Sonic the Hedgehog features fan-favorite characters from the popular SEGA videogame series. The speedy blue hedgehog remains popular with both kids and adults who grew up playing the iconic game, which debuted in 1991.
Whether they like the film's mix of action and comedy or are moved by feelings of nostalgia, fans can't get enough of the Sonic the Hedgehog films. Viewers who are looking for similar action should check out these titles.
Detective Pikachu (2019)
Few video game franchises have a more dedicated following than the Pokémon series, so it's no wonder that 2019's Detective Pikachu, based on a spinoff game starring the adorable electric mouse, was a hit.
Featuring the voice talent of Ryan Reynolds, the film brought many of fans' most beloved pocket monsters to life. For adults who grew up with the Pokémon games and anime, the film has the same nostalgic appeal as Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Until the Netflix live-action Pokémon series that is reportedly in development gets released, Detective Pikachu gives fans their only glimpse of what life with real Pokémon would look like.
Rampage (2018)
Based on a popular arcade game, 2018's terrible movie, but it gets many things right.
The game which provides the movie's source material is about destruction, as players control mutated monsters to raze a city. Rampage stays true to its roots and delivers epic scenes of giant beasts wreaking havoc. It manages to be entertaining despite a flimsy plot and will appeal to fans of video game adaptations.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, like Sonic the Hedgehog, is a franchise with powerful nostalgic appeal for 90s kids. The 1990 original film, which would go on to spawn two sequels, has plenty of action. It also delivers the lighthearted appeal of the cartoon series, including the turtles' obsession with pizza.
Filmed in the days before CGI, the titular turtles are actually portrayed by a combination of actors in suits and puppetry. The result is impressively lifelike and expressive. Fans looking for a trip down memory lane should check out this classic.
Super Mario Bros. (1993)
Opinions differ as to whether 1993's one of the best video game movies, but it has the distinction of being the first film adaptation of a video game. Although it was widely panned by critics, it has since developed a cult following.
Viewers who expect the cartoonish antics of Mario, Luigi, and Peach are in for a shock. Instead, Super Mario Bros. tells a darker tale of a parallel universe inhabited by dinosaurs. It also eschews the cute mushroom-like design of the goombas in favor of larger and more disturbing reptiles. It's a movie that has to be seen to be believed, and a historic achievement in the video game movie genre.
Bumblebee (2018)
Regarded by many as the best entry in the Bumblebee is a prequel that gives fans the backstory of one of the franchise's most popular heroes.
Bumblebee, like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, is about the bond between a human and an unexpected visitor from space. The film delivers on the giant robot action that Transformers fans expect, but it also features a nice balance of humor and heartfelt emotion. This entertaining movie will likely satisfy viewers' need for speed.
Free Guy (2021)
Like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, most video game movies are naturally told from the main playable character's point of view. In a refreshing twist, 2021's Free Guy imagines what life is like as an NPC or non-playable character. The result is a charming and hilarious action movie that doubles as a meditation on life.
Guy's resolve to level up by being as nice as he possibly can contrasts with the ultra-violent world he lives in and proves that good guys don't always finish last. Gamers will find plenty to love in this hit film.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Sequels like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 have to walk a fine line between giving fans something new and keeping what they loved about the original. Jumani: Welcome to the Jungle, while adding a twist that keeps things fresh.
Jumanji may not be based on a video game series, but its writers clearly love video games and create a humorous send-up of the adventure game genre. A post-credit scene sets up another potential sequel, so fans of this franchise will likely have an opportunity to return to the world of Jumanji.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Disney's Wreck-It Ralph is a must-see film for gamers of all ages that will particularly appeal to fans of Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Eagle-eyed fans can spot Sonic making cameos throughout the film, and he even has a speaking role, helpfully providing viewers with exposition early in the film. Fans who consider Dr. Robotnik to be Jim Carrey's best villain role will be delighted to see the Eggman make several cameos as well. The most notable is when he s Ralph's villain group, as Dr. Robotnik is squeezed between Street Fighter's Zangief and M. Bison.
Uncharted (2022)
Another 2022 release based on a popular video game franchise is Uncharted, which hit theaters in February. Some fans of the game may feel dismayed by the film's departures from its source material, but it did incorporate plenty of details from the Uncharted video games.
A treasure hunt reminiscent of the National Treasure films, Uncharted will appeal to viewers unfamiliar with the games as well. It also gives Tom Holland a chance to show off his acrobatics outside of a Spidey suit.
Ready Player One (2018)
Filmmakers love to hide Easter eggs in their films for viewers to appreciate and enjoy. Ready Player One takes this concept to the next level, as the film revolves around the search for a literal Easter egg hidden in a virtual reality game.
A visually interesting mix of live-action and animation, Ready Player One depicts a bleak future where most people only find joy in a virtual world. This may sound grim, but the film has a hopeful message, and it is filled to the brim with pop culture references that viewers will enjoy discovering.
