Summary

  • Adam Sandler's sequels have consistently received better Rotten Tomatoes scores than the originals since 2013.
  • Happy Gilmore 2 needs to sur the 62% Rotten Tomatoes score of the original film to continue Sandler's impressive record.
  • The highly-anticipated sequel's success is under pressure to live up to Happy Gilmore's legacy and high Rotten Tomatoes scores.

After almost 30 years since the first movie premiered, Netflix confirmed that Happy Gilmore 2 is officially in development, but the only known details are that Sandler will reprise his role as the eponymous character and is involved in writing the script. The actor's production company, Happy Madison Productions, is attached to the sequel, as Sandler and Netflix signed a major film deal years ago, and the actor has released numerous movies through the streaming service since.

Happy Gilmore is available to stream on Netflix.

Of course, many hope that some of the cast from Happy Gilmore will return in the sequel, but Happy Gilmore 2's characters (aside from Happy Gilmore) and plot details have yet to be revealed. One thing is for certain, though, when it comes to the highly-anticipated sequel — the original film set the bar very high, and it will be difficult for the new one to live up to Happy Gilmore's success and legacy. The second movie also has the weight of continuing Sandler's Rotten Tomatoes streak on its shoulders.

Every Adam Sandler Sequel Since 2013 Has Had Better Reviews Than The Original

Hotel Transylvania 2 Began Adam Sandler's RT Streak

Following the release of Grown Ups 2 (which received worse reviews than its predecessor) in 2013, Adam Sandler's sequels have performed better than their original films (at least, in of the Tomatometer). Hotel Transylvania, which premiered in 2012, has a 44 percent Tomatometer score, while Hotel Transylvania 2 received a 57 percent score in 2015. Then, the franchise's third installment, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, obtained the series' first "Fresh" score — 62 percent. Additionally, Netflix's Murder Mystery 2 has a 45 percent Tomatometer score, which isn't much higher than the first movie's 44 percent, but it's still better.

Adam Sandler's Movies & Sequels

Release Date

Tomatometer

Audience Score

Hotel Transylvania

September 28, 2012

44%

72%

Hotel Transylvania 2

September 25, 2015

57%

64%

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

July 13, 2018

62%

49%

Murder Mystery

June 14, 2019

44%

46%

Murder Mystery 2

March 31, 2023

45%

46%

Consequently, Happy Gilmore 2 must obtain a better Tomatometer score than Happy Gilmore to continue Sandler's impressive Rotten Tomatoes record. It is one of the actor's only sequels in development, so, it will likely be his next released follow-up film. However, Happy Gilmore 2 suring the original movie's score will be a difficult goal to achieve.

Related
Every Happy Gilmore Character Who Returned In A Different Adam Sandler Movie

Adam Sandler's movies are known for creating crossovers for their characters, but only a few from Happy Gilmore have starred in another of his titles.

Happy Gilmore 2 Has A Huge Challenge After The Original Movie's Rotten Tomatoes Score

Happy Gilmore's Has An Impressive RT Score

Following its premiere on February 16, 1996, Happy Gilmore received a 62 percent Tomatometer score and an 85 percent Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. The sports comedy is one of Adam Sandler's few "Fresh" films and is considered by many to be one of his best movies of all time. So, it's going to be hard for Happy Gilmore 2 to earn a score higher than 62 percent on the Tomatometer to continue Sandler's streak, but it's not impossible.

Happy Gilmore 2 - Poster
Happy Gilmore 2
Comedy
Sports
Release Date
July 25, 2025
Director
Kyle Newacheck
Writers
Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler

This sequel picks up with Happy Gilmore, a former hockey player turned successful golfer, as he faces new challenges both on and off the green. Continuing his comedic journey, Happy navigates the demands of fame and personal growth while competing against a new generation of golfers.

Studio(s)
Happy Madison Productions
Distributor(s)
Netflix

Source: Rotten Tomatoes