The "Ugly Sonic" debacle of 2019 feels like a distant memory now. While the first Sonic the Hedgehog film wasn't a perfect video game adaptation, it launched a successful franchise starring Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, and, in the latest installment, Keanu Reeves as Shadow.
IGN's review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 praises its improved humor, visuals, and Carrey's performance, calling it a step up from its predecessors. And the franchise's growth isn't stopping at a trilogy; Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is already slated for 2027.
Planning a viewing? Here's the lowdown on how to watch Sonic 3:
How to Watch Sonic 3: Showtimes, Streaming, and Physical Release
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is currently playing in theaters. Check your local listings at Fandango, AMC Theaters, Cinemark Theaters, and Regal Theaters.
Digital Release: Sonic 3 is available digitally for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video. Paramount+ will be the exclusive streaming home, unlike Netflix or Disney+. Given the theatrical release windows of previous films, Sonic 3 is expected to stream on Paramount+ by mid-February 2025.
Physical Release: A 4K steelbook edition is available for pre-order on Amazon, though the official release date is yet to be announced. Amazon's pre-order price guarantee offers some peace of mind.
What is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 About?
The film explores the origins of Shadow the Hedgehog, previously seen in Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic x Shadow Generations. The official synopsis: Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails team up to confront Shadow, a powerful new adversary, forging an unlikely alliance to save the planet.
How to Watch Sonic 1 and 2: The first two films are available on Blu-ray and various streaming services. Sonic 1 streams on Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and Prime Video, while Sonic 2 is on Hulu, Paramount+, and Prime Video. Paramount+ also hosts other Sonic content.
Post-Credits Scene: Yes! Sonic 3 features both mid- and post-credits scenes (details can be found in our ending guide, spoiler warning!).
Cast: Directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, and John Wittington, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 stars:
- Ben Schwartz as Sonic the Hedgehog
- Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Tails
- Idris Elba as Knuckles
- Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog
- Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik (and Gerald Robotnik)
- James Marsden as Tom Wachowski
- Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski
- Krysten Ritter as Director Rockwell
- Natasha Rothwell as Rachel
- Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone
- Alyla Browne as Maria
- Shemar Moore as Randall Handel
- Adam Pally as Wade Whipple
Rating and Runtime: Rated PG for action, violence, humor, thematic elements, and mild language. Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes.
