6. Big Daddy (1994)
For some,
Big Daddy might be a little too syrupy and sentimental, but it did demonstrate Sandler's effort to do something a little different with his comic mode, and to make a film that was at once hilariously crude but also sweet and tame enough that kids could watch it (just about). Given his childish back catalogue, this is probably one of Sandler's more mature and considered efforts, with him playing a man who has a friend's kid dumped on his doorstep, and decides to care for him as a father figure. What's most funny about the film is the unconventional means through which the two bond, such as pissing up against buildings, and tripping up roller-skaters in the park. And as an added bonus, it also works on an emotional level, with characters more developed than you would expect, and as is rare these days, likable child actors, for Julian is played by twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse. As is true of his best films, Big Daddy is also aided by plenty of good supporting work, from Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Kristy Swanson and, erm, Rob Schneider. Despite being a sizeable box office success, it racked up only 40% on Rotten Tomatoes.