Common Sense Media Review
Lowbrow humor at its best; lots of profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Happy Gilmore
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say that while the movie is a hilarious and entertaining comedy showcasing Adam Sandler's humor, it is filled with inappropriate content including bad language, objectification of women, and scenes that may not align with the values they wish to teach their children. They recommend caution when considering it for younger audiences, as it is more suitable for mature teens and adults.
- funny comedy
- inappropriate content
- parental guidance
- mature audiences
- clear moral messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 132 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 humor
- strong language
- suggestive content
- slapstick violence
- appropriate for teens
- memorable quotes
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- In theaters : February 16, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : February 24, 1998
- Cast : Adam Sandler , Carl Weathers , Christopher McDonald
- Director : Dennis Dugan
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Competition , Family Stories ( Grandparents ) , Friendship , Sports ( Golf , Hockey )
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some comic sexuality
- Last updated : January 2, 2026
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