Adam Sandler is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and beloved actors, known for his unique brand of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and ability to connect with audiences of all ages. Over the course of his career, Sandler has built an impressive filmography that spans from laugh-out-loud comedies to emotionally charged dramas. His versatile performances, often combining quirky characters with relatable situations, have made him a household name and a cultural icon.
From his early days on Saturday Night Live to his box-office hits like Happy Gilmore and The Wedding Singer, Sandler’s work has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Not content to stick solely to comedy, he’s also showcased his dramatic chops in critically acclaimed films like Punch-Drunk Love and Uncut Gems. This list of 25 must-watch Adam Sandler movies highlights the best of his career, celebrating his ability to entertain, inspire, and surprise.
1. Happy Gilmore (1996)
Happy Gilmore is one of Adam Sandler’s most iconic comedies, where he plays Happy, an aspiring hockey player with anger issues. After failing to make it in hockey, Happy discovers an unexpected talent for golf. With his unorthodox swing and brash personality, he quickly becomes a crowd favorite. The movie is packed with hilarious moments, including his rivalry with Shooter McGavin and a memorable cameo by Bob Barker. Beyond the humor, the film has an undercurrent of perseverance, as Happy fights to save his grandmother’s home.
2. Billy Madison (1995)
In this absurd yet endearing comedy, Sandler takes on the role of Billy Madison, a rich, immature man-child. Billy’s father owns a successful hotel chain but refuses to hand over the reins unless Billy proves himself. The catch? Billy must redo every grade in school, from first to twelfth, within six months. The film delivers laugh-out-loud scenes as Billy interacts with children and relives school experiences, making it a standout in Sandler’s early career.
3. The Wedding Singer (1998)
This romantic comedy showcases Sandler as Robbie Hart, a down-on-his-luck wedding singer who gets left at the altar. He forms a connection with Julia, a sweet waitress played by Drew Barrymore. As they bond, Robbie helps Julia realize she’s about to marry the wrong man. The film is both funny and heartfelt, featuring a delightful soundtrack of 1980s hits that adds to its nostalgic charm. Sandler and Barrymore’s chemistry shines, making this a beloved classic.
4. Big Daddy (1999)
Adam Sandler takes on a more mature role in Big Daddy, where he plays Sonny Koufax, a carefree man whose life is turned upside down when a five-year-old boy shows up at his door. Pretending to be the boy’s father, Sonny initially sees the child as a way to impress his girlfriend. However, as the story unfolds, Sonny grows attached to the boy and learns valuable lessons about love and responsibility. The mix of humor and heartfelt moments makes this a touching comedy that resonates with audiences of all ages.
5. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
In a dramatic departure from his comedic roots, Sandler stars as Barry Egan, a socially awkward businessman with severe anxiety. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film delves into themes of loneliness, love, and redemption. Barry’s life changes when he meets Lena, a woman who helps him confront his demons. Sandler delivers a deeply nuanced performance that earned him critical acclaim, proving his ability to tackle serious roles with skill and authenticity.
6. 50 First Dates (2004)
Teaming up with Drew Barrymore once again, Sandler stars in this romantic comedy with a unique twist. He plays Henry, a marine veterinarian in Hawaii who falls in love with Lucy, a woman with short-term memory loss. Every day, Henry has to win Lucy’s heart all over again because she forgets everything by the next morning. The film combines humor, romance, and an emotional core that highlights the power of persistence and love.
7. Click (2006)
In Click, Sandler plays Michael Newman, an overworked architect who stumbles upon a universal remote that allows him to control time. Initially, he uses the remote to skip through mundane or unpleasant moments in his life, but he soon realizes the consequences of missing out on life’s small joys. The movie blends comedy with a poignant message about prioritizing family and living in the present, making it one of Sandler’s more thought-provoking films.
8. Uncut Gems (2019)
A career-defining performance, Uncut Gems showcases Sandler in a gritty, intense role as Howard Ratner, a charismatic but reckless jeweler in New York City. Howard’s life spirals out of control as he juggles a high-stakes bet, debts, and personal issues. Directed by the Safdie Brothers, the film is a tense, fast-paced thriller that earned Sandler widespread critical acclaim. His portrayal of Howard is both captivating and nerve-wracking, proving his versatility as an actor.
9. Grown Ups (2010)
A star-studded comedy featuring Sandler alongside Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider, Grown Ups is a lighthearted film about childhood friends reuniting after the death of their basketball coach. The group spends a weekend reminiscing, reliving their youth, and dealing with their adult responsibilities. The chemistry between the cast members and the humorous situations they find themselves in make this a fun, feel-good movie.
10. The Waterboy (1998)
In this sports comedy, Sandler plays Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward waterboy for a college football team. When the team discovers Bobby’s incredible tackling ability, he becomes their star player. The film is filled with Sandler’s trademark humor and eccentric characters, including a hilarious performance by Kathy Bates as Bobby’s overprotective mother. The story of an underdog rising to the top is both inspiring and entertaining.
