugan. "Delightful madness," "nostalgic pleasure," "silly but sweet" — that's the general vibe from most reviews.

Rolling Stone calls the film the perfect sequel formula: "same but different," with fan service cranked to eleven. Variety marvels at how Sandler maintained his signature charisma, while Guardian calls it a rare comedy you'll want to quote out loud — even decades later.

What Didn't Land

Washington Post calls the film "a series of whiffs," while Vulture blames typical Netflix mistakes — the movie feels rushed together with a "good enough" attitude. Some critics slam the cameo overload and lack of coherent plot: "Lots of faces, little substance."
"Happy Gilmore 2" Trailer
The final act's wild golf tournament that feels like MTV meets Power Rangers struck viewers as so bizarre that many considered it a parody of the original. Still, even skeptics admit — it's fun, and that means mission accomplished.

Should You Watch It?

Yes, if you've missed that same old Gilmore who doesn't give a damn about rules or golf. No, if you're expecting something fresh and profound. The sequel isn't perfect. But like Sandler himself — it still knows how to hit you right in the feels. Or at least in the hole. Earlier on zoomboola.com, we covered whether the "Naked Gun" reboot with Liam Neeson is worth watching.