The release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has solidified the franchise as one of the most successful video game adaptations in cinematic history. In less than 20 days since its theatrical debut, the film has become the highest-grossing Sonic movie at the domestic box office, surpassing its predecessor, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This milestone showcases the franchise’s enduring popularity and its ability to consistently draw fans to theaters.
By its third Tuesday in theaters, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 had achieved a domestic total of $191 million, surpassing Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s final domestic earnings by $1 million. This success positions the film as the second-highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time, trailing only the massively popular Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Globally, the film has amassed $330 million, with projections indicating it could surpass $395 million, potentially making it the top-grossing installment of the Sonic film series worldwide. This impressive performance comes despite strong holiday-season competition from major releases like Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. Remarkably, Sonic 3 has remained in the top three box office rankings since its release.
In addition to its commercial success, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has garnered critical acclaim, achieving an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an exceptional 96% audience score. This makes it the best-reviewed installment of the franchise, reflecting its evolution in storytelling, balancing action, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Comparatively:
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) holds a 64% critic score.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) improved to a 69% critic score.
The franchise’s consistent improvement underscores director Jeff Fowler’s dedication to incorporating fan feedback, a journey that began with the redesign of Sonic’s character after the initial trailer for the first movie sparked backlash—a decision that won fans’ hearts worldwide.
Paramount has produced the Sonic films on relatively modest budgets:
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2020): Under $100 million.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022): Under $100 million.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2023): Approximately $120 million.
Even with the increased budget for the third film, the return on investment remains substantial, underscoring the series’ financial viability. The franchise’s broad appeal to Sonic fans and general audiences alike ensures its continued success.
With Ben Schwartz (Sonic), James Marsden (Tom), and Jim Carrey (Robotnik) reprising their iconic roles, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 sets the stage for the franchise’s future. Fans can already anticipate a fourth installment, slated for release in Spring 2027.
What began as a cautiously optimistic venture has now become a blueprint for how to adapt video games into blockbuster films. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is more than just a movie—it’s a celebration of the franchise’s legacy. This thrilling adventure is still playing in theaters, so don’t miss your chance to experience it on the big screen.
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Source: Collider
