A Look Back: Grown Ups 2's Legacy And Impact

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

4.2

Share

Box Office Performance and Financial Success of Grown Ups 2

Grown Ups 2 undeniably achieved significant box office success, though its performance relative to the original film and other contemporary summer comedies provides a more nuanced picture. While it didn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor, it still secured a considerable profit for Sony Pictures.

• Opening Weekend & Total Gross: Grown Ups 2 opened to a strong $42.5 million domestically, slightly less than the original Grown Ups' $40.3 million. However, its total domestic gross reached $133 million, surpassing the original’s $271.4 million worldwide total. Globally, Grown Ups 2 earned over $247 million.

• Summer Comedy Competition: The summer of 2013 was a competitive one for comedies. While Grown Ups 2 didn't top the charts, it successfully held its own against other releases, demonstrating audience appeal within a crowded market.

• Financial Success & ROI: The film's relatively low budget, coupled with its substantial box office returns, ensured a healthy return on investment for Sony. This made Grown Ups 2, despite critical panning, a commercially viable venture.

• Key Points:

  • Grown Ups 2 box office: $42.5 million opening weekend domestically, $247 million worldwide gross.
  • Demonstrated strong audience appeal despite stiff summer comedy competition.
  • High return on investment for the studio.
  • Significant financial success despite mixed critical reviews.

Critical Reception and Reviews of Grown Ups 2

The critical response to Grown Ups 2 was overwhelmingly negative. Major review aggregators painted a stark picture. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a dismal 7% approval rating, while Metacritic scored it a paltry 23 out of 100.

• Negative Reviews: Common criticisms included a lack of originality, relying heavily on slapstick humor, and a predictable storyline. Many critics felt the film was a retread of the first, lacking the spark and freshness of the original.

• Positive Aspects (Few & Far Between): Some reviewers praised the performances of certain cast members or found some moments genuinely humorous. However, these were few and far between amidst the generally harsh assessments.

• Adam Sandler's Filmography: Grown Ups 2 further cemented the polarized view of Adam Sandler's comedic work. The film became a prime example of the type of lowbrow comedy that critics often targeted in his filmography.

• Key Points:

  • Rotten Tomatoes: 7%
  • Metacritic: 23/100
  • Predominantly negative reviews citing lack of originality and reliance on slapstick.
  • Further solidified critical opinions on Adam Sandler's comedic style.

Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy of Grown Ups 2

Despite its critical panning, Grown Ups 2 has had a surprisingly enduring presence in popular culture, albeit mostly through ironic appreciation.

• Memes and Social Media: The film's quotable lines and absurd scenarios have fueled various internet memes and social media references, keeping it relevant in online conversations.

• Influence on Comedy: Grown Ups 2 didn't necessarily change the landscape of comedy, but it serves as a notable example of a commercially successful film that simultaneously received intense critical derision.

• Streaming Popularity: Its consistent presence on streaming platforms suggests a level of ongoing viewership, perhaps fueled by its memetic quality and ironic appeal.

• Key Points:

  • Generated numerous internet memes and social media references.
  • Serves as a case study of a commercially successful yet critically panned film.
  • Maintains a surprisingly consistent streaming presence.

The Cast and Their Careers Post-Grown Ups 2

The Grown Ups 2 cast boasts some of Hollywood's biggest names. How did their careers fare following this particular project?

• Adam Sandler: Sandler continued to produce and star in a range of films, many of which followed a similar comedic style.

• Kevin James: James continued his successful career in television and film, starring in a number of sitcoms and movies.

• Chris Rock: Rock maintained his multi-faceted career, balancing stand-up comedy, acting, and directing.

• Key Points:

  • The film didn't significantly alter the trajectory of any cast members' careers.
  • Each actor continued to work on successful projects independently.

Conclusion

Grown Ups 2 stands as a fascinating case study in cinematic success and failure. It was a box office triumph, generating significant revenue despite almost universally negative critical reviews. Its legacy isn't defined by critical acclaim, but rather by its lasting presence in online conversations, its memetic quality, and its persistent popularity in streaming. Whether it's viewed with affection or derision, Grown Ups 2 remains a memorable, albeit flawed, entry in the comedic landscape of the 2010s.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts and memories of Grown Ups 2 in the comments below. Did you enjoy the film? What aspects of its legacy stand out to you? Let’s revisit the impact of Grown Ups 2 together!