George Clooney Names His Favorite Adam Sandler Films

George Clooney recently shared his thoughts on Adam Sandler’s most impressive films, highlighting two performances that stood out to him beyond the actor’s usual comedic roles.

Speaking to a colleague, Clooney praised Punch-Drunk Love and The Meyerowitz Stories as Sandler’s best work.

Punch-Drunk Love, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, marked a turning point in Sandler’s career.

Clooney said, “I thought Punch-Drunk Love was amazing. That was the first time we’d seen you do something where it wasn’t just a straight-up comedy.” The film, released in 2002, received critical acclaim for showcasing Sandler’s dramatic range. Critics praised his performance as a lonely, socially awkward man struggling with anger issues and love, with many noting that Sandler brought surprising depth to a role far removed from his usual comedic fare.

The film has since become a cult favorite and is often cited as one of Sandler’s most daring performances.

Clooney also singled out The Meyerowitz Stories, Noah Baumbach’s 2017 dramedy, saying, “I also have to say that you were so beautiful in The Meyerowitz Stories. And not just because it’s Noah. I really loved that. I thought you and Ben [Stiller] were great together. I felt like that movie got short shrift. Somehow it didn’t get the attention.”

The film explores a fractured family dealing with aging, legacy, and sibling rivalry, and critics praised Sandler for balancing humor and poignancy in his role. Many reviews noted that while the movie received strong reviews, it didn’t achieve widespread audience recognition, something Clooney clearly feels was undeserved.

Both films showcase Sandler stepping outside his typical comedy roles and proving his versatility as an actor. Clooney’s comments underscore the respect Sandler has earned among his peers for taking on challenging, dramatic work.

It’s great to see Sandler get recognition for his dramatic roles. Too often, his talent is overshadowed by his comedy films. Punch-Drunk Love and The Meyerowitz Stories prove that he can carry complex, emotional roles with skill and subtlety. What do you think are Adam Sandler’s best films? Share your thoughts in the comments.