Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has joined an elite group of video game adaptations by surpassing $200 million at the domestic box office, making it only the second video game movie in history to achieve this feat. This milestone cements Sonic’s place as a powerhouse in video game cinema, following the immense success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), which crossed the $200 million mark in just five days and ultimately grossed a staggering $1.36 billion globally.
Debuting just before Christmas 2024, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 dominated the domestic box office for two consecutive weekends. By the end of its fourth weekend, it reached a projected $202.1 million domestically, surpassing the $190.8 million domestic total of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022). Although its global earnings have been slower to climb compared to its predecessor, which grossed $405.4 million worldwide, Sonic 3 is poised to overtake it soon, with current worldwide earnings approaching $375 million.
This milestone firmly places Sonic 3 as the second-highest-grossing domestic video game adaptation in history, behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and reinforces the franchise’s dominance in the genre. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 highest-grossing domestic video game adaptations:
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – $574.9 million
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) – $202.1 million (est.)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) – $190.8 million
- Uncharted (2022) – $148.6 million
- Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) – $146 million
- Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019) – $144.1 million
- Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) – $137.3 million
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) – $131.1 million
- The Angry Birds Movie (2016) – $107.5 million
- Rampage (2018) – $101 million
Sonic 3 stands out not only for its box office performance but also for its critical and audience acclaim, boasting a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 86% critic approval rating. Fans have praised the film for its engaging storyline, which introduces Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves), and its thrilling dynamic as Sonic and his friends team up with the ever-scheming Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey).
Despite trailing slightly in global earnings, Sonic 3’s domestic success highlights the franchise’s growth and its ability to resonate with audiences across multiple installments. With three highly successful films under its belt, Paramount has established a strong foundation for future sequels. Fans are already speculating about the potential direction of Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which will need to meet the high bar set by its predecessors.
The franchise’s accomplishments, including crossing the $200 million domestic milestone, are a testament to Sonic’s enduring popularity and the ability of video game adaptations to thrive in modern cinema. As the film continues its theatrical run, Sonic 3 is set to further solidify its legacy as one of the most successful adaptations of a beloved gaming icon.
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Source: Screen Rant
