On July 25, 2025, Happy Gilmore 2 tees off on Netflix, bringing back Adam Sandler as the hotheaded, hockey-stick-swinging golf legend Happy Gilmore in a long-awaited sequel to the 1996 cult classic. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, this sports comedy has already generated massive buzz, racking up an estimated 45 million views in its first week and earning a surprising 78% on Rotten Tomatoes. With a star-studded cast, including returning favorites like Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald, alongside new faces like Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce, Happy Gilmore 2 delivers a chaotic blend of nostalgia, laugh-out-loud humor, and heartfelt family moments. Here’s why this uproarious golf comedy is a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Storyline
Happy Gilmore 2 picks up nearly 30 years after Happy’s iconic 1996 Tour Championship win, where the former hockey player turned golf sensation saved his grandmother’s house with his unorthodox swing. Now a retired golf legend, Happy (Adam Sandler) is living a quieter life with his wife, Virginia Venit (Julie Bowen), and their daughter, Vienna (Sunny Sandler). When Vienna earns a spot at an elite ballet academy with a staggering $300,000 tuition, Happy dusts off his clubs to compete in a senior golf tour, hoping to raise the funds. But the game has changed, and he’s up against modern PGA heavyweights and his old nemesis, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), who’s still as smug as ever.
The sequel cleverly balances nostalgia with new stakes, introducing Happy’s struggle to adapt to a younger, more polished golf world while staying true to his wild, foul-mouthed roots. The plot weaves in heartfelt family dynamics, with Happy’s drive to support Vienna’s dreams adding emotional depth to the slapstick comedy. While some critics note the story leans heavily on callbacks to the original, the fresh premise and generational focus make it a worthy follow-up that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Explosive Comedy and Cameo-Filled Chaos
The biggest reason to watch Happy Gilmore 2 is its relentless humor, powered by Sandler’s signature mix of rage-fueled antics and absurd one-liners. From Happy’s iconic hockey-stick swing to his brawls with caddies and hecklers, the film recaptures the original’s chaotic energy. The addition of Bad Bunny as Happy’s fiery new caddy, who snaps a golf club over his knee in the trailer, injects fresh hilarity, while Ben Stiller’s return as the unhinged Hal L. steals scenes with his bizarre support-group leader role. The film is packed with cameos, from golf legends like Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, and Paige Spiranac to celebrities like Eminem, Travis Kelce, Post Malone, and Ken Jennings, creating a whirlwind of unexpected laughs.
The comedy shines in moments like Happy’s clash with a golf simulator (which he destroys with one swing) and a graveyard showdown with Shooter McGavin, drenched in rain and venom. While some critics argue the cameo-heavy approach risks overshadowing the plot, the star-studded chaos adds to the film’s larger-than-life vibe, making every scene a potential viral moment. Directed by Kyle Newacheck, known for Murder Mystery, the film keeps the pace brisk, ensuring the laughs land as hard as Happy’s drives.
Stellar Cast and Nostalgic Charm
The ensemble cast is a major draw, blending returning icons with exciting newcomers. Sandler is in top form as Happy, channeling the same lovable volatility that made the original a classic, now tempered by a dad’s devotion. Julie Bowen’s Virginia, now Happy’s wife, brings warmth and wit, grounding the madness with her charm. Christopher McDonald’s Shooter McGavin remains the perfect villain, his arrogance undimmed by age. Ben Stiller’s Hal L. and Dennis Dugan’s Doug Thompson add nostalgic flavor, while Sunny Sandler’s Vienna and Lavell Crawford as Chubbs Peterson’s son (complete with a prosthetic hand) bridge the old and new.
The cameos elevate the film’s energy, with professional golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau adding authenticity, and stars like Travis Kelce (in a waiter’s uniform) and Eminem delivering quirky, memorable moments. While some roles, like Margaret Qualley’s, are brief, the ensemble’s chemistry keeps the film cohesive. The dedication to late stars Carl Weathers, Bob Barker, and others adds a touching nod to the original’s legacy.
A Heartfelt, Universal Appeal
Despite its lowbrow humor, Happy Gilmore 2 scores with its heart. The story of Happy fighting for his daughter’s future taps into universal themes of family, redemption, and perseverance. The film’s PG-13 rating ensures it’s accessible to a wide audience, balancing crude humor with emotional beats. Its 78% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects a warm reception, with critics praising Sandler’s commitment and the film’s nostalgic charm, even if it doesn’t always match the original’s simplicity. The New Jersey-filmed settings, from country clubs to burger shops, ground the absurdity in a relatable world.
The film also celebrates golf culture, with Topgolf and Callaway promotions, like Happy’s hockey-stick putter, adding playful authenticity. Its summer release and vibrant energy make it a perfect watch for fans of sports comedies and Sandler’s brand of humor.
Why You Should Watch
Happy Gilmore 2 is a triumphant return for one of Sandler’s most beloved characters, blending gut-busting comedy, star power, and surprising heart. With 45 million views in its opening week, it’s clear audiences are hooked on Happy’s chaotic comeback. Whether you’re here for the iconic swing, the A-list cameos, or the family-driven story, this sequel delivers a hole-in-one for fans of the original and anyone craving a fun, nostalgic ride. Tee up on Netflix, channel your inner Happy, and get ready to yell at your golf ball—this is one comeback you won’t want to miss.
