If you’ve been waiting three decades to see Adam Sandler pick up a putter and scream at a dimpled white ball, the wait is over. Happy Gilmore 2 is finally here. But don’t go looking for showtimes at your local AMC or Regal. Honestly, the way we watch movies has changed so much since 1996 that Happy’s return was never destined for the big screen.
Happy Gilmore 2 where to watch: It is a Netflix exclusive
The short answer? You need a Netflix subscription. Period.
Because Sandler signed a massive, long-term deal with the streaming giant years ago, almost everything he touches now lives behind that red "N" logo. Happy Gilmore 2 officially hit the platform on July 25, 2025, and it hasn't moved. You won't find it on Hulu, Disney+, or Max. It’s a locked-in exclusive.
Some fans were kinda annoyed. They wanted to hear a whole theater erupt when Shooter McGavin inevitably says something smug. But Netflix put up the $150 million budget, so they get the keys to the clubhouse.
Can you buy or rent it elsewhere?
Nope. Unlike movies that have a "theatrical window" and then move to digital storefronts like Amazon or Apple, Netflix originals usually stay on Netflix forever. You can't hop onto Vudu and rent this for five bucks. It's part of the subscription ecosystem. If you aren't a member, you're basically stuck at the gates of the country club without a pass.
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Why this sequel skipped the theaters
It’s a weird time for comedies.
Big-budget comedy sequels are risky at the box office. Netflix knows this. By putting it straight onto the service, they guaranteed a massive "opening weekend" in terms of views without worrying about ticket sales. In fact, reports show it racked up over 46 million views in just its first few days. That's a lot of people doing the bull dance in their pajamas.
The production was a beast, too. They spent a record-breaking $152 million filming all over New Jersey. They took over golf courses like Fiddler’s Elbow and Montclair Golf Club. You just don't see that kind of investment in "straight-to-video" movies anymore. This is a blockbuster that just happens to live on your phone and TV.
The cameo frenzy you’ll see
When you finally sit down to watch, keep your eyes peeled. This movie is basically a "Who's Who" of the last thirty years.
- Travis Kelce shows up as a waiter (and yes, it’s as weird as you’d expect).
- Eminem plays the son of the original heckler.
- Bad Bunny is Happy's new caddie, Oscar.
- John Daly is... well, he's just being John Daly, living in Happy's garage.
Plotting the return to the green
So, what is Happy actually doing? He’s older. He’s grumpier. He’s living in his Grandma’s old house with his kids. Life hasn't been a perfect hole-in-one.
The story kicks off because Happy needs to pay for his daughter Vienna’s (played by Sunny Sandler) ballet school. He’s forced out of retirement and back into the world of professional golf, which has changed. Now there’s a rival league called Maxi Golf, run by a villain named Frank Manatee (Benny Safdie).
It’s nostalgic. It’s silly. It features Ben Stiller returning as the menacing orderly Hal L., though he’s a bit greyer now. If you loved the first one, it hits all the right notes without trying to be a "serious" film.
Is there a way to watch for free?
Legally? Not really. Netflix stopped doing free trials a long time ago. Your best bet is to find a friend who still shares their password (if they haven't been caught by the password-sharing crackdown yet) or just bite the bullet for a one-month sub.
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Actionable steps for the best viewing experience
If you’re ready to watch, don't just wing it.
- Check your plan: To see those New Jersey golf courses in 4K, you need the Netflix "Premium" tier. The standard "with ads" tier works, but you'll get interrupted right as Happy is about to snap a club.
- Rewatch the 1996 original: It’s also on Netflix right now. Refresh your memory on the Shooter McGavin rivalry so the callbacks in the sequel actually land.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: Watch for the "Science of Golf" book by Chubbs Peterson. It’s a small detail, but it’s a nice tribute to the late Carl Weathers.
The bottom line is that Happy Gilmore 2 is a permanent resident of the Netflix library. Whether you're watching on a flight or on your couch, you've got front-row seats to the most chaotic golf tournament of the decade. Just make sure your internet connection is stable before you start that iconic run-up swing.