Adam Sandler’s Comeback Comedy Makes Golf Cool Again Breaks Netflix Records with New Jersey-Backed Blockbuster

Adam Sandler’s Comeback Comedy Makes Golf Cool Again—Breaks Netflix Records with New Jersey-Backed Blockbuster

Who knew a swing, a scream, and a golf club could bring down the internet?

Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore 2” isn’t just a sequel—it’s a streaming sensation. The film, which hit Netflix on July 25, didn’t just revive a beloved 90s character—it smashed records, becoming the biggest movie debut in Netflix U.S. history and setting a new personal record for Sandler himself.

And here’s the twist: this record-breaking comedy was filmed right in New Jersey.

From quiet neighborhoods to sprawling golf courses, more than nine counties across the Garden State served as the stage for Sandler’s long-awaited return as Happy Gilmore. Thousands of local extras even jumped in, turning familiar locations into Hollywood sets. Nearly 3,000 New Jersey residents were part of the movie’s background magic.

According to Netflix, 46.7 million global viewers tuned in during the film’s opening days—making “Happy Gilmore 2” the hottest title on the platform. The original 1996 film also made a nostalgic comeback, climbing to No. 3 on Netflix with 11.4 million views last week alone.

The movie isn’t just a tribute to the past—it’s a celebrity-packed celebration. From Bad Bunny as Happy’s new caddie to surprise appearances by Eminem, Post Malone, Kid Cudi, and even sports star Travis Kelce, it’s a star-studded lineup. Familiar faces like Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald reprise their iconic roles, while Sandler’s real-life family—including daughters Sunny and Sadie Sandler—also play major parts.

There’s even a new villain in town. Benny Safdie steps in as “Frank Manatee,” giving Happy another fiery rivalry to tackle. Behind the scenes, longtime Sandler collaborator Tim Herlihy returned to help pen the script, while Kyle Newacheck took the director’s chair.