🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Dennis Dugan
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Release year: 1999
- Runtime (length): 1h 33min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (241K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 24%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A man-child adopts a kid to get his girlfriend back, accidentally becomes a better person, and then loses the kid anyway, but it’s okay because he got a new girlfriend and a job.
🍿 Big Daddy: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Sonny Koufax
Sonny Koufax, a 32-year-old law school graduate, lives a carefree life in New York City, funded by a lawsuit settlement. He works part-time as a tollbooth operator and avoids responsibility. His girlfriend, Vanessa, grows tired of his immaturity and gives him an ultimatum: grow up or she’ll leave him.

Julian Arrives
While Sonny’s roommate, Kevin, is away in China, a five-year-old boy named Julian is left at their apartment with a note stating that he is Kevin’s son. Sonny initially plans to return Julian but discovers that Julian’s mother has passed away. He decides to take care of Julian temporarily, hoping to impress Vanessa and win her back.

Sonny’s Unconventional Parenting
Sonny’s initial attempts at parenting are unconventional, marked by immature behavior and questionable choices. He teaches Julian to urinate on buildings, stay up late, and engage in minor mischief. However, as they spend more time together, Sonny begins to bond with Julian and starts to take responsibility for his well-being.

Custody Battle and Growth
Social Services discovers that Sonny has been impersonating Kevin and decides to take Julian into custody. This leads to a court battle where Sonny must prove that he is capable of being a responsible guardian. With the help of his friends and family, Sonny demonstrates his newfound maturity and commitment to Julian.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler): A lazy law school graduate who adopts a child to prove his maturity, but unexpectedly learns the true meaning of responsibility.
- Julian ‘Frankenstein’ McGrath (Cole Sprouse / Dylan Sprouse): The five-year-old boy who is left in Sonny’s care and ultimately changes Sonny’s life.
- Layla Maloney (Joey Lauren Adams): A lawyer and Corinne’s sister, who becomes Sonny’s girlfriend and supports him during the custody battle.
- Kevin Gerrity (Jon Stewart): Sonny’s roommate and Julian’s biological father who is initially unaware of Julian’s existence.
- Corinne Maloney (Leslie Mann): Kevin’s fiancee and Layla’s sister who initially dislikes Sonny but eventually supports him.
- Lenny Koufax (Joseph Bologna): Sonny’s father, who initially doubts Sonny’s ability to be a father, but eventually vouches for him in court.
- Arthur Brooks (Josh Mostel): The social worker who investigates Sonny’s fitness as a parent and tries to ensure Julian’s well-being.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Sonny: “I’m gonna strangle you, you little freak!” – Sonny says this jokingly to Julian after Julian keeps repeating the phrase back to him, showcasing their developing bond.
- Julian: “…but I wipe my own ass, I wipe my own ass!” – Julian shouts this in court to prove his independence after Sonny is accused of not being a good guardian.
- Sonny: “I am the scum of the earth!” – Sonny dramatically declares this during the court case, expressing his guilt and regret for his irresponsible actions.
- Sonny: “Alright, let’s get some McDonalds!” – Sonny often uses this phrase when suggesting an activity with Julian, representing his attempt to bond with the child.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $34.2M
- Domestic Gross: $163.5M
- Worldwide Gross: $234.8M
💥 Big Daddy Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I won’t lie, I cried a little at the end. I first saw it when I was a kid, and now, as an adult, it makes me appreciate the message of growing up and taking responsibility. The scene where Sonny is talking to his dad about Julian is such a pivotal point and makes me emotional every single time. Definitely one of Adam Sandler’s best.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Adam Sandler comedies”
- “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming stories about unconventional families”
- “Those looking for a lighthearted, feel-good movie”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Crude humor”
