For much of Adam Sandler’s early career, his films centered almost entirely around him — from Happy Gilmore to Billy Madison, he was the show. But in 2010, Sandler took a slightly different route with Grown Ups, one of his first true ensemble comedies. The movie followed a group of childhood friends reuniting for a wild family getaway — blending nostalgia, family chaos, and friendship in a feel-good story.
If you loved Grown Ups, here are 15 movies that share its humor, heart, and hilarious sense of togetherness.
1. The Great Outdoors (1988)
A classic vacation comedy starring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd, The Great Outdoors helped shape the “city folks in nature” formula we see in Grown Ups. When two very different families share a lakeside cabin, chaos and bear attacks are never far behind.
2. Blended (2014)
Sandler and Drew Barrymore reunite for another charming rom-com — this time about two single parents who get stuck vacationing together after a disastrous blind date. It’s family chaos, African safaris, and heartwarming humor rolled into one.
3. RV (2006)
Robin Williams leads this family road trip comedy about a dad trying to balance work and family. Packed with slapstick mishaps, strange fellow travelers, and heartfelt lessons, RV delivers wholesome fun and big laughs.
4. Now and Then (1995)
This coming-of-age film focuses on four childhood friends reminiscing about one unforgettable summer. Switching between their tween and adult years, it’s a touching story of nostalgia, friendship, and growing up — very much like the emotional thread of Grown Ups.
5. Couples Retreat (2009)
Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau star in this adults-only getaway gone wrong. What starts as a tropical paradise quickly turns into group therapy. Think Grown Ups, but with more romance and a lot of relationship drama.
6. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Chevy Chase’s iconic road-trip comedy practically invented the dysfunctional family vacation movie. From broken-down cars to disastrous stops along the way, it’s chaotic, quotable, and essential viewing for any Grown Ups fan.
7. Tommy Boy (1995)
Chris Farley and David Spade take a chaotic road trip that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Originally, Sandler even planned to include Farley in Grown Ups, which makes this SNL classic feel like a spiritual predecessor.
8. Captain Ron (1992)
Martin Short and Kurt Russell team up in this nautical family adventure. A straight-laced dad inherits a boat — and a crazy captain — leading to a tropical misadventure filled with pirates, hijinks, and family bonding.
9. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018)
Even in animated form, Sandler brings the family vacation fun. Dracula and his monster crew embark on a cruise, filled with music, mayhem, and unexpected romance. It’s Sandler’s humor in monster form — perfect for all ages.
10. The Big Chill (1983)
Less comedy, more heart — this classic ensemble film follows college friends reuniting after a funeral. While more serious than Grown Ups, it captures that same emotional connection and nostalgia between old friends.
11. What About Bob? (1991)
Bill Murray’s lovable neurotic patient ruins his therapist’s vacation in this hilarious battle of wills. Beneath the laughs is a surprisingly deep story about relationships, control, and self-discovery — with perfect comedic timing.
12. The Sandlot (1993)
A nostalgic masterpiece about kids, baseball, and endless summer days. If you loved the flashbacks in Grown Ups, The Sandlot delivers that same magic of childhood adventure and friendship.
13. Just Go With It (2011)
Sandler and Jennifer Aniston fake a marriage in this tropical rom-com that spirals out of control. Like Grown Ups, it’s packed with silly lies, beautiful locations, and plenty of heart.
14. Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)
Steve Martin wrangles 12 kids on a chaotic lake vacation — what could go wrong? Rival families, sibling rivalries, and wild slapstick humor make this one of the best modern family comedies.
15. Grown Ups 2 (2013)
The gang returns! While it doesn’t quite top the original, Grown Ups 2 is still a fun reunion of familiar faces, family mishaps, and over-the-top humor. If you liked the first, this sequel is worth the watch.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the nostalgic friendships of The Sandlot, the family chaos of RV, or Sandler’s own goofy charm in Blended, these 15 movies capture the same warmth and laughter that made Grown Ups a fan favorite.
Grab some popcorn — and maybe a few old friends — for your next movie marathon.