Film · in order
Sonic the Hedgehog Movies in Order
Paramount's live-action Sonic the Hedgehog films, from the 2020 original through Sonic 3 (2024), plus the Knuckles series that bridges films 2 and 3. Best watched in release order.
Sonic the Hedgehog Movies in Order โ complete list
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Why this order?
Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog series adapts SEGA's video-game mascot into a live-action and CGI hybrid, blending family comedy with effects-driven action. The good news for newcomers is that this franchise is refreshingly easy to follow: the story moves forward in a straight line, so release order and chronological order tell the same tale. Whichever toggle you pick, you start with Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), continue with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), and finish with Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024).
The one wrinkle is the Knuckles series, a 2024 Paramount+ spin-off that follows Idris Elba's echidna warrior after the events of Sonic 2. In strict story terms it sits between the second and third films, which is why our chronological order slots it there. In release terms it landed in April 2024, a few months before Sonic 3 reached cinemas in December, so the two orders happen to agree on its placement. If you only want the theatrical movies, skip Knuckles; if you want every beat of the timeline, watch it after Sonic 2.
A key gotcha worth flagging: these films are distinct from the games. The plots, characters and continuity here are Paramount's own creation and do not map onto SEGA's game timeline, so do not expect them to line up with the playable canon. For the interactive side of the brand, see our separate Sonic games page.
A fourth film is currently set for release in 2027, with more spin-off shows possible, so the simplest plan remains the most reliable one: watch in release order and you will never be spoiled or confused. Fans of other game-to-screen hits like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Detective Pikachu will find a similar crowd-pleasing tone.
Timeline 2020โ2024
Every entry plotted by release year โ see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Cameos & crossovers
Characters from Sonic the Hedgehog who also show up elsewhere โ see the full character atlas โ
- Sonic
Sega's blue blur, the speed-obsessed mascot of his games and films.
Also in Sonic the Hedgehog
Frequently asked questions
How many Sonic the Hedgehog movies are there?
There are three live-action Sonic the Hedgehog films so far: Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024). A fourth film is set for 2027. The Knuckles series (2024) is a Paramount+ spin-off rather than a feature film.
What order should I watch the Sonic the Hedgehog films in?
Watch in release order: Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), then Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024). If you want the full timeline, add the Knuckles series between films 2 and 3 โ that is also where it falls chronologically.
Where does the Knuckles series fit?
Knuckles takes place after Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and before Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It released in April 2024, a few months before Sonic 3 hit cinemas, so release order and story order place it in the same spot.
Are the Sonic movies connected to the games?
They share characters and the SEGA brand but tell their own story. The films are Paramount's original continuity and do not follow the game timeline, so you do not need to play the games first. See our Sonic games page for that side.
Do I need to watch Knuckles to understand Sonic 3?
No. Sonic 3 stands on its own and the theatrical films form a complete story without it. Knuckles is a fun bonus that deepens his character, but it is optional for following the main plot.
Is there a fourth Sonic movie?
Yes. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is currently scheduled for release in 2027. Until then, the trilogy plus the Knuckles series covers everything in the live-action franchise.
Last updated · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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