A Netflix sequel with big laughs, surprise cameos, and a soundtrack that’s sending classic songs back to the top
The new Netflix film Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t just a sequel to a cult comedy classic—it’s a full-on musical reset that’s bringing legendary rock tracks back into the spotlight and proving once again that the right scene can turn any old song into a trending hit.
Since the film premiered on July 25, classic rock songs featured in the movie have seen a massive spike in streams. “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd jumped by 44% in just four days, reaching over 756,000 streams. Tracks like “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner and “The Waiting” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers also saw big gains. Even “Swingin’ Party” by The Replacements doubled its streaming numbers over one weekend.
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s a clear example of how a good soundtrack can revive music that’s been sitting quietly in the background for years and turn it into a digital sensation.
What makes Happy Gilmore 2 stand out is that it doesn’t just drop music into scenes for style points. It curates a vibe. The film plays heavily on nostalgia, using throwback tracks to set the tone and give weight to its comedy. It creates the kind of atmosphere that hits hard for longtime fans and still connects with a younger crowd.
One of the biggest surprises comes from the cameos. Bad Bunny appears as Happy’s caddy—not singing, but starring in a hilariously surreal scene with Travis Kelce and a bear. Post Malone, Eminem, and Kid Cudi also show up, but none of them are performing. Instead, the soundtrack leans into retro rock, giving the whole film a rich, vintage flavor that makes the comedy hit even harder.
The music moments weren’t limited to just the movie. Around the same time, Destiny’s Child reunited at the final night of Beyoncé’s country-themed tour stop in Las Vegas. The trio performed “Independent Women, Part I,” “Lose My Breath,” and “Bootylicious,” sparking a massive surge in streams—more than 2.29 million in just two days. “Lose My Breath” rose by 43%, and “Bootylicious” climbed 22%.
Taylor Swift also jumped into the mix with “How Did It End?” from her album The Tortured Poets Department. The track featured in a dramatic scene of the hit series And Just Like That, leading to a 22% increase in streams and a jaw-dropping 6,000% spike in digital sales over four days.
All of this underlines one key fact: in the streaming age, no song is ever really “old.” One viral moment—a film scene, a TikTok trend, a surprise performance—can instantly put a track back in the spotlight.
That’s exactly what Happy Gilmore 2 does so well. It doesn’t just reuse rock anthems for nostalgia’s sake. It reintroduces them in a fresh, fun, and unexpected context. With a balance of absurdity, cameos, and heartfelt moments, the movie makes these songs feel new again. The result? Tracks that were once background noise are now topping playlists and hitting personal favorites lists all over again.
What’s especially interesting is that Happy Gilmore 2 isn’t a “music movie” per se. It’s a comedy, with a plot built around classic Happy antics and quirky humor. But the soundtrack plays a critical role, almost like an extra character in the film. It sets tone, mood, and rhythm—and it works.
The ripple effect from the movie has been immediate. People are talking about the music. They’re sharing scenes. They’re diving into the songs on streaming platforms. And just like that, the vibe of old-school rock is suddenly right back in rotation.
This isn’t the first time a soundtrack has done this, and it won’t be the last. But what’s remarkable here is the timing and the synergy. Between the Netflix spotlight, the nostalgia for ‘90s and 2000s humor, and the rise of cross-generational music moments, Happy Gilmore 2 lands at just the right moment.
Even more than that, it proves a bigger point: good music doesn’t expire—it just needs the right moment to be heard again. And whether that moment comes in the middle of a ridiculous golf scene or at the end of a heartfelt montage, the emotional impact is real.
From Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tom Petty to Destiny’s Child and Taylor Swift, this summer is shaping up to be all about reawakening music we thought we’d moved past. And fans—both old and new—are here for it.
It’s safe to say that Happy Gilmore 2 is more than a sequel. It’s one of this year’s most unexpected music moments. A comedy that accidentally became the soundtrack of the season. And in a world where trends are born and reborn in a matter of hours, it’s refreshing to see older tracks get their flowers—and the streams to match.
Music never really fades. It just waits for the next scene to bring it back.
