We’ve come a long way since "Ugly Sonic" first appeared in a trailer back in 2019. While the first Sonic movie wasn't necessarily the greatest video game adaptation of all time, it did kick off a world with Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, and, with its newest instalment, Keanu Reeves as Shadow.
In IGN's review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, A.A. Dowd writes, "Better jokes, better imagery, and two (!) inspired comic performances by Jim Carrey give this Sonic sequel an edge on its overly kiddy predecessors." And we already know the series isn't sticking to a trilogy: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is already confirmed for 2027.
If you're planning to watch the new Sonic movie this weekend, here's everything we know about its release:
How to Watch Sonic 3: Showtimes, Streaming, and Physical Release Status
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 just released in theaters. You can find showtimes near you at the main theater sites below:
Sonic 3 Streaming Release Date
The first place Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be available to stream is Paramount+, instead of Netflix or Disney+. While we don't have an exact release date, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was in theaters for a little over six weeks, and Paramount's 2024 releases, Smile 2 and A Quiet Place: Day One, followed a similar timeline. Based on that, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 should arrive on Paramount+ by mid-February 2025.
Sonic 3 Physical Release Date
A 4K steelbook of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is already up for preorder on Amazon. A release date hasn't been announced, but you do get the comfort of Amazon's preorder price guarantee. Check out our guide to upcoming Blu-rays for more info on physical releases.
What Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 About?
The third Sonic movie dives into the origins of Shadow the Hedgehog, who first appeared in Sonic Adventure 2 and who also took the spotlight in this year's Sonic x Shadow Generations. Here's the movie's official synopsis:
How to Watch Sonic 1 and 2
The first two Sonic movies are available on Blu-ray, and are also pretty easy to find online. Both movies are streaming on Hulu and Paramount+, with the first Sonic additionally streaming on Peacock and Prime Video. Paramount+ is where you'll find most other Sonic adaptations, including the '90s cartoon and this year's Knuckles.
Sonic the Hedgehog 1:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2:
Does Sonic 3 Have a Post-Credits Scene?
Yes! Sonic 3 has both a mid-credits and post-credits scene, which leaked a few days before the movie came out. If spoilers don't scare you, you can check out our guide to the movie's ending.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Cast
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, and John Wittington. It stars the following actors in a combination of voice and live-action roles:
- 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
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Rating and Runtime
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements, and mild language. Its runtime is 1 hour and 50 minutes.
