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 I Require So Much Bundle and receive one ticket to Sense and Sensibility and a popcorn tin!
*I Require So Much 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 Sense and Sensibility Popcorn Tin will begin shipping in September. Please use a physical U.S. address where the Sense and Sensibility Popcorn Tin 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/i-require-so-much-bundle
Buy a ticket to WWE Money In The Bank, get $10 off $50+ on the WWE Shop!
Limited time offer. Log in to your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 12:01am PT on 9/29/26 and 3:00pm PT on 10/10/26 and purchase at least one (1) ticket to see WWE Money In The Bank at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) WWE Shop promotional code (“Code”) that is good for $10 off one (1) order of $50 or more on the WWE Shop. Code expires and must be redeemed by 11:59pm PT on 4/30/27. 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. 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 is subject to WWE Shop’s terms and policies at https://shop.wwe.com/en/terms-of-use/
Buy a ticket to Forgotten Island and get 25% off the Soundtrack Vinyl, CD, or Cassette!
Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9/8/26 and 10/16/26 and buy one (1) or more tickets to see Forgotten Island at a participating Fandango theater. You will receive a post-purchase email containing a promotional code (“Code”) that is good for 25% off your purchase of the Forgotten Island Soundtrack Vinyl, CD, or Cassette. Code is redeemable until April 16, 2027, via the redemption link https://madebymutant.com/collections/forgotten-island-soundtrack-collection. No cash value; non-transferable; may not be resold, refunded, or exchanged. 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 www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies, and redemption of the Code is subject to Mutant’s terms and policies at https://madebymutant.com/policies/terms-of-service.
Buy 2 IMAX tickets for Street Fighter and use code STREETFIGHTERIMAX to redeem your special offer! Not a member? Add FanClub to your Street Fighter purchase of 2 IMAX tickets and the offer will be applied automatically, no promo code needed.
The “Choose Your Fighter” offer (the “Offer”) will begin on September 21, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. PT and run for a limited time, while supplies last (the “Offer Period”). Eligible Customers that redeem the Offer will receive, subject to these terms (the “Offer Benefit(s)”): up to $7.00 off each of two (2) IMAX tickets for the Offer Titles on Fandango, the maximum total discount is $14.00. Delivery of Offer Benefit(s) may differ based on redemption method. Offer Title(s): Street Fighter in IMAX format as available on Fandango. Eligible Customers: existing FanClub members (“Existing Members”) and new customers (no active FanClub membership at the time) that subscribe to a Qualifying Membership during the Offer Period (“New Member(s)”) only. Qualifying Membership: a monthly FanClub membership ($9.99 + tax/month) added to a Qualifying Ticket Purchase. Qualifying Membership will automatically renew as described above at the applicable frequency and price until cancelled. Prices subject to change. Cancel before renewal date to avoid future charges. To cancel, go to the FanClub Membership Dashboard in your account settings and click “Cancel Membership”. If your Qualifying Membership includes a free trial and you cancel before being charged, you will not be eligible for the Offer or receive Offer Benefit(s). See FanClub Program Terms. Qualifying Ticket Purchase: buy at least two (2) tickets to a showing of the Qualifying Titles on Fandango during the Offer Period. Qualifying Titles: Street Fighter in IMAX format as available on Fandango. To redeem the Offer, you must complete the Qualifying Ticket Purchase and/or Qualifying Membership transaction to which the Offer is applied. Existing Members (Instant): must enter the single-use code STREETFIGHTERIMAX at checkout during Qualifying Ticket Purchase to apply Offer and Offer Benefit(s). New Members (Instant): Offer and Offer Benefit(s) will be applied instantly at checkout when Qualifying Membership is added to a Qualifying Ticket Purchase. Offer Benefit(s) may not cover the total cost of your transaction; you are responsible for paying any amounts remaining after Offer Benefit(s) are applied (including taxes and fees). Any unused portions of the Offer Benefit(s) will be forfeited upon redemption. If redemption transaction is cancelled or refunded, eligibility for Offer may be forfeited. Offer Benefit(s) will not be refunded. Adjustments to prior purchases not permitted. Taxes may apply. Offer and Offer Benefit(s): (a) are limited to one per person or Fandango account; (b) are only redeemable on the Fandango website or mobile app (“Fandango”) while logged in to your account; (c) are not redeemable at any theater or third-party directly; (d) are non-transferable, are not for resale, and have no cash value; (e) cannot be combined with any other offers or promotional codes, except as expressly stated in these terms; (f) are void if sold, transferred, or exchanged; (g) cannot be replaced if lost or stolen; and (h) are valid only in the fifty (50) United States, D.C., and Puerto Rico, excluding other U.S. territories. Void where prohibited. 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.
