Adam Sandler is one of the most divisive names in comedy. For some, he’s a childhood icon whose goofy antics and heartwarming characters defined the late ’90s and early 2000s. For others, his romantic comedies are hit-or-miss.
Sometimes delightfully sweet, other times painfully irritating, these rom-coms have long shaped the genre through their unusual tales. From cult favorites like The Wedding Singer to Netflix hits like Murder Mystery, Sandler has created a long list of romantic comedies. However, each of them has a varying degree of charm and chaos, which leads us to our list.
Here, we have ranked all of Adam Sandler’s iconic rom-coms, from the most irritating to the absolute best!
11. The Do-Over (2016)
Adam Sandler stars alongside David Spade in this action-rom-com hybrid where two friends fake their deaths to start new lives. Unfortunately, the “romantic” part is nearly absent from the movie.
Hence, the movie leans too hard into absurd action rather than heart, lacking emotional depth, and even the humor falls flat.
Streaming: Available now to stream on Netflix.
10. Just Go With It (2011)
Starring as a plastic surgeon, who ropes in his assistant, portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, into pretending to be his soon-to-be-divorced wife to cover up a lie he told a woman (Brooklyn Decker).
While Aniston and Sandler share some chemistry, the plot is exhausting, built entirely on dishonesty and over-the-top situations. It seems like a two-hour lie stretched painfully into a film that just feels mildly charming and a whole lot of absurd.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
9. Blended (2014)
Now, a lot of fans might judge us for this ranking, but Blended just isn’t it. Reuniting Sandler with Drew Barrymore, this rom-com follows two single parents who wind up on the same family vacation.
While the two lead stars’ chemistry remains warm and enjoyable, it is the script that leans heavily on slapstick humor and awkward plotlines.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
8. Murder Mystery (2019)
Pairing Adam Sandler with Jennifer Aniston once again as a couple, this Netflix comedy follows the couple caught up in a European murder investigation. Rather an absurd blend of romance and comedy, along with a complicated murder mystery, it is more of a thriller than a rom-com.
With the murder taking center stage over romance, the film falls short of being swoon-worthy, even when the married couple’s banter offers relief. The movie even has a sequel, Murder Mystery 2, which came out in 2023.
Streaming: Available now for streaming on Netflix.
7. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)
A film that hasn’t aged well, it features Adam Sandler and Kevin James. The duo stars as two straight firefighters pretending to be a gay couple to secure domestic partner benefits.
While several jokes feel offensive by today’s standards, it does sneak in a message about love and acceptance. Hence, while its humor might be offensive to some, its attempts at sincerity make it a somewhat good watch.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
6. The Week Of (2018)
Starring alongside actors like Chris Rock, Rachel Dratch, and Jim Barone, Adam Sandler stars as a father juggling chaos while preparing for his daughter’s wedding.
While not exactly a traditional rom-com, the wedding-centered plot and themes of love and family qualify it. It is slower-paced, but heartfelt in ways many of his comedies aren’t. More grounded than the usual Sandler pics, the family love really carries this picture through.
Streaming: Available now for streaming on Netflix.
5. Spanglish (2004)
Not exactly a hit among critics, Spanglish has, however, become a fan-favorite. Rather than a more dramatic take on the rom-com formula, the actor plays a chef married to a difficult woman, portrayed by Tea Leoni.
However, it is his bond with the housekeeper, portrayed by Paz Vega, that creates the emotional tension of the film. Not exactly his funniest film, but the way the film shows his range in balancing comedy with bittersweet romance makes it an interesting entry in this list. Furthermore, it is subtle, but genuine, and that is why this realistic film earns its spot.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
4. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Although most wouldn’t agree that it is a traditional rom-com, the settings, the elements, and the chemistry all make it look like one. In this Paul Thomas Anderson flick, Adam Sandler gets his first chance to flex his dramatic chops.
