He’s the man of $100 million box office hits. Whether he’s starring in his trademark goofy comedies from his own Happy Madison production company or more ambitious dramedies, Sandler’s been one of the busiest guys in showbiz for years, and one of the most profitable. Here, in time for his latest man-child comedy Grown Ups 2, we take a look at some of the milestones on Sandler’s road to comedy movie superstardom.
Strangely enough, Sandler started off third-string in his first major motion picture, behind early ‘90s star Brendan Fraser and Steve Buscemi. Together, they’re “The Lone Rangers,” a heavy metal group that hijacks a radio station to get more airtime. It’s a sleight film, but one that has lots of cult admirers who enjoy seeing Sandler steal the show as dimwitted rocker Pip.
This early Sandler star vehicle features the comedian doing what he does best – acting the man-child part to the hilt. Here, Sandler’s Billy Madison - an heir to his dad’s corporate empire - is forced to prove himself first by re-taking and passing grades 1-12 in 24 weeks.
Along with Caddyshack, Happy Gilmore is perhaps the greatest golf comedy, and one of Sandler’s most beloved movies. As an unsuccessful hockey player who possesses a powerful swing on the links, Sandler gets to have all kinds of good fun with co-stars Carl Weathers, Christopher McDonald’s “Shooter McGavin” and – in a classic cameo – “The Price Is Right”’s Bob Barker.
Here’s where Sandler the superstar really broke out, playing a wedding singer from the ‘80s who’s not just loud, but also awfully loveable alongside equally adorable waitress Drew Barrymore. The story’s nothing too original, but the soundtrack is spot-on, and the stars have a sweet chemistry.
After the phenomenal success of The Wedding Singer, Sandler scored again in 1998 with the outrageous tale of The Waterboy, a stuttering guy named Bobby Boucher with anger management issues that allow him to transform into a football machine and knock the stuffing out of opposing running backs. Similar to Happy Gilmore, it’s an easy laugher with classic Sandler temper tantrums.
Sandler showed some signs of evolvement with this tale of a man-child who actually has to take care of a real child. Of course, the big daddy in question is really posing as the guardian of his buddy’s kid in order to show responsibility and win back his old girlfriend. But those are minor quibbles, right?
The first real “grownup” role for Sandler was this critically acclaimed P.T. Anderson arthouse dramedy. Sandler stars as a small business owner whose chance at love with a shy family acquaintance is threatened by some bizarre circumstances involving a phone sex hotline. It’s dark, tense entertainment – and well worth watching for Sandler’s intense performance.
Six years after their initial pairing onscreen, Sandler and Drew Barrymore reunited for more romantic hijinx, this time in Hawaii, where Sandler’s lovestruck veterinarian vies for the hand of Barrymore’s art teacher – a woman with a peculiar form of amnesia where she loses her memory every night.
Sandler teamed up with filmmaker James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment) for this drama/comedy about a well-known chef (Sandler), his wife and two kids, and their relationship with their Mexican housekeeper (Paz Vega) and her kids. It’s leagues away from Happy Gilmore, but as with Punch-Drunk Love, Sandler shows he can handle a punchline and straight-ahead dramatic fare.
While some of its post-09/11 themes are more well-meaning than successfully conveyed onscreen, this tale of loss – a story of a man (Sandler) whose family perished on 09/11, and who reconnects to society with the help of his former college roommate (Don Cheadle) – once again showcases Sandler’s ability, and willingness, to stretch his dramatic chops.
True to his base of admirers who prefer him in more lighthearted projects, Sandler returned to his bread and butter with You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, a movie that recounts the adventures of an ex-Israeli commando known as the Zohan, who journeys to New York to accomplish his lifelong dream of becoming a top hairstylist.
Sort of the middle ground between his juvenile comedies and his “adult” fare, Grown Ups found Sandler mixing it up with literal kids and fellow comedy stars Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James and Rob Schneider as childhood friends who get together for a raucous Fourth of July weekend – with their respective clans - and fan bases - in tow.
The all-star comedy cast from Grown Ups returns (with some new additions) for more summertime laughs. Lenny (Adam Sandler) has relocated his family back to the small town where he and his friends grew up. This time around, the grown ups are the ones learning lessons from their kids. Grab tickets here!
