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Action comedy

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) movie poster

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 2024 action comedy directed by Jeff Fowler, starring Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes and earned $492.2 million worldwide on a $122 million budget. Critics gave it 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
worldwide gross
$492.2M
Echo Score
69
Metascore
56
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 50m (110 min)
Director
Jeff Fowler
Genres
Action , Adventure , Comedy , Family
Original language
English
Budget
$122M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 About?

The premise of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails team up once again to confront Shadow, a formidable and enigmatic villain possessing unprecedented power. Facing a challenging opponent, they seek an unexpected alliance to stand a chance against Shadow and safeguard the planet.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • sonic the hedgehog character
  • shadow the hedgehog character
  • sequel
  • live action and animation
  • anthropomorphic animal
  • based on video game
  • animal in title
  • animal hero
  • speed
  • hedgehog
  • miles 'tails' prower character
  • superhero
+38 more
  • villain
  • travel
  • fast
  • city
  • knuckles the echidna character
  • furry
  • interracial couple
  • third part
  • number 3 in title
  • live action adaptation
  • running
  • exploration
  • alien animal
  • friendship
  • hero
  • live action cgi hybrid
  • sonic the hedgehog
  • live action animation
  • amy rose character
  • entertainment
  • dr. ivo 'eggman' robotnik character
  • echidna
  • fox
  • motorcycle
  • 50 years ago
  • london england
  • artificial lifeform
  • military
  • hammer
  • anthropomorphic fox
  • two tailed animal
  • dark skinned woman
  • anthropomorphic echidna
  • sequel hook
  • metal sonic character
  • death of girl
  • multiple tailed animal
  • flying animal
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Cast & crew

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Cast & Characters

Ben Schwartz leads the cast as Sonic, with Idris Elba as Knuckles and Keanu Reeves as Shadow. Directed by Jeff Fowler; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

· 13 more
From the director

More from Jeff Fowler

More films directed by Jeff Fowler, best-rated first: Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Gopher Broke.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Sonic the Hedgehog 3 56 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in story & flow (50).

69 /100

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Echo Score Breakdown

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 delivers a mixed cinematic experience with strengths in visual flair and performance but weaknesses in narrative cohesion. The film’s high-speed CGI sequences and energetic lead performances have been praised for their vibrancy, though some viewers found the relentless spectacle overwhelming and the plot derivative. While character moments and nostalgic callbacks resonate with fans, the overabundance of action can undermine engagement. Ultimately, Sonic 3 offers entertaining moments but struggles to maintain consistent storytelling momentum.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of visual design, Sonic 3 delivers dynamic CGI sequences that energize the film’s sensorial appeal. Critics and fans praise the colorful effects and fluid computer-generated backgrounds, though some found the constant barrage of spectacle overwhelming. The cinematography and editing sustain momentum, but moments of visual clutter can hinder focus. Overall, the art direction creates an engaging, if occasionally excessive, aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotional depth, Sonic 3 benefits from charismatic lead performances and heartfelt scenes. Jim Carrey’s dynamic portrayal and the respectful return of legacy characters resonate with audiences, while playful fourth-wall humor reinforces the film’s tone. Some critics observe that the franchise formula curtails deeper exploration, yet the earnest interactions contribute genuine warmth. Overall, the character work delivers charm and moderate emotional engagement.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of story and flow, Sonic 3 presents a familiar narrative structure with mixed results. The pacing remains brisk, and nostalgic callbacks maintain fan interest, but an abundance of action sequences can overshadow coherent plot development. Critics point to predictable beats and occasional reliance on franchise tropes, while some viewers appreciate the lighthearted momentum. Overall, the story delivers energetic spectacle but offers limited originality and narrative depth.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When evaluating sensory experience, Sonic 3 excels in its robust sound design and lively musical cues. The film’s soundtrack and ambient effects underscore high-energy action scenes, creating an immersive atmosphere. Visual style and color palette contribute to a cohesive and vibrant presentation, despite critiques of occasional visual overload. The balance of audio-visual elements sustains excitement, making the sensory dimension one of the film’s more consistent strengths.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch factor, Sonic 3 shows moderate replay value driven by its energetic sequences and nostalgic references. Fans may enjoy revisiting character moments and post-credits teasers, while the brisk pacing encourages repeat viewings. However, the heavy reliance on spectacle and familiar franchise tropes can diminish lasting appeal for some audiences. Overall, the film offers enjoyable highlights but may not sustain enthusiasm for multiple viewings.