He plays Barry, a socially awkward man who finds unexpected love while battling his own anxiety and temper. It is quirky, artsy, and surprisingly romantic. One of the few films that showcases Sandler at his most vulnerable, it might be awkward, but it’s beautiful.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
3. Big Daddy (1999)
One of Adam Sandler’s biggest early hits, Big Daddy, is mostly about Sonny Koufax (Sandler) learning to grow up after unexpectedly caring for a child. But tucked inside the laughs and father-son bonding is a sweet romance with Layla, portrayed by Joey Lauren Adams.
Unlike many rom-coms, the romance isn’t the driving force in this film but is rather more of a reward for Sonny’s personal growth. Goofy, hearty, and low-key, it is a satisfying watch all in all.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
2. 50 First Dates (2004)
One of Sandler’s most beloved movies, 50 First Dates stars Drew Barrymore as Lucy, a woman with short-term memory loss. Meanwhile, the actor stars as Henry, who falls in love with her.
The premise is rather unique and sweet, though the ethical questions, like whether Henry is taking advantage of Lucy, make it a bit uncomfortable on rewatch. Yet, the duo shines together, making it an endearing watch.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
1. The Wedding Singer (1998)
This fan-favorite has Adam Sandler as Robbie, a wedding singer left at the altar, who finds love with Julia (portrayed by Drew Barrymore), a sweet waitress engaged to the wrong guy.
The ’80s setting, hilarious gags, and touching moments make it one of his most balanced rom-coms. Nostalgic and equal parts hilarious and warm, it is peak Barrymore-Sandler chemistry, the reason why it is ranked this high on this list.
Streaming: Can be rented now on Prime Video or AppleTV.
| Movie Title | Year | Director | Description Summary | Key Points | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Do-Over | 2016 | Steven Brill | Action-rom-com hybrid where romance is nearly absent, leaning too much on absurd action and flat humor | Lack of emotional depth, almost no romantic element | 5.7/10 | 9% |
| Just Go With It | 2011 | Dennis Dugan | Plastic surgeon ropes an assistant to pretend as his wife to cover a lie | Chemistry is present, but the plot is tiring and dishonest, filled with absurd situations | 6.4/10 | 19% |
| Blended | 2014 | Frank Coraci | Two single parents on the same family vacation | Warm star chemistry, but script heavy on slapstick and awkwardness | 6.5/10 | 16% |
| Murder Mystery | 2019 | Kyle Newacheck | Couple caught in European murder investigation, more thriller than rom-com | Romance takes a backseat, with more emphasis on mystery | 6.1/10 | 43% |
| I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry | 2007 | Dennis Dugan | Two firefighters pretend to be a gay couple for benefits | Some offensive humor, but with a sincere message about love and acceptance | 5.9/10 | 15% |
| The Week Of | 2018 | Robert Smigel | A wedding chaos story about a father | Slower paced but heartfelt and family-centered, more grounded than usual Sandler comedies | 5.2/10 | 26% |
| Spanglish | 2004 | James L. Brooks | Chef’s complex family and emotional bonds | Bittersweet romance blending comedy with subtle, genuine emotions | 6.4/10 | 54% |
| Punch-Drunk Love | 2002 | Paul Thomas Anderson | Socially awkward man finds love amid anxiety | Quirky, artsy, romantic, and a showcase of Sandler’s vulnerability | 7.3/10 | 79% |
| Big Daddy | 1999 | Dennis Dugan | A man learns to grow up while caring for a child | Romance is secondary but rewarding, goofy, and heartfelt | 6.4/10 | 39% |
| 50 First Dates | 2004 | Peter Segal | A man loves a woman with short-term memory loss | Unique premise, sweet chemistry, some ethical discomfort on rewatch | 6.8/10 | 45% |
| The Wedding Singer | 1998 | Frank Coraci | Wedding singer finds love after being left at the altar | Nostalgic ’80s setting, balanced humor and warmth, iconic Barrymore-Sandler chemistry | 6.9/10 | 72% |
Now that you have reached the end of this list, let us know in the comments below which is your pick of the best Adam Sandler rom-com ever!
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