Parents' Guide to Happy Gilmore

Movie 1996 PG-13 92 minutes
Happy Gilmore Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Alex Orner , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Lowbrow humor at its best; lots of profanity.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

Enjoy 3 free reviews when you get the Common Sense Media app .

  • Happy Gilmore Movie: Adam Sandler leans down to look at a golf ball on a tee at eye level
  • Happy Gilmore Movie: Carl Weathers in a golfing outfit reaches out, hand missing, as if to shake Adam Sandler's hand
  • Happy Gilmore Movie: Adam Sandler triumphantly holds up a golf ball from inside a swamp next to an alligator

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 12+

Based on 24 parent reviews

Parents say that while the movie is undeniably funny and features strong performances, it is filled with inappropriate content including excessive swearing and objectification of women, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. Many parents suggest that it may be appropriate for older teens only when watched with guidance, as it balances comedic moments with messages about self-control and respect.funny momentsinappropriate contentparental guidanceolder teensmoral lessonsexcessive swearing
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 24 parent reviews
age 12+

Based on 136 kid reviews

Kids say this movie is a hilarious and entertaining comedy that showcases Adam Sandler's talent as a funny lead, though it features a significant amount of profanity and some mature themes. While many recommend it for older kids due to its humor and slapstick violence, parents should be mindful of the strong language and suggestive content, making it more suitable for those aged 11 and up.comedic humorstrong languagesuggestive contentslapstick violenceappropriate for teensmemorable quotes
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 136 kid reviews

What's the Story?

What happens when you take an obsessed hockey player who "holds the only league record of trying to stab somebody with his skate" and throw him in with tranquil golfers? Adam Sandler is in one of his funniest roles as HAPPY GILMORE, a man with a hard, aggressive core and a surprisingly sweet center. After hearing that his grandmother has lost her house due to owing back taxes, Gilmore must come up with the money to save it. Despite his boiling temper, he has a hockey player's thunderous slap shot that makes him a natural at golf. Gilmore, seeking alternative ways to raise money, surges up the golf circuit with the top prize in sight -- if Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), the tour pro, doesn't stop him first.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 24 ):
Kids say ( 136 ):

Second only to Billy Madison, this 1990s classic stands out as one of Sandler's best works. Happy Gilmore pokes fun at the rather "stiff" golf world and spices it up with a character who makes Floyd Mayweather look level-headed. Anyone and everything sends Gilmore into rage. For anyone who's seen Sandler's other early work (SNL or Billy Madison), the film's humor becomes quite predictable, but that familiarity might be exactly what viewers are looking for.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Sandler's character in Happy Gilmore. His best friends include an ex-pro golfer, an unhoused man, an amiable public relations woman, and his grandmother. Do these sweet-natured friendships and altruistic deeds make up for Gilmore's violent behavior? Why, or why not?

  • What do you think Happy gains by trying something new? What do you think will happen to his dreams of being a hockey player?

  • Why have Adam Sandler's films stayed so popular? What about his humor feels timeless?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Happy Gilmore Poster Image

What to Watch Next

See all

Best Classic Comedy Films

See all

Goofy Comedy Movies to Watch with Tweens and Teens

See all recommended movie lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate