By no means am I going to start this article by saying Adam Sandler, the actor, comedian and filmmaker, whose films over the last 30 decades have made billions of pounds at the box office, is underrated. That being said, I do think his talent and ability to make people laugh is often under-appreciated. Whilst it’s no secret that Adam Sandler has starred in some of the most dreadful films made, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have more than a few hidden gems under his belt and the hidden ability to be a wonderful serious actor when he wants to be. Below is my own worst to best list of Adam Sandler leading actor films:
33. Jack and Jill (2011)
There are very few films that I would say are straight-up garbage, but if I was to make a list of all-time worst films ever made, Jack and Jill could easily make the top 10. But for now, it can settle for the last place on this list instead.
32. I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)
Everything about this film felt inappropriate. Taking into account the year it came out and its very few funny moments, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is by far one of Sandler's worst films.
31. The Do-over (2016)
Another straight to Netflix Adam Sandler special that fails on every level.
30. Pixels (2015)
Whilst the concept is cool and honestly, it is a fun film, it just never quite hits the mark. Adam Sandler has many films that cater to children but can be enjoyed by adults, Pixels is not one of these films.
29. Grown Ups 2 (2013)
Grown Ups 2 massively lacks the undeniable charm that the first one had. Whilst neither films are good, Grown Ups 2 had next to no redeemable qualities bar the talented China Anne McClain's singing scene. If you want a cheesy film that has next to no plot, this is your film.
28. Anger Management (2003)
If there's one thing Adam Sandler knows how to do, it's acting over the top angry, but that doesn't mean you should make a film out of it.
27. The Cobbler (2014)
A simple story with a touching ending. Max Simkin, The Cobbler, uses his customers shoes to temporarily step into their lives. Nothing about The Cobbler feels original, and yet it still works in its own way.
26. Mr Deeds (2002)
I wanted to enjoy this film more than I did. But if you suddenly inherited $40billion, wouldn't you be more suspicious of anyone sniffing around you? Mr. Deeds just felt oblivious and its only saving grace was the wonderful Winona Ryder.
25. Click (2006)
By no means is Click a good film, but oh boy does it know how to tug at your heartstrings. Spend more time with your family Michael Newman!
24. You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008)
This feels like one of Adam Sandler's most random films. An attempt to establish peace via promiscuity, hairdressing and "Fizzy Bubblech".
23. The Waterboy (1998)
Another film in which Adam Sandler succeeds because of his hidden rage, except this time The Waterboy is actually quite a sweet film with its few funny moments.
22. That’s My Boy (2012)
Whilst it has one of my favourite casts for an Adam Sandler film (Susan Sarandon and Andy Samberg), it misses the mark for me in a few places. Despite this, That's My Boy can definitely be considered a quality guilty pleasure film, that I have rewatched far too many times.
21. Grown Ups (2010)
Despite being far from good, Grown Ups has a certain charm to it that makes you want to gather all your closest friends and rent out a cabin for a warm week in summer.
20. Spanglish (2004)
A slightly more serious tone for a Sandler film in which Mexican immigrant and single mother Flor finds herself and her children moving into her employers house as a full-time housekeeper. Cultures clash and friendships are formed. I think this only works for me because it lacks a lot of the cheesy humour for which Sandler is known for.
19. The Longest Yard (2005)
The Longest Yard has many funny moments, touching and tear-jerking moments, as well as, moments that shouldn't have been allowed to fly back in 2005 and certainly wouldn't now. An underrated film for sure.
18. The Week Of (2018)
Two families combine in the week before a wedding. I don't know how or why it works so well, but The Week Of is incredibly entertaining and sweet.
17. Sandy Wexler (2017)
The ever so uncharismatic talent manager Sandy Wexler finally signs his first client with talent. The film feels half-arsed but with a star-studded cast and jokes that actually land, Sandy Wexler is definitely up there for the straight to Netflix Sandler film.
16. Murder Mystery (2019)
One of Sandler's newer films, Murder Mystery is exciting and adventurous, set amongst a European backdrop, a film that could have been made so much better if it cut out some of its cheesier moments. Despite this, I personally think this is a film that's reviews were made worse purely down to the fact that it features Adam Sandler, which is why I have placed it at 16.
15. Big Daddy (1999)
Starring the very young and always adorable Sprouse twins, Big Daddy is one of my favourite Adam Sandler films. A genuinely heartfelt film from Sandler. Originally set out to impress his girlfriend, he finds himself forming a genuine bond with his foster son.
