Happy Gilmore Will Soon Leave Netflix as Fans Revisit the Comedy Classic Ahead of Its Sequel
The beloved 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore is set to leave Netflix soon, giving viewers only a short window to enjoy Adam Sandler’s fan-favorite sports comedy before it disappears. The film has been praised by fans as “pure comic genius”, especially as renewed attention around the franchise grows with the release of Happy Gilmore 2.
Released in 1996, Happy Gilmore follows a failed ice hockey player who discovers he has an unexpected gift for golf. He enters professional tournaments to save his grandmother’s home from foreclosure, creating a premise that mixes heart with loud, chaotic humor.
Directed by Dennis Dugan and produced by Robert Simonds, the movie features a strong supporting cast including Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, and Carl Weathers. It also includes the memorable cameo from Bob Barker, which earned an MTV Movie Award for Best Fight, shared by Barker and Sandler.
The film was a financial success, earning £31.4 million against a £9.1 million budget. Over the years it has built a loyal cult following, especially within the golf community, where fans famously imitate the “Happy Gilmore swing”—a running, high-momentum golf drive.
Fans on Reddit have continued celebrating the film’s humor, calling it a “clever spoof on professional golf” and “Sandler’s best work.” One viewer even said they had “never laughed harder or longer in a movie theatre”, highlighting the film’s lasting comedic power.
Another fan mentioned that Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison, Sandler’s earlier film, are “fantastic movies that don’t take themselves seriously and are actually funny.” These reactions contribute to the movie’s status as a standout from Sandler’s early career.
Despite strong fan support, critics have been less enthusiastic. On Rotten Tomatoes (source), the movie holds a 65% approval rating from 60 reviews, with an average score of 6/10. The critics’ consensus states that those who enjoy Sandler’s comedy style will appreciate the film’s playful take on golf, while others may find it “unfunny and forgettable.”
Netflix users should note that Happy Gilmore is leaving the platform on December 9, so there is limited time left to stream it before it moves off the service. However, the franchise isn’t completely disappearing from Netflix.
The recently released sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, will remain available on Netflix even after the original is removed. The sequel premiered on the platform in July and revisits Happy years later as he returns to professional golf for personal reasons.
In Happy Gilmore 2, Happy tries to raise money for his daughter’s overseas ballet education, a financial strain that hits after the death of his wife. The story also explores Happy’s struggle with a relapse into alcoholism, adding a more emotional angle while still keeping the franchise’s comedic style.
Fans can continue following updates about both films through platforms such as Netflix (link), Rotten Tomatoes, and entertainment outlets reporting on the franchise’s resurgence. With the classic film leaving soon and the sequel gaining attention, now is the perfect time for viewers to catch up on the entire Happy Gilmore journey.
