Adam Sandler has one of the biggest reputations. He not only stands out for his wacky comedy movies but for his seemingly down-to-earth personality. Not only does he show up to events wearing hoodies and shorts, but he also seems like an overall relaxed individual. He presents himself the same way in some of the best Adam Sandler movies.
He’s starred in several leading roles in Hollywood comedy films, with iconic roles including Billy Madison (1995) and Happy Gilmore (1996). But what are the most popular, best Adam Sandler movies based on the ratings? Let’s dive into his roles for recommendations on your next movie night.
7. Reign Over Me, Apple TV (2007)
With a 64% rating, Reign Over Me is considered one of the best Adam Sandler movies that stars him and Don Cheadle in a buddy drama. It also stars Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, Saffron Burrows, and Melinda Dillion. The 2007 movie is set after the Twin Towers went down in 2001 where Charlie Fineman lost everything important in his life.
But when fate brings him back to an old college roommate, Alan Johnson, they together form a trusted friendship that helps both of them regain purpose and appreciation for life again. With Sandler often taking the jokster roles in films, this is a brilliant piece that shows off another side of his amazing acting.
Related: Best Josh Brolin Movies: A Comprehensive List
6. The Meyerowitz Stories, Netflix (2017)
Jumping into one of his comedies, The Meyerowitz Stories received a rating of 92% on Tomato Meter. The 2017 drama stars Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Elizabeth Marvel, and Emma Thomspon.
The drama follows an estranged family who gathers together in New York City for an event that celebrates the artistic work of their father. The adult siblings are pretty dysfunctional and are just trying to live in the shadow of their father. But bringing them together creates chaos.
Check Out: Best Robert Pattinson Movies, Ranked
5. Punch-Drunk Love, Hulu (2002)
One of the best Adam Sandler movies comes from 2002 with a rating of 79% on Tomato Meter. Punch-Drunk Love is an absurdist romantic comedy-drama starring Sandler, Emily Watson, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
The movie follows an entrepreneur with social anxiety who falls in love with his sister’s co-worker. The movie received high praise thanks to Sander’s acting, even though it was a box office bomb. Still, it’s seen as one of the most favorite films for several prominent film directors and actors.
Read More: Best Lily Rose Depp Movies and TV Shows
4. The Wedding Singer, Apple TV (1998)
With a great rating of 72%, The Wedding Singer is considered one of the best Adam Sandler movies ever. The 1998 romantic comedy, which is a popular genre for Sandler, stars him, Drew Barrymore, and Christine Taylor.
The movie follows the story of a wedding singer in 1985 who falls in love with a waitress. However, Robbie, the singer, and Julia, the waitress, are both engaged to the wrong people. When life intervenes, they are given the chance to discover each other.
Also Read: Best of Dakota Fanning on Netflix
3. Uncut Gems, Max (2019)
Switching up genres, Uncut Gems has a rating of 91% on Tomato Meter and is a crime thriller by studio A24. It’s one of the best Adam Sandler movies, showing his versatile acting skills. Starring Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Indian Menzel, and Eric Bogosian, the film tells the story of Howard Ratner, played by Sandler.
Ratner is a Jewish-American jeweler and gambling addict in New York City’s Diamond District, who must retrieve an expensive gem he purchased in order to pay off his debts.
2. Happy Gilmore, Apple TV (1996)
If you think of the best Adam Sandler movies, Happy Gilmore has come to mind. While it has a 62% rating, it deserves second place. The sports comedy movie stars him along with Christopher McDonald, Julie Brown, and Carl Weathers.
It follows Sandler as an unsuccessful ice hockey player who discovers a newfound talent for golf and competes in a golfing tournament to save his grandmother’s home from foreclosure. It has some of the best movie quotes ever and is downright hilarious. And for the fans who just can’t get enough of this movie? An announcement has been made that a second one is in the works.
1. Hustle, Netflix (2022)
The number one spot for the best Adam Sandler movies goes to Hustle which has a 93% rating on Tomato Meter. It’s also one of his most recent movies, released in 2022. The sports comedy-drama follows Sandler as he plays a down-on-his-luck NBA scout who discovers a raw but talented basketball player in Spain and tries to prepare him for the NBA draft.
The film also stars Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifah, Ben Foster, Robert Duvall, and Heidi Gardner, as well as current NBA players LeBron James and Anthony Edwards.