Big Daddy

Sonny Koufax, a carefree law graduate more interested in living the good life than building a family, fakes readiness for commitment to win Layla over. When a precocious boy named Julian suddenly enters his life, Sonny improvises as a guardian and caretaker, turning the apartment into a chaotic classroom, a makeshift base for his unprepared venture into parenting. He fumbles with bedtime, school projects, and babysitting mishaps, yet as the days pass the ruse begins to feel real. The film follows their misadventures as Sonny learns that responsibility can be messy and demanding, but also deeply rewarding, transforming casual bravado into genuine care and a makeshift bond that changes both their lives.

Directed by Dennis Dugan, Big Daddy arrived in 1999 as an original screenplay by Steve Franks, Tim Herlihy, and Adam Sandler. It features Sandler with Cole and Dylan Sprouse, Joey Lauren Adams, and Joshua Mostel in supporting roles.

The film proved a strong commercial success, grossing roughly 234.8 million worldwide against a budget of about 34.2 million. Its broad appeal and family friendly humor helped it become a defining late 90s hit.

Big Daddy helped cement Adam Sandler's mix of goofy humor and sincere warmth, shaping a run of family friendly comedies that appealed to broad audiences. The partnership with the Sprouse twins became a memorable screen pairing that showcased an unlikely hero choosing responsibility and care over easy escape, blending chaos with genuine tenderness.

Critics gave the film mixed notes, praising Sandler's energy while noting the heart behind the humor. The movie leans into themes of parenting, friendship, and responsibility, offering laughs without abandoning sentiment. It balances slapstick with tenderness and leaves audiences with a message about stepping up for someone who needs you. It also helped introduce family dynamics into a broader comedy landscape.