Adam Sandler has a distinct style that is not for everyone. The actor has appeared in more than 50 comedy movies, over half of which are romantic comedies, and has managed toplay the same character in each of them. His characters almost always start out as obnoxious, inappropriate, and clumsy, irrespective of the film’s premise or setting.
Then theygradually find love and learn a relatively meaningful lesson that drives their character developmentbefore a heartwarming conclusion where they end up with their romantic interests. One of his frequent co-stars,Rob Schneider, who has done 20 movies with Adam Sandler, has a similar filmography and reputation. However, both of them have more range as actors.
While there are very few such movies in his filmography, some of Sandler’s films have proven he has more roles in his repertoire than the typicalAdam Sandler moviemight suggest. The New York Times' list of100 best movies of the 21st Centuryeven includes two of his movies, both of which are off the beaten path for Sandler.
There Are 2 Adam Sandler Movies On The NYT’s Best Films Of The 21st Century List
Neither Are Like His Usual Comedy Movies
Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most celebrated directors in the industry today, and one of his four films on the list, at number 56, isPunch-Drunk Love. It stars Adam Sandler as a socially anxious man who finds the strength tostand up for himself and change his life’s trajectory after finding the love of his life.
On paper,Punch-Drunk Lovesounds exactly like every other Adam Sandler movie, but his character isn’t obnoxious to start with, and the film isn’t self-aware like his usual comedy movies attempt to be. It is committed to creating a mood and celebrating the power of love without a hint of irony, unlike the typical Adam Sandler comedy film:
“This Paul Thomas Anderson film incorporates the zaniness of a screwballcomedy and the earnestness of a romantic drama, anchored by a career-best performance from Adam Sandler.” (via the New York Times)
The other one of Sandler’s movies on the list, directed by the critically acclaimed Safdie brothers, isUncut Gems, where Adam Sandler delivers one of thebest A24 movie performancesever. It follows Sandler’s character, who is a jeweler trying to grapple with the consequences of his many shady dealings. It’s a nerve-wracking film that showcases Sandler’s dramatic acting talent.
Punch-Drunk Love And Uncut Gems Coming Out 17 Years Apart Proves Sandler’s Dramatic Success Isn’t A Phase
He Should Branch Out More Often
In 2019, Adam Sandler gave one of the greatest performances of his lifetime, which is as anxiety-inducing as it is heartwrenching, demonstrating just how much range he has. An actor largely associated with unserious commercial comedies lacking in substance is considered deserving of an Oscar nomination, because that’s how good his acting inUncut Gemsis.
However, much like some of the otherbest comedy actors with remarkable serious performancesin their filmography, this isn’t a one-time phenomenon for Adam Sandler. 2007’sReign Over Me, where Sandler plays a man bereaved by the September 11 attacks who reconnects with a long-lost friend, features one of his greatest serious roles ever.
Adam Sandler’s comedy specialLove You, which was released in 2024 on Netflix, presents a more candid side of him in a comedy context.
Similarly,Punch-Drunk LoveandFunny People, which came out in 2002 and 2009, respectively, prove that Sandler can be endearing in less obnoxious roles. He has theacting talent necessary to not bank on irony and slapsticktactics to deliver a good performance.Punch-Drunk Loveshows how sincere his performance of romance can be, while balancing anxiety.
Noah Baumbach’sJay Kelly…will allow Sandler to showcase his dramatic acting again.
While 2024’sSpacemanproves he isn’t always the best in serious roles, the New York Times' poll further proves how beloved his acting inPunch-Drunk LoveandUncut Gemsis. WhileHappy Gilmore2is set to release in 2025, so is Noah Baumbach’sJay Kelly, and the latter will allow Sandler to showcase his dramatic acting again.
Punch-Drunk Love
Punch-Drunk Love is a 2002 rom-com starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Sandler stars as Barry Egan, the only boy in a group of eight siblings who his sisters always pick on. Despite being successful in life, Barry is lonely and decides to call a phone-sex hotline. But that makes things complicated with his sister’s friend Lena who he thinks has a crush on him.
Uncut Gems
A crime thriller from Josh and Benny Safdie, Uncut Gems follows New York jeweler Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) as his gambling addiction forces him to associate with increasingly dangerous individuals. After receiving an incredibly rare black opal, Howard believes he can finally free himself of his mounting debts, but not without engaging in one final high-stakes balancing act while fending off violent loan sharks.
