Ever watch a movie and just feel like the two people on screen actually like each other? Like, they aren't just hitting marks and waiting for a paycheck? That's the vibe with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. It’s rare. In a town where "work friends" usually vanish the second the trailer door slams, these two have been a thing—strictly platonic, mind you—for over thirty years.
Honestly, it's kinda refreshing.
Most people think they met on the set of Just Go With It back in 2011. Wrong. They actually met in the early 90s at Jerry’s Deli in Los Angeles. Jennifer was dating a friend of Adam's. They were both struggling actors, completely broke, probably eating cheap pickles and wondering if they'd ever get a callback. "I knew I was going to be friends with her," Sandler told Jimmy Kimmel once. "I didn't know I was going to be making movies with her."
The Mystery of the Mother’s Day Flowers
There is one detail about their friendship that usually makes people's eyes get a little misty. You've probably heard that Jennifer Aniston has been very open lately about her struggles with IVF and the pressure the media put on her to have children. It was a brutal time.
Every year on Mother’s Day, Adam and his wife, Jackie Sandler, send Jennifer a bouquet of flowers.
Think about that for a second. It’s not a birthday or a movie premiere. It’s a specific, quiet gesture of solidarity for a friend who wanted something she couldn't have. It shows a level of emotional intelligence you don't always expect from the guy who made The Waterboy. It’s a testament to the fact that their bond isn't just for the cameras.
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The Netflix Era: Why Murder Mystery Works
Let's talk about the movies. Just Go With It was a hit, sure, but the Murder Mystery franchise on Netflix is where the chemistry really pays off.
Why does it work?
- They bicker like a real couple.
- Sandler plays the schlubby-but-lovable guy.
- Aniston plays the sharp, slightly exasperated woman.
- They actually make each other laugh.
In Murder Mystery 2, which dropped in 2023, you can see the ad-libs. They’ve admitted that a lot of the best lines are just them trying to break each other during a take. Most of the time, directors keep those in because you can't fake that kind of timing.
As of early 2026, the rumors about Murder Mystery 3 are practically screaming. While Netflix hasn't put a "coming soon" tag on it yet, both stars have basically said they’re down. "We're gonna be married in the third. That's all we got so far," Sandler joked during a red carpet bit. Given that the first two were massive ratings gold for the streamer, it’s not a matter of if, but when.
Sandler the Matchmaker?
Here’s something most fans missed recently. Jennifer Aniston has been spotted lately with Jim Curtis, a wellness expert and author. It’s her first major public relationship in a while, and guess who gave the official "seal of approval"?
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Sandler.
At a recent Hollywood event, Adam went on stage and spent half his time praising Jennifer’s comedic timing and the other half gushing about how happy he and Jackie are that she found Jim. He basically treats her like a sister. He’s protective. He’s the guy who checks in.
What the "Grown Ups" Maserati Incident Taught Us
There was this hilarious, viral moment where Jennifer found out Adam bought all his Grown Ups co-stars—Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James—brand new Maseratis.
She was mock-outraged. "You gave your co-stars Maseratis?" she asked in an interview. Sandler started rambling, saying she told him she didn't need "fancy things."
It’s a funny story, but it points to something deeper: Sandler is famous for his loyalty. He hires his friends over and over again. If you're in the "Sandler Circle," you’re set for life. Aniston is one of the few people who was already a massive superstar (thanks, Friends) before joining his cinematic universe, yet she fits in perfectly.
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The Smoothie Rule
On set, Jennifer is the one taking care of Adam. She revealed to Jimmy Fallon that she brings him healthy smoothies and supplements because he "doesn't take care of himself."
"He’s so concerned with taking care of everybody else, and he doesn't take care of himself. I’m sorry to call you out, Adam, but you have to know this."
She’s the health nut; he’s the guy in the oversized New York Knicks hoodie. It’s the ultimate "Odd Couple" dynamic that actually exists in real life.
What You Can Learn from the Sandler-Aniston Dynamic
We spend a lot of time looking at celebrity "feuds" or "breakups," but there's a lot to be said for the "long game" friendship.
- Loyalty is a Currency: Sandler’s career is built on it. He stays with the same people, and it creates a shorthand that makes the work better.
- Support isn't always Loud: The Mother's Day flowers are a private gesture that only became public later. The best support happens when nobody is looking.
- Vulnerability Matters: Jennifer being able to tell Adam he needs to eat better—and him actually listening—shows a level of trust that takes decades to build.
If you want to see this chemistry in action, your best bet is to go back and watch the blooper reels for Murder Mystery. You’ll see less "acting" and more of two old friends who just happen to be the biggest stars on the planet.
Keep an eye out for a formal Murder Mystery 3 announcement later this year. In the meantime, you can find them on Netflix, probably bickering over a fake crime while wearing very expensive resort wear.
Next Steps for Fans: Go watch the Wall Street Journal interview where Jennifer discusses the flower gesture. It gives a lot of context to why their bond is deeper than just "co-stars." Also, check out Just Go With It again—knowing they were friends for 20 years before filming it changes how you see the "fake" romance in the plot.