Adam Sandler’s 5 Best Performances

His accolades include 3 Grammy nominations, 6 MTV Movie Awards and 1 Independent Spirit Award

From SNL to some of the most successful…and also some of the worst admittedly…comedy movies around. Adam Sandler has grown to become a household name and even fleshes out into serious roles nowadays which have won him acclaim.

With silly voices and many a tantrum in his wake, which performances stand out best? Keep scrolling and find out our verdict on his top 5 performances.

5. Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer (1998)

The film that brought Adam Sandler’s vocal abilities to the forefront. Sandler portrays a selfless wedding singer who is dumped at the altar on his own wedding day…ouch. As you can expect, another lady steps in to heal his heart (none other than Drew Barrymore) and unexpected romance ensues.

We watch the comedic actor step slightly away from his comic roots and take a slightly more empathetic, serious role whilst also singing us a song or two. Probably one of his first non-wacky roles.

After this film, Barrymore would go on to co-star with Sandler again over next couple of decades, firstly in 50 First Dates (2004) and then in Blended (2015).

4. Happy Gilmore in Happy Gilmore (1996)

Probably the star’s most famous role. Happy Gilmore is a passionate but anger-fueled wannabe hockey player who finds that his powerful slap shot is more suited to the golf course. From there, we see the character going nuts numerous times in a usually relaxed sport.

Aside from Billy Madison (1995), this film put Sandler on the map and gave him feet to start running with a successful film career.

The movie also gave us the famous fight between Happy and Bob Barker, playing a fictitious version of himself. Originally, Barker actually wasn’t sure about taking the role. However, once he found out he’d be winning a fight against Sandler, he soon accepted.

Related Article: Jim Carrey’s 5 Best Performances

3. Michael Newman in Click (2006)

What would you do if you had a remote control to control your own life? Well, that’s what our next entry answers. Sandler portrays a man trying to juggle work, family and general well being, and once he is at breaking point, he meets the mysterious Morty (played by Christopher Walken) who supplies him with a remote control to help fix his life…or so he thinks.

Click is filled with the comedy tropes that we’d expect from a Sandler film at this point, but is also holds a lot of heart and gives the actor some moments to dial in on some serious acting. If your heart strings don’t get pulled at two particular moments in this film, then you aren’t worthy of Sandler’s efforts.

The film actually features a young Jonah Hill as 17 year-old Ben, crediting as one of Hill’s first movie roles.

2. Sonny Koufax in Big Daddy (1999)

One of Sandler’s most popular films to date. The SNL alumni portrays a top booth operator who, in fear of losing his girlfriend due to his lack of commitment, takes in a young boy under false pretences.

Hilarious, heart-warming and just genuine good writing, this is a must see. It also introduces to Dylan and Cole Sprouse, who shared the role of Julian due to being twins.

This film actually stands as the most successful live-action movie of Sandler’s career, making over $163 million domestically. His overall most successful movie is actually Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) which made over $169 million in 2015.

1. Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems (2019)

Nabbing the top spot is the role that had award season rearing it’s head, and rightly so. Directed by the Safdie Brothers, we follow the story of a jeweller (played by Sandler) who is working endlessly to earn cash and fight off his debts and collectors who are closing in rapidly.

Though the actor got snubbed for an Oscar nomination, many do credit Sandler’s overall acting ability and the 110% he gives to the role. Would it have won him an Oscar? Probably not, but he definitely deserved a nomination in my eyes. Curse you, Academy.

We actually have Sandler’s wife to thank for this portrayal; She read the screenplay and watched Good Times (2017) which is directed by the Safdie Brothers, turning instantly to her husband to convince him to take the role.

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Like our choices for Adam Sandler’s top 5 performances? Or do you think other roles deserved a place on the list? Let us know in the comment section below!