The Top 10 Adam Sandler Movies
The critics haven't always been too kind to Adam Sandler, but the movie-loving public enjoys his anxiety-driven and sometimes potty-mouthed comedy immensely. Particularly adept at playing ‘fish out of water’ roles, Sandler’s resume of films is impressively long for someone that the critics repeatedly describe as 'goofy' or 'juvenile'.
Sandler’s use of slapstick and visual comedy in his performances feels like an updated version of the black-and-white era masters, revised for the modern age. He’s also an expert in rom-com leads, where even his most seemingly unlovable characters eventually turn their lives around and 'win the girl'.
At VOX Cinemas, we love sitting down to the best Adam Sandler movies. They're a chance to relax, switch off from everyday life for a while, and simply enjoy a sharp, funny and fast-paced slice of comedy. If you want to have your own rom-com movie marathon, here are our top 10 Adam Sandler movies according to IMDb scores.
10. Billy Madison - 1995
Directed by Tamra Davis, this is a loud, brash and funny film with a 'Brewster's Millions' plot. Adam Sandler plays a spoiled rich kid intent on partying and living off his father's money until his dad gets tired of his shenanigans. He's given just 24 weeks to retake and pass all his school grades – this time without any help from his father's bribes or the family fortune goes to his father’s associate. Sandler's character must relearn not just algebra but some serious life lessons too. Also starring Darren McGavin and Bradley Whitford.
9. Big Daddy - 1999
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8. The Longest Yard - 2005
Definitely not one for the kids, The Longest Yard sits firmly in the adult section of any Adam Sandler filmography. Sandler plays disgraced football quarterback Paul Crewe, currently spending time in jail and pressganged into leading the inmates’ football team by manipulative Warden Hazen. The film leads up to a bloodthirsty and corrupt game against the prison guards. Also starring Burt Reynolds as former NFL coach Nate Scarborough, and James Cromwell as Hazen. Directed by Peter Segal.
7. Just Go With It - 2011
An Adam Sandler movie that typifies his penchant for playing damaged anti-heroes, Sandler plays heartbroken plastic surgeon Danny who pretends to be married so that he can date women without any commitments. That’s great, right up until he meets the girl of his dreams and becomes wrapped up in a tissue of lies and deception to try and win her over. Also starring Jennifer Anniston and Brooklyn Decker. Directed by Dennis Dugan.
6. The Wedding Singer - 1998
Once again, Sandler plays a nice guy with a broken heart who is forced to entertain wedding parties while nursing his inner loneliness. After being left standing at the altar by his fiancée, he finally meets a woman who gives him hope for a happy ending. The trouble is, she's about to marry someone else. Can Sandler's wedding singer win her over before it's too late? Also starring Drew Barrymore. Directed by Frank Coraci.
5. 50 First Dates - 2004
The best Adam Sandler movies have a strong rom-com element, and 50 First Dates is no exception. Every morning, Adam's love interest Lucy wakes up unable to remember anything that happened the previous day. So every day, Sandler's character, playboy vet Henry, has to romance her all over again, while convincing her friends and family that he's genuinely in love with Lucy. Also starring Drew Barrymore and Rob Schneider. Directed by Peter Segal.
4. Happy Gilmore - 1996
All Happy Gilmore (Sandler) ever wanted to be was a pro hockey player. However, he's actually a talented golfer despite bringing a fairly foul-mouthed hockey player attitude to the greens and fairways. When his grandmother finds out she's about to lose her home, Happy enters a tournament to win the money to save her house. Along the way, he ruffles the feathers of the other pro-golfers with his ill-mannered attitude. Also starring Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen and Frances Bay. Directed by Dennis Dugan.
3. Punch Drunk Love - 2002
We're back with the 'lonely guy looking for love' character that Sandler plays so well. In this outing, bathroom supply business owner Barry Egan flip-flops from a normally shy and timid man who his sisters constantly berate to an angry man frustrated at the mundanity of his life. In walks Lena Leonard, and Egan falls hopelessly in love. But an extortionist could put paid to all his dreams and plans of a happy life with Lena. Also starring Emily Watson as Lena, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzmán. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
2. Reign Over Me - 2007
When Sandler leaves the goofiness behind, he turns in solid and complex performances such as this. Losing his family in the 9/11 attacks, Sandler’s character Charlie Fineman is struggling to move on. Meeting up with old college roommate Alan Johnson, their friendship rekindles, and they help each other through the toughest turning points in both their lives. A powerful performance that's well away from the usual rom-coms you'll find in an average Adam Sandler filmography. Also starring Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith and Liv Tyler. Directed by Mike Binder.
- Uncut Gems - 2019
For an actor who specialises in rom-coms, the top film on our Adam Sandler movies IMDB scores list is a much darker offering that demonstrates Sandler can turn in a powerful performance when he’s not goofing around. Sandler plays a high-rolling jeweller who makes the bet of a lifetime that could set him up for life. Balancing family, business and dangerous adversaries, there are still flashes of Sandler’s comedy but they’re toned down and more nuanced, subtly blended with some genuinely chilling moments. Highly recommended, even if you’re not normally a fan of Adam Sandler movies. Also starring LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox and Kevin Garnett. Directed by Benny and Josh Safdie.
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