Adam Sandler's latest movie Hustle has hit Netflix and the sports drama has already earned plenty of praise from critics. Of course, critics haven't always loved Sandler's work over the years, but he has proven his popularity with fans many times with a number of beloved movies.
Ranker has taken a look at Sandler's best movies as voted on by fans and it showcases the amazing comedic career the actor has had. While his more acclaimed performances in movies like Uncut Gems and Punch-Drunk Love may be missing, it is clear fans have a fondness for some of Sandler's comedies.
Grown Ups (2010)
Sandler is known as an actor who likes to include many of his friends in his movies. But there was a certain charm to seeing him reunite with some of his most famous and funniest pals in the comedy ensemble Grown Ups.
Sandler is joined by David Spade, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and Kevin James as a group of childhood friends who reunite for a summer vacation along with their families. With no real plot to speak of, the movie is mostly an excuse to see these comedy stars acting like children together and that was enough for many fans.
Click (2006)
Most of Sandler's comedies follow a high-concept approach with big and fun ideas hopefully making for big laughs. Click finds Sandler as an overworked family man who is given a magical universal remote control that can control the world around him.
Obviously, there are endless fun possibilities with such an idea, but the movie also explores the heartbreaking ramifications as well. There are certainly plenty of laughs to find in Click, but fans are likely to shed some tears as well.
The Longest Yard (2005)
Sandler stepped into the lead role for this remake of the sports comedy The Longest Yard. Sandler plays a former NFL quarterback who is sent to prison where he is tasked by the warden to put together a football team of convicts to face off with his prison guards.
Though it's hard to say the movie compares favorably to the original, it is a fun and energetic sports comedy. It also features a likable cast, including some notable athletes, hilarious comedians, and the original movie's star, Burt Reynolds.
Mr. Deeds (2002)
Another remake from Sandler that struck a chord with audiences is Mr. Deeds. Based on the 1939 comedy Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Sandler stars as a small-town man who learns he has inherited a controlling stake in his relative's media company and is suddenly thrust into a life of luxury in the big city.
There is something very charming about seeing Sandler as a kind everyman who appreciates the simple things in life contending with the more cynical corporate world. There is also a sweet romance with Winona Ryder and some fun supporting roles for the likes of John Turturro and Steve Buscemi.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
One of Sandler's most frequent leading ladies has been Drew Barrymore and their first movie together was the delightful romantic comedy The Wedding Singer. Set in the 1980s, Sandler plays a talented wedding singer who has his heartbroken only to fall for a newly engaged waitress (Barrymore).
The chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore really makes this romance one fans can root for and the movie is filled with some big laughs to go along with the love story. It also doesn't hurt that the soundtrack of 80s pop songs adds even more fun.
Billy Madison (1995)
After becoming a star on Saturday Night Live, Sandler's big break in movies came with his starring role in Billy Madison. Sandler plays the titular character, an immature and lazy young man who learns that he must repeat every grade in school in order to take over his father's company.
Seeing Sandler's manchild character thrust into a school setting with actual children was a pitch-perfect comedy setup. The movie allowed Sandler to embrace his strange and unique sense of humor with the outlandish yet hilarious movie.
The Waterboy (1998)
Sandler has appeared in a number of sports movies in his career and The Waterboy is one of the wackiest of them all. Sandler plays a simple and repressed young man who serves as the waterboy for a local university football team. But when his built-up rage is unleashed, he is recruited as the team's newest star.
Seeing Sandler brutally tackle bullies seemed to be enough to satisfy fans, but the movie has big laughs throughout. There are also some great supporting roles from Henry Winkler as his neurotic coach and Oscar-winner Kathy Bates as Sandler's overbearing mother.
Big Daddy (1999)
Sandler made a reputation for himself playing immature characters and that is part of why Big Daddy was such a fun idea. Sandler once again plays an aimless man who finds himself looking after a young boy in an effort to prove that he is responsible.
With the adorable young boy (played by twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse) by his side, the movie finds so much humor in Sandler trying to navigate the challenges of being a parent. But there is also more heart than fans might have expected from a Sandler comedy.
50 First Dates (2004)
Sandler and Drew Barrymore teamed up for their second time for another winning rom-com. 50 First Dates finds Sandler playing a man with a fear of commitment who falls for a woman (Barrymore) with short-term memory loss who forgets him with every new day.
The idea of a rom-com where every new day is the first date is a fun concept that makes for a sweet and funny story. Once again, it is the chemistry of the two stars that really brings this high-concept story to life.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
It seems that many of Sandler's most popular movies tend to be sports stories or have Sandler flying into fits of rage. Therefore, it is no surprise Happy Gilmore is so popular as it combines both of those aspects. Sandler plays a temperamental wannabe hockey player who discovers an unexpected talent for golf.
Seeing this violent and bombastic character in the quiet and reserved world of golf is a lot of fun and Sandler is hilarious in the role. The image of him getting into a fistfight with Bob Barker remains a defining moment in Sandler's career.