The 90s And Early 2000s: A Look Back At The Glory Days Of Adam Sandler

Because let's be real, the movies he's released the last few years have been total stink bombs.

In honor of #flashbackfriday, I thought I would share a breakdown of my top 5 Adam Sandler movies of all time. My sister and I spent much of our childhood/teenage years watching these movies on repeat while in the car on road-trips. These movies never failed to make us laugh at the same dumb, corny lines time and time again. My dad used to always say, "I have to listen to this movie AGAIN?!" I'm not sure he's actually seen any of the movies, just knows the dialogue by heart thanks to his daughters' obsession. Without further ado, let's dive in.

5. Mr. Deeds (2002)

Columbia Pictures / Via imdb.com

I have seen this movie the fewest times compared to the rest of the below which is probably why it's seated 5 on the list. Make no mistake, though, this movie is a gem. First of all, the name Longfellow alone makes this movie instantly gratifying. Secondly, this is one of the few movies where Adam Sandler's character isn't a complete asshole, but somehow the same humor from those movies translates to this one. John Tuturro's bizarro Emilio Lopez is quite easily the best part of the movie. I mean the deliverance of "Can I touch your feet?" is absolutely epic and so deadpan. The banter between him and Longfellow is hilarious, and the relationship that develops between them is endearing, if such a word can be used to describe parts of such a crude film.

Iconic line: "Bu-bu-bu-bu-bullshit!"

Side note: One of my favorite things about these older Adam Sandler films is the cameos by some of his buddies, Allen Covert, Peter Dante, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, and a handful of others. And these guys, without a doubt, help make the movies the beauties that they are.

4. The Waterboy (1998)

Buena Vista Pictures / Via imdb.com

The idea to write a movie about a waterboy is absolutely genius. I mean when was the last time you saw a movie about a waterboy? The premise and the seriousness for which Sandler's Bobby Boucher takes his job is so ridiculous that it's funny. I think one of my favorite parts of the whole movie is the absurdity of Kathy Bates' character, Boucher's Mama. There's nothing like arriving to the biggest football game of the year on a swamp boat being driven by your mama. Can I get some burnt alligator and squirrel to go with that, please?!

Iconic line: "She showed me her boobies, and I like them, too!"

3. Billy Madison (1995)

Universal Pictures / Via imdb.com

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras has not starred in a film in several years, but I will always remember her as the snarky Veronica Vaughn who calls out Sandler's Billy Madison for his inability to write Rizzuto in cursive. And then there's the one and only Steve Buscemi. Many know him as the respected actor from Boardwalk Empire. Nope, to me his is the weirdo from this movie who sports red lipstick and has a running kill list. Oh! Can't forget about Josh Lyman (real name: Bradley Whitford) as the nutcase, Eric Gordon, who's trying to get Billy's dad's company. Any West Wingers out there?! As I've watched this movie in more recent years, I get nostalgic watching Billy experience school all over again. But I'm not sure I could handle the differences in the school system nowadays. An academic decathlon on the other hand, now that would be fun! I pick the O'Doyles to be on my team!

Iconic line: "Stop looking at me, swan!"

2. Happy Gilmore (1996)

Universal Pictures / Via imdb.com

Let's take a minute to appreciate the amazingness that is Shooter McGavin, played by Christopher McDonald. His epic rhymes, snarky comments, pretty collared shirts, martinis and sub-par golf game make him a character to remember. The raging fits from Sandler's Happy Gilmore make for a hilarious contrast to the clean-cut golf world that Shooter is accustomed to. And of course, the fact that Happy is actually pretty good at golf infuriates Shooter. The irony of the names Happy and Shooter for their respective characters is not lost on me and is one of the things that makes this movie even funnier. Can you say the 'Price is Right'?!

Iconic line: "If I saw myself in clothes like that, I'd have to kick my own ass."

1. Big Daddy (1999)

Sony Pictures Entertainment / Via imdb.com

This is probably the movie most people know Sandler from. It was a summer blockbuster, and it introduced us to the cutest twins (Dylan and Cole Sprouse) since the Olsen Twins. Call me creepy, but I remember watching this movie and thinking the kids that play Julian were going to be good looking when they got older. Have you seen Cole Sprouse in 'Riverdale'!? OMG! Anyways, back to the movie at hand... This is your classic douchebag turns nice guy story, but the chemistry and outrageous dialogue between Sandler and the Sprouse twins make it unique. Thanks to this movie, I never forgot what time McDonald's stopped serving breakfast. That is, of course, until recently when they started serving select breakfast items all day. Also, I think this was my first introduction to Hooters. Not that either of these restaurants are anything to scream about, movies have a way of making you remember certain things, I guess... Now, can someone please play the kangaroo song!?

Iconic line: "What's in the bag, Corrine? Chicken wings? Boobie tassels?"

Side note: Adam Sandler's wardrobe is pretty much the same throughout all of his films: baggy pants, jeans, tshirts, and plaid tops. At least he's comfortable.