Adam Sandler's success in Happy Gilmore 2 drives the return of classic franchises

The premiere of Happy Gilmore 2 was not only a resounding success for Netflix, but also a clear sign of where consumption trends are heading in the universe of streaming. The impact of this sequel, once again starring Adam Sandler, exceeded expectations and pushed other popular titles into the background, showing that franchises with an established track record still have enormous appeal for the global audience.

The effect was immediate: record viewership in the first days, strong presence on social media, and a notable surge in interest in the original film, which once again ranked among the most watched. This dynamic confirms that continuations of stories beloved by audiences represent a safe bet for platforms, especially in the face of the uncertainty that often accompanies completely new releases.

Original proposals also find their place

Adam Sandler's success in Happy Gilmore 2 drives the return of classic franchises | La Derecha Diario

Despite Happy Gilmore 2's dominance, the case of KPop Demon Hunters demonstrates that original productions, especially in animation, can also achieve a prominent place. This film grew steadily week after week, until it became the most-watched animation on Netflix, positioning its creators as new leaders in the genre.

The contrast between these two titles reflects two viable paths within streaming: on one hand, franchises with an established fan base that guarantee high initial performance; on the other, fresh proposals that manage to capture attention through word of mouth and social recommendation.

Dual strategy and catalog reactivation

For Netflix, this double success means more than just good numbers. The platform manages, on one hand, to revitalize franchises and old catalogs through new installments, and on the other, to promote genre diversity to reach different audience segments.  Sequels serve as consumption drivers on multiple levels, boosting the playback of related titles and strengthening engagement with the brand.

This dual strategy—established franchises and original content—has become the ideal recipe for maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly saturated platform ecosystem.