Netflix's "Happy Gilmore 2" has arrived, nearly three decades after the original cult classic, and the reviews are in, revealing a mix of nostalgia-fueled appreciation and critical disappointment. The film, which premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025, sees Adam Sandler reprising his role as the hot-tempered golfer, now a middle-aged father trying to fund his daughter's ballet dreams.

Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, the sequel brings back familiar faces like Julie Bowen as Virginia and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside new cast members and celebrity cameos. Ben Stiller also makes a return as Hal L.. Golf icons like John Daly, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler add a touch of authenticity to the chaotic plot with their appearances.

The storyline follows Happy Gilmore's return to the fairway after a personal tragedy and financial woes force him to seek a way to earn quick cash. He finds himself leading a battle between the established golf tour and an eccentric start-up league, facing new challenges and rivals along the way.

Critical reception has been mixed, with many reviewers finding the sequel inferior to the original. Some critics point to an unfocused narrative, gratuitous cameos, and an overreliance on nostalgia as weaknesses. Nick Schager at The Daily Beast called it "arguably the least inspired film in the actor's canon, if not all of movie history".

However, fans have largely embraced the film, celebrating its nostalgic callbacks and familiar faces. On Rotten Tomatoes, "Happy Gilmore 2" received a score of 72% from viewers, compared to 65% from critics. Many viewers appreciate the film's lightheartedness and the abundance of cameos. Some fans have expressed that it successfully brought them back to the feeling they had when watching the first movie as kids.

Despite mixed reviews, "Happy Gilmore 2" has been a streaming success. It amassed 46.7 million views in its first three days, topping Netflix's global top ten movie chart and becoming the biggest U.S. opening weekend of all time for a film on the platform. The original "Happy Gilmore" also saw a surge in viewership, further demonstrating the enduring appeal of the franchise.

Some reviewers have praised the film's humor and heart, with Erik Kain of Esquire writing, "While coming nowhere near the heights and ingenuity of its predecessor, Happy Gilmore 2 is still a blast, with every cameo tuned directly into Sandler's comedic frequency". He also noted the film's themes of family, friendship, and redemption.

Ultimately, "Happy Gilmore 2" seems to be a film that divides audiences. While it may not capture the magic of the original for some, it offers a nostalgic and entertaining experience for others, proving Adam Sandler's continued ability to draw in viewers and dominate the Netflix charts.