11. Blended (2014)
Reuniting with Drew Barrymore for the third time, Sandler stars in this romantic comedy about two single parents who unexpectedly end up on the same African vacation with their kids. The film combines humor with heartfelt moments as the two families learn to bond and heal from their past relationships.
12. Mr. Deeds (2002)
In Mr. Deeds, Sandler plays Longfellow Deeds, a small-town guy who inherits a massive fortune from a distant relative. The film explores how Deeds navigates the cutthroat world of New York City while staying true to his humble roots. It’s a feel-good comedy with memorable moments of kindness and laughter.
13. Spanglish (2004)
In this heartfelt dramedy, Sandler plays John Clasky, a chef trying to balance his demanding career, a troubled marriage, and his family. The film explores cultural differences and family dynamics as John forms a bond with his housekeeper, Flor. Sandler’s understated performance adds depth to this touching story.
14. Hubie Halloween (2020)
In this Halloween-themed comedy, Sandler plays Hubie Dubois, a quirky, well-meaning man who becomes the unlikely hero of his town when strange events unfold during Halloween. Packed with humor and spooky fun, the film is a delightful watch for fans of lighthearted comedies.
15. The Longest Yard (2005)
Sandler stars as Paul Crewe, a former football star who ends up in prison. He’s tasked with assembling a team of inmates to play against the prison guards. The film combines humor, sports drama, and a powerful underdog story.
16. Bedtime Stories (2008)
This family-friendly fantasy film stars Sandler as Skeeter Bronson, a hotel handyman whose life takes a magical turn when the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start coming true. From fairy tale adventures to imaginative escapades, the movie is a delightful mix of humor and heart. Sandler’s playful performance and the enchanting premise make it an enjoyable watch for all ages.
17. That’s My Boy (2012)
In this outrageous comedy, Sandler plays Donny Berger, a man who became a teen father under bizarre circumstances. Now estranged from his grown-up son Todd (played by Andy Samberg), Donny tries to reconnect just as Todd is about to get married. With its wild humor and eccentric characters, the film showcases Sandler’s knack for pushing boundaries in comedy.
18. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)
Sandler stars alongside Kevin James in this comedy about two straight firefighters who pretend to be a gay couple to secure domestic partner benefits. The film tackles social issues like homophobia while delivering laughs through Sandler and James’s hilarious chemistry and absurd situations.
19. Murder Mystery (2019)
In this Netflix original, Sandler and Jennifer Aniston play a married couple caught in a murder investigation while on a European vacation. Combining comedy, mystery, and action, the film keeps viewers entertained with its fast-paced plot and witty banter between the leads. Sandler’s laid-back humor complements the whodunit storyline, making it a crowd-pleaser.
20. Funny People (2009)
Directed by Judd Apatow, Funny People is a comedy-drama that delves into the lives of stand-up comedians. Sandler plays George Simmons, a successful but lonely comedian diagnosed with a terminal illness. The film explores themes of mortality, relationships, and redemption, with Sandler delivering one of his most nuanced performances. His chemistry with co-star Seth Rogen adds depth to the story.
21. Little Nicky (2000)
In this quirky comedy, Sandler plays Nicky, the shy and awkward son of the Devil. When his two brothers escape Hell to wreak havoc on Earth, Nicky is sent to bring them back. Packed with absurd humor and supernatural antics, the movie showcases Sandler’s ability to create memorable and eccentric characters.
22. Reign Over Me (2007)
A deeply emotional drama, Reign Over Me features Sandler in one of his most powerful roles. He plays Charlie Fineman, a man grieving the loss of his family in the 9/11 attacks. When he reconnects with his old college roommate Alan (played by Don Cheadle), the two form a bond that helps Charlie heal. Sandler’s poignant performance demonstrates his range as an actor and his ability to tackle serious, complex roles.
23. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017)
This critically acclaimed Noah Baumbach film showcases Sandler as Danny Meyerowitz, a struggling musician dealing with family dysfunction. The movie is a character-driven dramedy that explores sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the complexity of family dynamics. Sandler’s understated yet heartfelt performance earned him widespread praise.
24. You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008)
Sandler stars as Zohan Dvir, a highly skilled Israeli counter-terrorist who fakes his death to pursue his dream of becoming a hairstylist in New York City. The film is packed with over-the-top humor, absurd scenarios, and Sandler’s signature wit. Its blend of action and comedy makes it a standout in his filmography.
25. Airheads (1994)
In this early career gem, Sandler stars alongside Brendan Fraser and Steve Buscemi as a member of a struggling rock band. Desperate to get their music heard, the trio takes a radio station hostage. This offbeat comedy is filled with laughs and showcases Sandler’s potential even before he became a household name.
Final Thoughts
Adam Sandler’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. From laugh-out-loud comedies to heartwarming dramas, his movies offer something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, a slapstick adventure, or an emotional story, Sandler’s filmography has plenty of options to choose from.
These 25 films not only highlight his comedic genius but also demonstrate his ability to shine in more serious roles. With his ever-growing repertoire, Sandler continues to captivate audiences worldwide.