Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun game-based threequel packs a more intense punch.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 43 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is recommended for older children due to its mature themes, including violence and emotional challenges, making it not entirely suitable for very young viewers. While many appreciated the character development and engaging messages about friendship and acceptance, concerns were raised regarding inappropriate language and scenes that might be frightening for younger audiences.
- mature themes
- intense action
- mixed appropriateness
- character development
- emotional depth
- family entertainment
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 70 kid reviews
Kids say that the latest installment exceeds expectations with its engaging storyline, emotional depth, and well-handled characters, particularly Shadow, who adds a darker but meaningful layer to the plot. The combination of humor, action, and strong messages of teamwork makes it enjoyable for both families and diehard fans, though some caution is advised due to its intensity and occasional strong language.
- engaging storyline
- emotional depth
- balanced humor
- enjoyable for families
- intense action
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are settling into family life with their adoptive parents, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). The trio of "siblings" are mostly operating on their own, trying to follow Tom and Maddie's advice on how to make good choices and trying to work together as a team. But then a new threat emerges, and it looks a lot like Sonic. Shadow (Keanu Reeves), another alien hedgehog, has escaped from the government cryochamber where he's been held captive for 50 years. He's angry, and he teams up with an old ally to exact revenge.
Is It Any Good?
Team Sonic's race to save the world in this threequel offers families a funny, crowd-pleasing, globe-spanning action-adventure comedy. In some ways, it can serve as a virtual international family vacation, too, making Tokyo and London feel like exciting potential destinations. But the "saving the world" aspect leads to some fairly unexpected emotional depth for such typically lighthearted fare. It's not all races and games for Shadow, who's captured by the U.S. government, held captive in a giant test tube, and treated like a "freak." He's viewed as a specimen and a danger, and he's experiencing unimaginable loss. That's a lot for an animated character, and perhaps too much for some young viewers.
At the same time, Dr. Robotnik is reunited with a long-lost family member (delightfully, hysterically, also played by Carrey) and tries to make up for lost time, acting like a child himself. Robotnik's evolution is funny, but it's also a little reminder to caregivers and adult family members of how much kids value each interaction with us and take our words to heart. These more serious elements may be signs that Sonic is growing up, but the third time still offers plenty of charm: Robotnik's dance doesn't disappoint, and a full-gravity race is unforgettably original. Bottom line? The Sonic franchise is consistent in running rings around other family offerings by packaging childlike wonder and feelings inside an action-adventure with lots of laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and emotional weight in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 compared to the previous two. How did it make you feel? What did the filmmakers do to make the animated violence seem unrealistic, and where did it feel more real?
The characters travel to Tokyo and London, and the film is full of the sights and activities families would visit. Did watching this movie make you excited about the idea of going to those places? What would you want to see?
How do the Sonic movies compare to other video game adaptations?
How do characters use teamwork throughout the film? Sonic mentions that it's hard to learn to work as a team. Have you ever felt that way? Why is teamwork an important life skill?
Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are told to follow their hearts to "make good choices." What does that mean? Do you feel like you know what a "good" choice is versus a "bad" one?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 20, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : January 21, 2025
- Cast : Ben Schwartz , James Marsden , Tika Sumpter , Jim Carrey
- Director : Jeff Fowler
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Character Strengths : Communication , Teamwork
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : December 13, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate