Top 10 Best Moments from the Sonic Trilogy

“Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
With Sonic, even a low-stakes fight can be a lot of fun. On the road, Tom and Sonic drop by a Western bar with the latter donning the most uncanny disguise this side of a Ninja Turtle trenchcoat. When a brawl erupts, Sonic might not pack the most powerful punch, but he has speed on this side. In a Quicksilver-esque sequence, Sonic moves so quickly that time essentially slows down. This allows him to play a few pranks on the bar patrons while powering down a tray of chili dogs. Once time catches up with Sonic, it makes for one of the franchise’s funniest and most inventive payoffs. It’s also a nice bonding moment for Tom and Sonic, leaving just one man and hedgehog standing.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” (2024)
It’s hard to match the energy of an animated character, especially one as speedy as Sonic. Jim Carrey is practically a live-action cartoon, though, bringing his manic vitality to Dr. Ivo[a] Robotnik. Just when you thought we’d seen him at his most chaotic, Carrey kicked things into overdrive with double the Eggman. Exploring a lair, Ivo encounters a stranger with a familiar face: Gerald Robotnik, the long-lost grandfather he never knew existed. In case you couldn’t figure out who’s behind Gerald’s makeup, the most meta of fourth wall breaks makes it clear. In addition to sharing a physical resemblance, unhinged minds also think alike. Ivo would be touched if he weren’t so infuriated about the years lost, but it’s never too late to catch up.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
One’s the fastest thing alive. The other is an easy target for oncoming traffic. You wouldn’t think there’d be much of a connection, but when Sonic spots this turtle on the highway, he immediately escorts him to safety. Sonic doesn’t stop there, helping the turtle to experience life in the fast lane like he never could. Nothing warms our hearts like seeing a smile slowly stretch across a turtle’s face, even if the experience leaves the reptile shaking in his shell. Ever since his first game, protecting other animals has always been an important part of Sonic’s identity. This moment, while brief, establishes his instinct to look out for the little guy, as well as his desire for companionship in a lonely world.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” (2024)
Team Sonic meets their match in Shadow the Hedgehog. Looks aren’t the only thing this hedgehog has in common with Sonic, moving in the blink of an eye. In addition to exceeding Sonic’s speed, Shadow packs an even more powerful punch than Knuckles, who learns this firsthand. But can he fly like Tails? Well, he wears rocket-propelled shoes… so yeah, kind of! Even when it’s three against one, Shadow has all of Team Sonic’s best qualities rolled into an impressive package. Sonic isn’t ready to let Shadow ride off on his motorcycle, dodging gunfire as he chases his doppelganger across Tokyo. While Sonic gives him a run for his money, Shadow escapes with an “Akira” bike slide and a punch that sparks a literal blackout.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (2022)
Sonic’s carefree night is interrupted by something almost as horrifying as the movie “Snow Dogs.” Eggman is back with a new look and ally. Seeking the Master Emerald and revenge for his tribe, Knuckles introduces himself to Sonic with his fist. After being dealt two property-damaging punches, Sonic prepares to show Knuckles what he’s truly made of. To Sonic’s shock, Knuckles demonstrates what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Apparently, the immovable object wins in this case, but Knuckles is outfoxed when Miles “Tails” Prower[b] comes crashing in. Although they haven’t officially met, Sonic hitches a ride with Tails as they run over a rabid Eggman. This scene marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship… and a beautiful rivalry eventually turned friendship.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” (2024)
When fans heard Shadow would play a key role in the third movie, they wondered how close the filmmakers would stick to his grim backstory. Maria Robotnik met a tragic end in the games, sending Shadow down a vengeful path. Would a PG movie take this route, however? Surprisingly, the film doesn’t sugarcoat Maria’s fate. The flashbacks between these two are genuinely sweet as Maria introduces the alien hedgehog to music, movies, and friendship. When Shadow risks being taken away, Maria and her grandfather Gerald attempt to escape with him. Maria unfortunately gets caught in the crossfire, leaving Shadow and Gerald with nothing to live for other than revenge. As sad as this scene is, we commend the filmmakers for remaining faithful to Shadow’s roots.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (2022)
Pursuing the Master Emerald, Knuckles and Robotnik track its location down to an underwater temple, parting the sea like Moses. The temple is right out of “Indiana Jones,” complete with a rolling ball. Robotnik uses a cheat code while Sonic performs a speedrun with the enemies eventually crossing paths at the finish line. As Sonic and Knuckles engage in a colorful boss battle, it’s Eggman who emerges victorious with the emerald. The temple soon begins to flood, recreating the most stressful part of the games as Sonic and Knuckles are left to drown. After Sonic lends Knuckles a hand, the echidna returns the favor. Knuckles loses the emerald, but he gains a friend and a lesson on what it means to be a hero.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” (2024)
Between Tails’ arrival and the reveal of Project Shadow, the endings of these movies know how to leave audiences wanting more. The third film’s mid-credits scene delivered two surprises for the price of one. Accidentally running all the way to a New York park, Sonic comes face to face with a metal lookalike. While Sonic can handle one robot, he rapidly finds himself outnumbered. This would’ve been more than enough to get us hyped for “Sonic the Hedgehog 4.” This ending goes the extra mile, though, as a hooded hammer-weilder comes to the rescue. If your theater experience was anything like ours, the audience cheered when Metal Sonic showed up, but the house completely exploded with Amy Rose’s entrance.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (2022)
With the power of the Master Emerald, a giant robot, and a legion of drones, Robotnik goes into final boss mode. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails make their last stand with each bringing their unique skills to the equation. While the final battle allows the whole trio to shine, Sonic ultimately steals the show as he comes into possession of the seven Chaos Emeralds. Given a golden makeover, Super Sonic turns Eggman’s mech into scrap metal. This upgrade comes with other unexpected powers, such as summoning chilidogs from the heavens above. Blue or gold, you can’t change Sonic. For longtime Sonic fans, this is a moment we always dreamed of seeing on the big screen, but didn’t think we’d get until it actually happened.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

This Hedgehog is Just Getting Warmed Up

A Globetrotting Climactic Fight

Are We the Only Ones with a Sudden Urge to Play the Icecap Stage?

Will We Ever Get That “Sonic” / “Fast & Furious” Crossover?

We Could Also Go for a Latte Right About Now

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” (2024)
After demonstrating his power in the previous film, Super Sonic is confident that he can handle Shadow. Even without the Chaos Emeralds, Shadow is a formidable opponent. When he ups the ante as Super Shadow, our hero engages in the fight of his life, spanning multiple locales. Super Sonic gets the upper hand, but unlike his opponent, he isn’t willing to deliver a finishing blow. With Sonic helping Shadow see the light, the two join forces to stop the Eclipse Cannon. Their team-up is set to an epic song that reminds us even when you go down the wrong path, you can always live and learn. Shadow and Robotnik make sacrifices in the process, but we’re sure to see at least one of them again.

[a]eye-voh @ 39:41 in sonic 3
[b]https://www.yarn.co/yarn-clip/d68db369-3cb6-4a17-99f2-8920b04ac227
[c]"and" i guess?