Adam Sandler’s new film, Happy Gilmore 2, has shattered the Daniel Craig Netflix viewership record during its debut weekend from July 25 to 27. The movie quickly amassed 2.9 billion minutes watched, securing the highest single-week total ever recorded by a Netflix original film, according to Nielsen streaming data.
This fresh record surpasses the previous high set by Daniel Craig’s Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which drew 2.2 billion minutes of watch time in its first three days after releasing in December 2022. Netflix also confirmed that Happy Gilmore 2 gained 46.7 million views within the initial three days, marking the largest U.S. opening for an original Netflix movie.
The Enduring Appeal of Adam Sandler on Netflix
Adam Sandler’s partnership with Netflix continues to prove immensely successful despite mixed critical reception over the years. His films have become some of the most-watched titles on the platform, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down with this latest installment. Previous Netflix projects like Hubie Halloween and Murder Mystery along with its sequel have consistently delivered strong streaming numbers.
Sandler’s films, while often polarizing among critics—evident from low Rotten Tomatoes scores such as 0% for The Ridiculous 6 and 9% for The Do-Over—have nonetheless found favor with audiences. Notably, his non-comedy roles in movies such as Uncut Gems and Hustle have received more favorable reviews, showing his range as an actor.
Happy Gilmore 2 performed notably well, earning a 63% critic score combined with a 66% audience score. Reviewers highlighted the nostalgic elements of the movie as a key factor contributing to its popularity and viewership success. The sequel also features returning stars Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald, alongside numerous cameo appearances by personalities like Bad Bunny, Eminem, Travis Kelce, Steve Buscemi, Rory McIlroy, Eric André, and Benny Safdie.
Strong Viewership Reflects Loyal Netflix Audience
The overwhelming response to Happy Gilmore 2 demonstrates that Adam Sandler continues to resonate with millions of Netflix subscribers. His exclusive deal with the streaming platform has yielded multiple hits, solidifying his position as one of its most reliable draws. The film’s rapid accumulation of streams and record-breaking performance reaffirms the actor’s powerful influence on the service’s audience.
This success underlines how nostalgia, combined with Sandler’s unique comedic appeal and star-studded cast, can captivate contemporary viewers. As a result, Netflix is likely to continue investing in Sandler’s projects, with additional releases expected in the future that will maintain the engagement of his extensive fan base.
