By Sagar V. Mankar 
Released during the Christmas weekend of 2024, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has cemented its position as a blockbuster hit, drawing families and fans alike to theaters across the United States. As of January 22, 2025, the movie has grossed an impressive $220.2 million domestically and is projected to finish its theatrical run with earnings between $245 million and $270 million. On the international front, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has already secured $203.5 million, bringing its global box office total to a staggering $422.39 million. This success comes against an estimated production budget of $122 million, showcasing its exceptional profitability.
While it has yet to surpass The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the highest-grossing video game adaptation at $574.9 million, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has outperformed its predecessor, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, to become the second-highest-grossing video game adaptation in the U.S. By January 9, 2025, it had crossed $191.3 million domestically, surpassing its predecessor’s lifetime earnings in U.S. By January 12, the film reached the $200 million mark in domestic revenue, making it only the second video game movie to do that.
Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 boasts a star-studded cast, including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves, and more. The movie follows Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as they battle Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Reeves, who allies with scientists Ivo and Gerald Robotnik in a quest for revenge. This thrilling narrative, coupled with its fast-paced action and humor, has resonated strongly with audiences.
Critics and viewers alike have praised the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 88% critic score, with many calling it the best entry in the series yet, while the audience score sits at an impressive 95%. On its opening weekend, the film even outperformed Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.
Despite being available for digital purchase on platforms like Prime Video and iTunes as from January 21, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 still continues to perform well in theaters. Adding to the excitement, Paramount recently announced Sonic the Hedgehog 4, set for release in March 2027. While plot details remain under wraps, fans are already speculating about possible time-travel and dimension-hopping adventures.
Beyond the movie, the Sonic brand is thriving. The recent game Sonic X Shadow Generations, released on October 25, 2024, has sold over 2 million copies across platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The Sonic franchise as a whole has now crossed the $1 billion mark in global revenue, proving its cultural and financial significance.
Sources: Paramount Pictures