Nearly three decades after the original Happy Gilmore teed off, Adam Sandler has returned to the green — and this time, he’s driven straight into streaming history. Happy Gilmore 2, Netflix’s highly anticipated comedy sequel, smashed records during its opening weekend, racking up a staggering 2.9 billion minutes of viewing between July 21st and 27th, according to Nielsen.
This feat makes it the highest single-week total ever recorded on Nielsen’s streaming charts, surpassing Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’s 2.2 billion-minute record and cementing Sandler’s status as a streaming powerhouse.
A Comedy Legend Returns And Brings The Whole Clubhouse
Premiering July 25th, Happy Gilmore 2 doesn’t just bank on nostalgia — it builds on it. Sandler reprises his role as the hot-headed golf rebel, now navigating fatherhood and a new chapter on the PGA Tour as he returns to pro golf to help fund his daughter’s ballet dreams.
But this sequel is anything but a one-man show. The cast includes a bizarrely delightful blend of stars: Bad Bunny, Eminem, Travis Kelce, Julie Bowen, Haley Joel Osment, Margaret Qualley, and even Sunny Sandler — in a breakout role that many fans are calling a scene-stealer.
And while the film is fueled by celebrity cameos and wild gags, it’s also surprisingly heartfelt, striking a balance between crude laughs and emotional payoff — something Sandler’s Netflix comedies have been fine-tuning for years.
A Record-Breaking Weekend, Fueled By Nostalgia And Star Power
With 46.7 million views in its first four days, Happy Gilmore 2 claimed the biggest U.S. opening weekend ever for a Netflix original movie. It quickly became a Top 10 staple on Netflix globally, remaining in the chart for four consecutive weeks and earning a spot in the Top 10 in 53 countries.
As of August 17th, the sequel had racked up 109.2 million views globally — just 29 million away from entering Netflix’s Top 10 All-Time Most Watched list.
It’s also a personal best for Sandler, who has now amassed over 61 billion minutes of watch time on Netflix — an extraordinary feat made possible by a consistent run of Netflix originals like Murder Mystery, The Do-Over, and Grown Ups.
Mixed Reviews But Massive Reach
While the film has earned a 63% critic score and 66% audience score, its cultural footprint tells a bigger story. Streaming success today isn’t just about acclaim — it’s about attention, shareability, and momentum.
Yes, viewership dropped sharply by week three — but that’s hardly unusual for nostalgic sequels driven by an explosive opening. With meme-worthy moments, celebrity cameos, and the backing of one of pop’s biggest names, Happy Gilmore 2 was engineered to go viral — and it worked.
Streaming’s Newest Hole-in-One
Happy Gilmore 2 may not win over every critic, but its streaming dominance is undeniable. As Sandler swings into yet another chapter of his Netflix run, this record-breaking weekend proves there’s still magic in the old 9-iron — especially when nostalgia, celebrity, and algorithmic firepower collide.
Whether you’re here for the golf, the gags, or the guest stars, Happy Gilmore 2 is a pop culture hole-in-one — and it’s not done climbing the leaderboard yet. Streaming now on Netflix. Bring popcorn. Expect putters.
