Sonic the Hedgehog Film Franchise Zooms Past $1 Billion in Worldwide Box Office

Paramount Pictures today announced that its Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise, based on SEGA’s iconic video game series, has officially crossed the $1 billion mark in global box office earnings. This monumental achievement comes on the heels of the resounding success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

A Winning Formula

The franchise’s journey began with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog in February 2020, followed by its equally successful sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, in April 2022. Together, the first two films grossed an impressive $725.2 million globally, with an additional $181 million generated through home entertainment sales and rentals.

Expanding its universe, Paramount+ debuted the spinoff series Knuckles in April 2024, which became the platform’s most-watched Kids & Family series, racking up over 11 million hours of global streaming within its first 28 days.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3: A Franchise-Best Performance

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, released last month, has already grossed $312 million globally, setting new records for the series. The film opened to an “A” CinemaScore and boasts the franchise’s highest critics’ rating to date, with a Certified Fresh score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, it achieved an impressive 96% audience score on the platform’s Verified Hot Popcornmeter.

Internationally, the third installment outperformed its predecessors, achieving the franchise’s biggest overseas opening weekend and surpassing Sonic the Hedgehog 2 by 83% in comparable markets. The film also reached the $100 million milestone in international box office gross faster than the previous entries in the series.

A Stellar Cast and Creative Team

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 features the return of beloved cast members, including Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr. Robotnik, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, and Idris Elba as Knuckles. The star-studded ensemble also includes Krysten Ritter, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Shemar Moore, and Keanu Reeves, among others.

Directed by Jeff Fowler, who helmed all three films in the series, the movie showcases a script by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington, with a story by Casey and Miller. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, and Hitoshi Okuno served as producers.

In this latest adventure, Sonic teams up with Tails and Knuckles to confront Shadow, a formidable new adversary whose powers outmatch anything they’ve encountered before. Facing overwhelming odds, Team Sonic is forced to form an unlikely alliance to save the world.

Paramount and SEGA have confirmed that development is already underway for a fourth installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, signaling the studio’s confidence in the franchise’s continued growth.

“We are so overjoyed with the amazing response to the Sonic the Hedgehog films from audiences and fans around the world,” said producers Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher. “Their passion and love for these characters inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the Sonic Universe.”

Paramount Pictures President & CEO Brian Robbins echoed their enthusiasm, calling Sonic “an unstoppable cultural force with limitless potential.” He praised the collaboration between Paramount, SEGA, and the creative team, while acknowledging the fans’ unwavering support.

A Legacy in the Making

The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise’s success reflects its unique ability to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences. With its blend of high-speed action, humor, and heart, the series has set a new standard for video game adaptations, solidifying Sonic’s place as a beloved pop culture icon.

As the franchise continues to expand its universe, it’s clear that Sonic’s adventures are far from over. Fans can look forward to more thrilling stories, unforgettable characters, and the high-energy excitement that only the Blue Blur can deliver.