Happy Gilmore 2 Smashes Netflix Records, Beats K-Pop Demon Hunters in Biggest US Film Debut Ever

Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore 2 has become the biggest US film debut in Netflix history. According to Variety, the comedy sequel pulled in 46.7 million views within just three days of release, surpassing K-Pop Demon Hunters, which held the top spot for weeks.

Sandler Returns as Happy, With a New Mission

Nearly 30 years after the original, Sandler returns as the iconic hot-headed golfer. This time, Happy is older and defeated, until his daughter’s elite ballet school tuition pushes him back to the golf course. In 1996, he fought to save his grandma’s house. In 2024, it’s about funding his daughter’s dreams.

Directed by Kyle Newacheck and co-written by Sandler and Tim Herlihy, the film blends nostalgia with fresh faces. Returning stars include Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen, and Ben Stiller. Celebrity cameos include Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, Benny Safdie, and Eminem. Sandler’s wife Jackie and daughters Sadie and Sunny also appear.

Happy Gilmore 2 – Record-Breaking Global Reach

Happy Gilmore 2 now ranks No. 1 in 47 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Jamaica. In Asia, it ranks in the top 10 across Hong Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan. The original Happy Gilmore has also jumped to No. 3 globally with 11.4 million new views.

Netflix’s viewership metric now measures total views, calculated by dividing hours watched by runtime. The film’s 46.7 million views in 72 hours place it among the platform’s fastest-growing releases.

Tribute and Nostalgia Drive the Sequel

The movie includes heartfelt tributes to late stars Bob Barker, Carl Weathers, and Frances Bay. Critics gave the film a Rotten Tomatoes score of 62, nearly identical to the original’s 63. Viewers praised its nostalgic feel and fan-service moments.

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K-Pop Demon Hunters Falls to Second Place

K-Pop Demon Hunters, now in its sixth week, dropped to second with 26.3 million views. It remains Netflix’s most-watched animated film ever. Other weekend releases included Four Letters of Love, Oh, Hi!, and Fantastic Four: The First Steps.