- “Mild language”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Some mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Big Daddy’ Turns 25: How Adam Sandler Proved His Star Power With the Comedy Hit. A charming story about responsibility and growing up with a very cute kid and an actor finally growing up and trying new things.
- Cracked: “Adam Sandler Nearly Passed on ‘Big Daddy’ Out of Loyalty to Chris Farley. It’s a well-known story that Adam Sandler and Chris Farley became best friends and got their starts on SNL. What is less known is that Adam nearly said no to Big Daddy.
- User Review: “Adam Sandler, trying to appeal to a mass audience, sells out and fails. Sandler is a new ‘daddy’ and gets to take care of a boy brought to his doorstep. In the process, he grows to love the boy and tries to get custody of him. Very good!
Audience Reactions
The humor mixed with heart made this a classic Adam Sandler film.: Viewers loved the unexpected emotional depth of the film, balanced with Sandler’s signature comedy style.
Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and funny film about an immature man who learns to grow up with the help of an unexpected child.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Adam Sandler almost didn’t take the role in Big Daddy due to loyalty to Chris Farley, who had passed away. Sandler was unsure about doing comedy without Farley.”
- “The twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse, who played Julian, had to take turns on set due to child labor laws. This meant scenes with Julian often had to be shot twice.”
- “Jackie Sandler, Adam Sandler’s wife, makes a cameo as a waitress, marking the beginning of her frequent appearances in his films.”
🖥️ How to Watch Big Daddy?
Big Daddy is available to stream on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can also rent or purchase it on these platforms. Check your local listings for availability as offerings may change.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Big Daddy, you might like these similar films:
- The Waterboy (1998): Another Adam Sandler comedy with his signature blend of silly humor and heart, appealing to similar audiences.
- Three Men and a Baby (1987): A group of bachelors unexpectedly become caretakers of a baby, leading to humorous situations and personal growth.
- Mr. Nanny (1993): Hulk Hogan is hired to be a bodyguard/nanny to protect two children, finding himself in comical situations.
- Instant Family (2018): A couple decides to foster three siblings, dealing with the challenges and joys of instant parenthood.
- Uncle Buck (1989): An irresponsible but lovable uncle is left in charge of his nieces and nephew, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments.
🛒 Big Daddy Related Products
- Big Daddy [Blu-ray]: Relive the laughs and heartwarming moments with this high-definition Blu-ray edition. Includes special features and behind-the-scenes content.
- Funko Pop! Adam Sandler as Sonny Koufax: A must-have for any Adam Sandler fan! This Funko Pop! captures Sonny Koufax’s iconic look from the movie.
- Big Daddy Movie Poster: High-quality print of the original Big Daddy movie poster.
- Adam Sandler Comedy Collection: Get instant access to a curated selection of Adam Sandler’s funniest movies, including Big Daddy. Stream on any device, anytime, anywhere.
🎧 Soundtrack
Big Daddy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – performed by Guns N’ Roses
- “Passing Me By” – performed by The Pharcyde
- “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – performed by Sheryl Crow
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Big Daddy is a comedy about Sonny Koufax, a lazy law school graduate who adopts a five-year-old boy to impress his girlfriend, but ultimately learns about responsibility and fatherhood.
The main actors in Big Daddy are Adam Sandler, Cole and Dylan Sprouse, Joey Lauren Adams, and Jon Stewart.
Big Daddy was primarily filmed in New York City, including Staten Island.
In Big Daddy, Julian ends up in the custody of his biological father, Kevin, played by Jon Stewart. Although Sonny loses custody, he remains in Julian’s life.
🔥 Bonus Content
Sonny Freaks Out😂 // #bigdaddy #shorts
Get ready for a laugh riot as Sonny loses his cool in this unforgettable scene from Big Daddy! 😂
Rob Schneider Tells Story of How Great a Guy Adam Sandler is, and Behind-The-Scenes of “Big Daddy”
Dive into the world of Big Daddy beyond the screen as Rob Schneider shares his personal experiences and anecdotes from the set. 😊
Did you know for BIG DADDY…
Prepare to be amazed by this little-known nugget of information about Big Daddy. It’ll make you appreciate the movie even more! 😉
placeholder_title
placeholder_hook
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.