Summary
- Sonic has appeared in several movies over the years, but some are better than others.
- While there isn’t a bad Sonic film, some do a better job of portraying the character and staying faithful to the source material.
Sonic the Hedgehog has starred in plenty of fantastic video games, so it was only a matter of time before he sped onto the big screen. The Blue Blur made his film debut in 1996 and returned to cinemas 24 years later thanks to Paramount’s live-action trilogy.
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There really isn’t a bad movie in the bunch, but some are definitely better than others. While each film is entertaining in its own right, some do a better job of exploring the characters and delivering nail-biting action while remaining faithful to the games. That said, which Sonic movie is the best of the best?
Minor spoilers ahead for every movie except Sonic 3!
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Sonic The Hedgehog (OVA)
A Meme-Worthy Classic
The Sonic OVA is a bit of a cult classic, though you’d be forgiven if you’re just learning about it now. The film initially debuted in 1996 in Japan as a two-part anime series. Three years later, both episodes were combined into an hour-long direct-to-video movie for Western audiences.
When Robotnik holds the president hostage, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles must travel to Robotropolis to free him. Little do they know that the powerful Metal Sonic is waiting for them. What follows is a silly, lighthearted adventure with plenty of slapstick comedy and epic fight scenes.
Overall, it’s an interesting piece of the Blue Blur’s history. Since the characters’ personalities weren’t cemented at the time, you get to see a rare occurrence of a cheerful Knuckles and a somewhat mean-spirited Sonic. (Anyone who tells Tails to shut up needs to check themselves.)
The animation is well done, the action is exciting, and there are a couple of good jokes. Unfortunately, the story is sometimes nonsensical, the dub is cheesy beyond belief, and some new characters can be annoying. (Looking at you, Sara.)
Should You Watch The Sonic OVA?
The Sonic OVA is perfect if you want to shut your brain off and watch something goofy, entertaining, and meme-worthy for an hour. However, don’t expect an intricate plot or character development. Give it a watch if it sounds like your cup of tea. Otherwise, you won’t miss much if you pass on it.
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Sonic The Hedgehog (2020)
A Good Start To The Trilogy
Sonic’s live-action debut makes for a solid start to the trilogy, albeit with some minor downsides. The film does a fantastic job of fleshing out the Blue Blur’s character, showing a vulnerable side you rarely see in the games while preserving the playfulness and attitude that made him famous. Plus, the dynamic between him and Tom never fails to tug at the heartstrings.
The story is a nice mix of character exploration, laugh-out-loud humor, and thrilling action. The slow-motion fights, in particular, are a blast to watch. Everything is brought to life through phenomenal performances from Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, and Tika Sumpter. However, Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik is the cream of the crop, stealing the show every time he’s on-screen.
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That said, the film isn’t perfect. A road trip plot is a bit of an odd choice for a Sonic adaptation, and the lack of any substantial lore or world-building is a little disappointing. Overall, the story plays it pretty safe by avoiding much of the source material. That, plus some questionable logic from the characters, can take you out of the experience at times.
Should You Watch Sonic The Hedgehog?
If you can look past its flaws, the first live-action Sonic film is an excellent family movie with a lot of heart, spot-on humor, and meaningful character arcs. It may shy a little too far from the source material, but the exceptional depictions of Sonic and Robotnik make it an easy recommendation.
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Sonic The Hedgehog 2
This Is How You Do A Sequel
Sonic 2 takes the trilogy to the next level by delving into the lore and borrowing generously from the games, all while maintaining the foundation established by the first film. This time, the famous hedgehog must team up with Tails to find the Master Emerald before Robotnik and Knuckles.
It’s so refreshing to see the sequel take risks and stay faithful to the source material. Learning about the Chaos Emeralds, the echidna tribe, and G.U.N. adds a whole new dimension to the characters and the world. Plus, the inclusion of the Death Egg Robot and Super Sonic makes for a much more exciting final fight sequence.
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As for the characters, this might be the best depiction of Sonic’s pals ever. Colleen O’Shaughnessey returns from the video games to reprise her role as Tails, delivering a stellar performance that explores the fox’s genius, insecurities, and adorableness. Idris Elba knocks it out of the park as Knuckles, portraying him as a noble yet hot-tempered warrior with a hint of obliviousness.
Of course, with any movie comes a few flaws. The subplot about Rachel’s wedding sometimes feels a little out of place, and some story beats don’t make much sense when you think about it. (How exactly did G.U.N. know Sonic would show up to the wedding when he wasn’t invited?)
Should You Watch Sonic The Hedgehog 2?
Nitpicks aside, Sonic 2 is a spectacular sequel with exhilarating fight scenes, fascinating world-building, and outstanding portrayals of fan-favorite characters. The lore details and game references were exactly what the first movie needed, and it’s such a treat to see them here.
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Sonic The Hedgehog 3
The Best Sonic Movie
Sonic 3 is the best movie in the trilogy by far. Not only is it a fantastic adaptation of Sonic Adventure 2, but it also pulls back the curtain to show who these characters are underneath while still providing all the heart-pounding action you’d expect.
At its core, the film is about how your choices affect who you are. The story draws meaningful parallels between Sonic and Shadow, as well as Ivo and Gerald, showing what happens when you’re consumed by hatred and how you can pull yourself out of it. Both hedgehogs have moving character arcs that are sure to make you emotional.
Shadow’s story, in particular, is handled masterfully, and Keanu Reeves is perfect for the role. To no one’s surprise, Jim Carrey is spectacular as both Robotniks, striking a perfect balance between humor and menace.
As the cherry on top, the film has no shortage of Easter Eggs and clever nods to the game. Long-time fans are in for a real treat.
Should You Watch Sonic The Hedgehog 3?
Sonic 3 is a top-tier popcorn movie that dedicated fans and newcomers can enjoy. The humor is the funniest in the trilogy, the characters have powerful storylines, and the action will keep you on the edge of your seat. You owe it to yourself to check it out.
