Adam Sandler is a legendary actor in the industry, but it’s also safe to say that he gets a lot of heat for being apart of some pretty cringey and quirky comedy flicks. And in fact, with his newest film (Uncut Gems released in 2019) he’s proved that some of his roles are actually incredible and brilliant.
In case you’ve always loved him, or were super impressed with this newest flick, we’ve made a list of some movies to binge. Here are 10 flicks that prove that Adam Sandler is actually amazing, and totally underrated.
Uncut Gems (2019)
This is the movie that’s sparking interest for this list, and it might actually ring in some Oscar nominations for this actor. This crime drama follows a NYC jeweler who makes a series of high-stake bets in order to make the best scores he can.
However, he must balance business, family, and adversaries in his hunt for a huge win. Directed by the Safdie brothers, this movie scored a whopping 8.1/10 on IMDb, and might change everything you ever thought you knew about Adam Sandler. Like the rest of the movies on this list, Adam proves that he’s much more than a slap-stick comedy actor.
Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
This is the most infamous and famous romantic comedy with this leading actor. This movie is even critically-acclaimed, and it makes us forget about all the weird rom-coms that this man has been in.
A troubled novelty supplier finds romance with an English woman, but finds out that he’s been extorted by a phone-sex line, which is run by a cruel and crooked mattress salesman. It’s totally quirky, but also different and deep. We could watch this movie over and over again, and Adam certainly stole our hearts as this dynamic character.
The Meyerowitz Stories (2017)
This is a drama that certainly sways from Adam’s usual slap-stick comedies. Starring alongside Grace Van Patten, Dustin Hoffman, and Ben Stiller, this Noah Baumbach directed film is the wholesome and relatable drama we never knew we needed.
An estranged family gathers in NYC to celebrate the wonderful, artistic work of their father. This movie is beautiful, and it’s definitely a role we never expected Adam to slay. Of course, he does, and this flick certainly proves how underrated he really is.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
Whether you love or hate this movie, we had to include it because it’s absolutely hilarious and totally different for this comedy actor. Sure, it’s funny, but it’s also a music romance film.
Adam is Robbie (a singer), and Drew Barrymore is Julia (a waitress). They’re both engaged, but not to each other - at least not yet. This movie is classic, and it’s one role that is memorable because Adam took the lead. It’s quirky, but we still love this musical comedy, and it wouldn’t be the same without Adam Sandler.
Reign Over Me (2007)
This is one of the highest-rated films Adam Sandler has been apart of. Adam plays a man who has lost his family in the 9/11 attack. He runs into his old college roommate (Don Cheadle), and their friendship may be the best tool in overcoming his grief.
This movie is tragic, dramatic, and totally heartfelt. It’s certainly different for this comedy actor, and that’s what makes it a role that proves Adam is totally underrated, and totally capable of a stellar and artistic performance.
Big Daddy (1999)
This movie is hilarious, dramatic, and actually totally wholesome. You might remember Cole Sprouse from this 1999 flick, when he was a cute kid and not a Hollywood heartthrob.
However, this list is about Adam, and he plays a law school grad who adopts a kid to impress his girlfriend. However, he’s not the most regular foster father. This movie is totally adorable, and it’s one role that is certainly iconic of this famous actor.
Click (2006)
This is also a memorable film that we all know and love Adam Sandler from. A workaholic architect stumbles across a remote that allows him to fast-forward and rewind his life.
Of course, things get complicated when the remote takes over. Adam stars alongside Kate Beckinsale and Christopher Walken, and this movie is one we’ll probably never get sick of. It’s not as goofy as most of Adam’s flicks, but it’s still certainly one we love to laugh along to.
Billy Madison (1995)
This is probably one of Adam’s most remembered roles, but it also wasn’t half bad. Adam Sandler is Billy Madison, an immature and lazy man who is set to inherit his father’s hotel empire.
However, first he must repeat school (grades 1-12) all over again. Sure, this movie is still cringey and awkward, but it’s a classic role that should never be forgotten. This movie will always be one of our faves, and it’s absolutely hilarious with Adam as the lead.
The Longest Yard (2005)
This one is obviously worth your time, and is certainly one of Adam’s best flicks ever. This sport comedy tells the story of a football team, made up of prison inmates, and their preparation for a game against the prison guards.
Starring alongside Burt Reynolds and Chris Rock, this is a movie we could watch over and over again. We love Adam Sandler in this film, and it will always be one of our favorite guilty pleasures. Plus, it’s actually a wholesome and hilarious movie.
Happy Gilmore (1996)
We dare you to name a more classic Adam Sandler movie than this one. He plays a hockey player who was rejected by the league, who ends up on the golf course as he tries to earn money to save his grandmother’s house.
This is the funniest Adam Sandler movie there is, and we’re literally taking no arguments against it. Sure, this is still awkward and slap-stick humor, but definitely at its best, and this movie deserves no negative feedback because Adam is hilarious. This movie is iconic, and is probably his funniest role to date.