Get the WILD HEARTS Exclusive Bundle and receive one ticket to KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS and an exclusive photocard set!
*WILD HEARTS Exclusive Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Fandango Exclusive KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS Photocard Set will begin shipping in September. Please use a physical U.S. address where the photocard set shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/wild-hearts-bundle
Get the Spider-Man: Brand New Day Exclusive Poster Bundle and receive one ticket to Spider-Man: Brand New Day and an exclusive poster!
*Spider-Man: Brand New Day Exclusive Poster Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at check out. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The exclusive poster will begin shipping in July. Please use a physical U.S. address where the exclusive poster shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://store.fandango.com/products/spider-man-brand-new-day-exclusive-poster
Buy one ticket to Idiots, get one free (up to $15 off ticket price and fees), during opening weekend showtimes (8/28 - 8/30) with code IDIOTSBOGO.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Visit Fandango.com between 8/11/26 and 8/30/26 at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app, buy at least one (1) ticket to see Idiots at a participating Fandango theater during opening weekend (showtimes between 8/28/26 and 8/30/26), and use Fandango Promotional Code IDIOTSBOGO (“Code”) to get up to $15 off (total ticket price and associated fees and charges) one (1) additional ticket for the same showtime. Code expires, and can no longer be used, upon the earlier of 11:59PM PT on 8/30/26, the limit of Code redemptions being reached, or when Idiots is no longer available in theaters. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie ticket(s) made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If cost of movie ticket(s) and associated fees and charges are more than Code’s maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only, excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Excludes multiple admission tickets. Fandango is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this offer. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time without notice. This offer and the redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get 2 free tickets to use later when you join FanClub with your PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie ticket order.
The “Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie - 2 free tickets later FanClub Promotion” offer (the “Offer”) begins 8/3/26 and will run for a limited time. Offer valid for new FanClub members only. To be eligible, you must subscribe to a 1-month paid FanClub membership ($9.99 + tax, then $9.99 per month thereafter until canceled) when purchasing tickets to Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie on the Fandango website or mobile app. Eligible members will receive two free ticket promo codes via email within 24 to 48 hours after successful FanClub sign-up. To redeem the Offer, you must complete checkout while an eligible FanClub membership is in your cart. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law); void where prohibited. Adjustments to prior purchases not permitted. Taxes may apply. Offer may only be redeemed once per person. Fandango is not responsible for lost, delayed, undeliverable, or misdirected emails. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply, including Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Experience The End of Oak Street in IMAX and get $7 off an IMAX ticket with code OAKSTREETIMAX
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9:00am on 7/22/26 and 8/26/26, purchase two or more IMAX tickets to see The End of Oak Street at a participating Fandango theater, and enter the Fandango promotional code OAKSTREETIMAX ("Code") to receive up to $14 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 11:59pm on 8/26/26, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, or when The End of Oak Street is no longer available in IMAX theaters, whichever comes first. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have, and be logged into, a Fandango account to redeem the Code on Fandango. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If cost of movie tickets and associated fees and charges is more than Code’s maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit 1 Code redemption per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango's Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy 3 tickets to Practical Magic 2 and get 1 ticket free (equal or lesser price, up to $20 total ticket price and fees) with code PRACTICALMAGICB3G1
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log into your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9:00am PT on 8/12/26 and 11:59pm PT on 10/4/26, purchase three (3) or more tickets to see Practical Magic 2, and use the Fandango Promotional Code PRACTICALMAGICB3G1 (“Code”) to get up to $20 off one (1) additional ticket for the same showtime (equal or lesser value, up to $20 total ticket price and associated fees and charges). Code must be entered at checkout. Code expires and can no longer be used after 11:59pm PT on 10/4/26, or when Practical Magic 2 is no longer in theaters, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, whichever comes first. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. You must have a Fandango account, and be logged into your account, to use the Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. One-time use only. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. If cost of the ticket (and associated fees and charges) obtained through the Code is more than Code’s maximum discount, then you must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code’s maximum discount will not be refunded. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get the Practical Magic 2 Popcorn Bucket Bundle and receive a movie ticket to Practical Magic 2 plus an exclusive Margarita Popcorn Bucket!
