Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is continuing its strong theatrical run, breaking into another highest-grossing movies list less than a month after its release. The third installment of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise was released December 20, 2024, in the United States, and has so far grossed $386 million against a production budget of $122 million. The movie is performing well theatrically so far, and looks to be on course to surpᴀss the $405.4 million of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to become the highest-grossing installment in the franchise.
Per data from The Numbers, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has crashed onto the list of top 100 All Time Worldwide Box Office for PG Movies, coming in at #99, with a global gross (to date) of $387.1 million. The film, starring Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, and Idris Elba, entered the chart above Ice Age at #100, which took a total of $386.1 million during its theatrical run, and is closing on sci-fi classic Back to Future at #98, with a gross of $388.9 million. The movie looks set to have a strong run yet and should be well-placed to climb the list, overtaking the previous installment, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, at #92.
What This Means For Sonic The Hedgehog 3’s Theatrical Run
The Movie Should Have Decent Legs For A Few More Weeks
There is reason to be hopeful about the movie’s long-term prospects, and it is likely that Sonic 3‘s long-term success is pretty well cemented. A well-chosen release date, coupled with a strong cast and creative team and a successful pre-existing franchise, have all contributed to the performance of the movie to date. Family-friendly movies have performed well over the past year, and the resurgence of video game adaptations – buoyed by box office behemoths such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie – will have played a big role in the success of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
The success of the Sonic films suggests a bright future is ahead, and the development of Sonic 4 is already underway.
For at least a few more weeks, the film should enjoy a strong run, and this will definitely help to buoy the overall box office. While it is unlikely that the movie is going to hit the $500+ million mark, there is a good chance it could get close and rise further up the charts. What’s more, Sonic 3‘s epic scope has helped to improve its success, appeasing fans of the video game series, as well as attracting new fans to the franchise too. This will be key to developing successful future installments as well.
Our Take On The Future Of The Sonic Franchise
Sonic 4 Is Already In The Works And Tentatively Dated
The success of the Sonic films suggests a bright future is ahead, and the development of Sonic 4 is already underway. Should the third movie continue its box office winning streak, Paramount could be more likely to fast-track development and attempt to release it sooner than spring 2027, which is where it is currently slated. Any date adjustment will also depend on scheduling and how fast a script can come together. Nevertheless, Sonic the Hedgehog has already cemented itself as one of the most successful video game movie franchises of all time, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has ensured that legacy.
Source: The Numbers