14. Bedtime Stories (2008)
Another family fun film that creeps its way past the halfway mark and into the top 15. Bedtime Stories fills you with undeniable joy. The fun of dreams and stories and family make this film worth the watch, even if you're not a kid anymore. There's just something about the wildly unimaginable stories and events that take place that just bring a sense of happiness to you. Definitely a film for children, but one that I've still had to rewatch every few years since it first came out in 2008.
13. Funny People (2009)
Another more serious-toned film from the actor, but still a wonderful watch. Featuring Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann and many other incredible actors. Funny People is completely unlike any of Sandler's other cheesy films.
12. Little Nicky (2000)
Little Nicky is the epitome of cheesy to me, and yet it's still one of my all-time favourites despite its negative reviews. If I had to pick my No.1 guilty pleasure film of all time, it would be this. Sandler, son of Satan, travels to earth to find his brothers who want to wreak havoc and create hell on earth. A talking dog, Ozzy Osbourne eating a bat and some of the most random high profile guest appearances such as Quentin Tarantino. Little Nicky probably belongs in straight-up garbage, but I'm calling it a timeless classic and the perfect guilty pleasure film.
11. Hubie Halloween (2020)
Controversially placed at 11th, I personally think Hubie Halloween is the perfect family film. There's no shortage of horror films to watch on October 31st, but they are lacking when it comes to family films. Hubie Halloween may not be an award-winning film, but it certainly is one of Adam Sandler's most fun films and for that reason alone I think it's deserving of its 11th place slot.
10. Blended (2014)
Breaking into the top 10 has to be Blended. The worst thing about this film is by far Bella Thorne's haircut. Cheesy, but in all the right places, relatable and heart-warming. Any film that features Drew Barrymore is also always going to be a firm favourite. It goes in a similar direction to Just Go with It, but with a touch more over-the-top humour that sets it one below.
9. Just Go with It (2011)
The idea that Adam Sandler is some big-time, cocky, attractive plastic surgeon with the ability to get with the two beautiful women in this film sure does make me laugh. But despite that, it's actually a great film and the highlight of this film for me has to be a young Bailee Madison who is outright hilarious.
8. Billy Madison (1995)
Billy Madison never finished school, and now he has to go back and start again if he wants to inherit his father's hotel empire. Adam Sandler plays the same character in all of his films, but with only slight changes, but he does it so well that it still works after all these years. Watching Billy Madison grow up as he passes through each of the grades is a truly entertaining watch.
7. The Wedding Singer (1998)
Adam Sandler is known for taking the cheesy factor and just running with it and The Wedding Singer is no exception. A sickly-sweet love story filled with embarrassing eighties fashion and pop culture, and yet still an utter treat to watch.
6. Hotel Transylvania Trilogy (2012 - 2018)
Hotel Transylvania may be a film for children but it's still up there as one of Adam Sandler's best anyway. There's a wholesome sweetness to this version of Dracula that's perfect for both kids and adults alike.
5. The Meyerowitz Stories (2017)
If you go into this expecting it to be like any other Sandler film, you will be immensely shocked. On my first watch, I was expecting another silly comedy and was beyond pleasantly surprised at this film’s sheer beauty. It also left me feeling infuriated at how great of an actor Adam Sandler is underneath his cheesy persona, and how underappreciated he is due to his many roles in silly garbage comedies. I'm still a fan of his garbage comedies, but he is an incredible actor, and this film definitely highlights that, and I hope in the years to come Adam Sandler takes more steps into the serious acting world and gains the serious recognition he deserves.
4. Happy Gilmore (1996)
Happy Gilmore is simply hilarious. A comedic tale of an angry ex-hockey player who goes into golfing to win enough money for his Grandma. A film that never fails to make your stomach ache from laughter.
3. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
"I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine." Truly beautiful. Punch-Drunk Love makes you feel things that you didn't even know you could feel.
2. Uncut Gems (2019)
Uncut Gems is another prime example that when Adam Sandler wants to be a serious actor, he really can be and does it exceptionally. This film is crazy and was an instant favourite upon its release and still is.
1. 50 First Dates (2004)
Undoubtedly Adam Sandler's best film. 50 First Dates holds a special place in my heart. From its stunning scenery, joyful Beach Boys filled soundtrack and emotional story. 50 First Dates is the story of a man who falls in love with a woman who wakes up every day with zero recollection of the day before due to amnesia. The film is simply just lovely and endearing and with Drew Barrymore as the lead actress there's no surprise it's a firm favourite and Adam Sandler original classic.
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