*Practical Magic 2 Popcorn Bucket Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. Popcorn not included. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Margarita Popcorn Bucket will begin shipping in September. Please use a physical U.S. address where the Margarita Popcorn Bucket shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://store.fandango.com/products/practical-magic-2-margarita-popcorn-bucket
Buy a ticket to Spa Weekend and get $35 off a ResortPass day pass or spa pass with the purchase of any ResortPass day or spa pass at full price.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 9:00am PT on 8/11/26 and 11:59pm PT on 9/7/26 and purchase at least one (1) ticket to see Spa Weekend at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) ResortPass promotional code (“Code”) that is good for either: (i) up to $35 off the purchase of one (1) ResortPass Spa Pass with the purchase of one (1) full-price ResortPass Spa Pass; or (ii) up to $35 off the purchase of one (1) ResortPass Day Pass with the purchase of one (1) full-price ResortPass Day Pass. Code expires, and must be redeemed by, 11:59pm PT on 8/11/27. Code is one-time-use only. Limit one (1) Code redemption per person. Code is non-transferable, has no cash value, and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Valid at participating ResortPass properties only, subject to availability. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango's terms and policies, at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies. Redemption of the Code, your ResortPass booking, and use of any ResortPass services is subject to ResortPass’s terms and policies at https://www.resortpass.com/terms-conditions.
Get 2 free tickets to use later when you join FanClub with your Insidious: Out of the Further ticket order.
The “Insidious: Out of the Further - 2 free tickets later FanClub Promotion” offer (the “Offer”) begins 8/5/26 and will run for a limited time. Offer valid for new FanClub members only. To be eligible, you must subscribe to a 1-month paid FanClub membership ($9.99 + tax, then $9.99 per month thereafter until canceled) when purchasing tickets to Insidious: Out of the Further on the Fandango website or mobile app. Eligible members will receive two free ticket promo codes via email within 24 to 48 hours after successful FanClub sign-up. To redeem the Offer, you must complete checkout while an eligible FanClub membership is in your cart. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law); void where prohibited. Adjustments to prior purchases not permitted. Taxes may apply. Offer may only be redeemed once per person. Fandango is not responsible for lost, delayed, undeliverable, or misdirected emails. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion, and without notice. Additional terms and conditions apply, including Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get The Odyssey Signature Set and receive one movie ticket to The Odyssey plus an exclusive Premium Collectible print.
*The Odyssey Signature Set is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The premium collectible art print will begin shipping in July. Please use a physical U.S. address where the collectible art print shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/the-odyssey-signature-set
Buy a ticket to Avengers: Doomsday, get a chance to win a trip to the premiere!
NO PURCHASE OR APP NECESSARY. Purchase does not increase chances of winning. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years of age and older, provided, however, that at least one person traveling must be 21+. Void where prohibited. Ends November 9, 2026, visit https://www.fandangomovietickets.com/superpremieresweepstakes. Sponsor: Fandango Media, LLC, 10 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
Buy a ticket to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, get $5 off the pre-order of the Spider-Man 4-Movie Collection.
Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 12:01am PT on 7/31/26 and 11:59pm PT on 9/18/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for $5 off the purchase (and not the rental) of the pre-order of the Spider-Man 4-Movie Collection in My Offers in your account on http://fandangoathome.com and via participating Fandango apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive and redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Credit card may be required for transactions on Fandango.com. Code expires on (and must be used by) 9/23/26 at 11:59pm PT, and the Spider-Man 4-Movie Collection will be added to your Library when it is made available by the studio. Limit one per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy a ticket to PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie in theaters, get $10 off the PAW Patrol-themed Amazon Echo Pop
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited number of redemptions available in this offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 6:00am PT on 7/21/26 and 11:59pm PT on 8/30/26 and purchase at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie’. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Discount Code (“Code”) that is redeemable for one exclusive $10 off code for the PAW Patrol-themed Amazon Echo Pop, while supplies last. PAW Patrol-themed Amazon Echo Pop will start shipping in August. There is a limited quantity of Codes available in this promotion. Codes will stop being distributed on the earlier of (i) the Code distribution limit being reached, (ii) PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie no longer being in theaters, or (iii) 11:59pm PT on 8/30/26. Code expires, and can no longer be used, when the limit of Code redemptions has been reached, or at 11:59pm PT on 8/30/26, whichever comes first. Limit one Code per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at Terms and Policies at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.