Get the 8-Film Tom Cruise Bundle for $20 when you buy a ticket to DIGGER!
Limited time offer. Log in to your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 12:01am PT on 9/23/26 and 11:59pm PT on 10/12/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘DIGGER’. You will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Stream Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the purchase (and not the rental) of the 8-Film Tom Cruise Bundle for $20 in My Offers in your account on http://stream.fandango.com and via participating Fandango Stream 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. Code expires on (and must be used by) 10/15/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one (1) 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). Credit card may be required for transactions on stream.fandango.com. 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 2 tickets to Heart of the Beast, get 1 free (equal or lesser price, up to $15 total ticket price and fees) with code HEARTB2G1
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 12:01am PT on 9/14/26 and 11:59pm PT on 10/18/26, purchase two (2) or more tickets to see Heart of the Beast, and use the Fandango Promotional Code HEARTB2G1 (“Code”) to get up to $15 off one (1) additional ticket for the same showtime (equal or lesser value, up to $15 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 10/18/26, or when Heart of the Beast 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. Limit one (1) Code redemption per person. 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.
See it in RealD 3D and get $5 off a ticket with code MAKEMEMORIES.
*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 9/8/26 and 10/11/26, purchase at least one (1) RealD 3D ticket to see ‘Forgotten Island’, and enter the Fandango promotional code MAKEMEMORIES (“Code”) to get up to $5 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 10/11/26, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, or when ‘Forgotten Island’ is no longer available in RealD 3D 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 ticket and associated fees and charges 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. Void where prohibited. 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. 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 Beware Boiúna, get the Creature Feature 25-Film Collection for $15
Limited time offer. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 6am PT on 9/23/26 and 11:59pm PT on 11/2/26, at least one (1) movie ticket to ‘Beware Boiúna’. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Fandango Stream Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the purchase (and not the rental) of the Creature Feature 25-Film Collection for $15 in My Offers in your account on http://stream.fandango.com and via participating Fandango Stream 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. Code expires on (and must be used by) 11/5/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one (1) 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). Credit card may be required for transactions on stream.fandango.com. 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 an IMAX ticket to Digger and upgrade your ticket on us!
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited number of Code redemptions allowed in this offer. Log in to your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 9/22/26 and 10/15/26, purchase one (1) IMAX ticket to see Digger at a participating Fandango theater, and enter the Fandango promotional code “DIGGERIMAX” ("Code") to receive up to $7 off your purchase. Code expires, and can no longer be used, if not redeemed by 11:59pm on 10/15/26, or when Digger is no longer available in IMAX theaters, or when the limit of Code redemptions is reached, whichever comes first. Code must be entered at ticket transaction 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 ticket 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 one (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.
The story doesn’t have to end when the credits roll. Get two months of Audible free when you buy a ticket to Verity.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log in to your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 9:00am PT on 9/4/26 and 11:59pm PT on 10/23/26 and purchase at least one (1) ticket to see ‘Verity’ at a participating Fandango theater. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing one (1) Audible Promotional Link (“Link”) that is good for a 2-month Audible free trial with sign-up for a paid Audible subscription. Link expires, and must be redeemed by, 11:59pm PT on 10/24/27. This offer is not available to existing Audible members, those who cancelled their Audible membership less than 6 months ago, or those already participating in an Audible free trial. You will receive a 2-month Audible free trial that allows you to select one (1) audiobook each month from our entire collection as part of the Audible Standard Membership plan. You may listen to your selected audiobooks as long as you maintain an Audible Standard membership. At the end of your free trial, your membership will continue until cancelled at the then current full price (currently, $8.99/mo. + applicable tax) with your designated credit card or another available card on file. Cancel anytime by visiting your Account Details page on Audible. Unused monthly selections do not roll over to the next month. Audible reserves the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time. If you violate any of these terms, the offer will be invalid. Link is one time use only. Limit one Link redemption per Audible account. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Link. 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 Link and the Audible subscription are subject to Audible's conditions of use at https://www.audible.com/legal/conditions-of-use.
Share the fun of seeing WWE Money In The Bank on the big screen!
Limited time offer. Purchase $50.00 or more worth of Fandango gift card(s) in a single transaction on Fandango.com between 12:01am PT on 9/10/2026 and 11:59pm PT on 9/30/2026. At checkout, enter the promo code SEPT26 (“Code”) to receive 10% off your purchase. Code must be entered at checkout to receive discount. Maximum $50.00 discount off a single transaction. No cash value, except as required by law. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Void where prohibited. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and the redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at www.fandango.com/Terms-and-Policies.