Plot

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film begins with a charming narration by Sonic the Hedgehog, who reflects on his unique life experiences. He was raised in the vibrant Green Hill Zone under the protective wing of an owl named Longclaw. Despite her warnings to keep his extraordinary superspeed abilities a secret, Sonic revels in his powers, which ultimately draws the unwanted attention of a tribe of echidnas that attacks his home. In a bid to protect him, Longclaw gifts Sonic a pouch filled with magical rings that can transport him to any location. Tragically, as she stands her ground against the echidnas, Sonic is forced to leap through a portal to safety on Earth, forever separated from the one who cared for him.

Full summary

The whole story of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Box Office & Budget

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 grossed $492.2 million worldwide on a $122 million budget, 4.0 times what it cost. $236.1 million came from the US and Canada and $256 million (52%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$492.2M

4.0× its budget

US & Canada
$236.1M
International
$256M
Budget
$122M
US & Canada 48% Rest of the world 52%
Videos

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Trailers & Videos

42 videos: 2 trailers, 20 teasers, 4 clips, 10 featurettes and 6 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 42 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Teaser Title Treatment Reveal
  • Teaser The speed, the stakes, the showdown
  • Teaser Catch Sonic & the gang in action!
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who narrates the story at the beginning of the film?

Cars

Cars in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

32 cars on screen, including the 2019 BMW F 900 R and the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2.

All 32 cars
  • 2019 BMW F 900 R in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 2019 BMW F 900 R Important role
  • 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 Important role
  • AM General HMMWV M1044 in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 AM General HMMWV M1044 Minor role
  • Babcock Zephyr SRV in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Babcock Zephyr SRV Minor role
Details

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Also Known As

43 alternative titles, including “ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ3” and “Sonic 3: O Filme”.

Also known as
  • ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ3
  • Sonic 3: O Filme
  • Соник 3
  • Sonic × Shadow TOKYO MISSION
  • סוניק 3
  • ソニック × シャドウ TOKYO MISSION
  • 音速小子3
  • Սոնիկ Ոզնին 3
  • Sonic 3
  • 超音鼠大電影3
  • 수퍼 소닉 3
  • 슈퍼 소닉 3
+31 more
  • 슈퍼소닉 3
  • 수퍼소닉 3
  • Sonic le Hérisson 3
  • سونيك الفيلم ٣
  • Sonic 3: Szybki jak błyskawica
  • Sonic, a sündisznó 3.
  • Nhím Sonic 3
  • Sonic: Η Ταινία 3
  • Sonic 3, le film
  • Ježek Sonic 3
  • سونيك القنفذ 3
  • Їжак Сонік 3
  • โซนิค เดอะ เฮดจ์ฮ็อก 3
  • Sonic 3: La Película
  • Sonic 3. Szybki jak błyskawica
  • Sonic ariciul 3
  • Sonic 3 - Il film, ზღარბი სონიკი 3
  • 刺猬索尼克3
  • Соников филм 3
  • Соник 3 в Кино
  • Соник: Филмът 3
  • Kirpi Sonic 3
  • סוניק הסרט 3
  • 超音鼠大電影 3
  • Sonic: Super jež 3
  • Ježko SONIC 3
  • Siil Sonic 3
  • Ežiukas Sonic 3
  • سونیک خارپشت ۳
  • Sonik 3
  • Soniks 3: Filma

Seen Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

FAQ

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

When was Sonic the Hedgehog 3 released?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was released on December 20, 2024.

Who directed Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was directed by Jeff Fowler.

More films by Jeff Fowler

Who is in the cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 3?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 stars Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles and Keanu Reeves as Shadow, among 17 credited actors.

How much did Sonic the Hedgehog 3 make at the box office?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 grossed $492.2 million worldwide ($236.1 million domestic, $256 million international) on a budget of $122 million.

How is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 rated?

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has 6.9/10 on IMDb and 56 on Metacritic.

Does Sonic the Hedgehog 3 have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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