The Best Sonic Cartoons and Animated Series
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GuideSonic XSonic Prime
Since 1993, the blue hedgehog has fed seven animated adaptations, brought together here in a ranking. Sonic X (2003-2006) takes the lead, with Sonic thrown onto Earth alongside young Chris, ahead of Sonic Prime and its three-season Netflix multiverse, where Nine, the cybernetic version of Tails, makes his debut. Then come the dark “SatAM” and its Freedom Fighters facing a Robotnik who rules Mobius, the 65 slapstick episodes of Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, the 1996 Japanese OVA, Sonic Boom and the arrival of Sticks, and finally Sonic Underground, where the hedgehog puts together a band with Sonia and Manic.
Summary
Long before conquering the big screen, Sonic took over the small screen! Since 1993, the blue hedgehog has inspired a slew of animated series and films, from classic 90s American productions to today's Netflix shows. Here's our ranking of the best animated adaptations of Sonic. (For live-action cinema films, see our dedicated guide to the cinematic saga.)
🦔 Before the ranking, a reminder of the mascot's origins: (re)read the rise of Sonic the blue hedgehog.
1. Sonic X (2003-2006)
Undoubtedly the most famous Sonic anime. Sonic X, which aired starting in 2003, follows Sonic and his friends as they are transported to Earth, where they befriend a young boy, Chris, while thwarting Dr. Eggman's plans. The series blends action, humor, and emotion, and even adapts some major game arcs. It's the adaptation that introduced an entire generation to the Sonic universe.
🛏️ Sonic X is the series that pulls the hedgehog out of his world and into ours, alongside an ordinary boy named Chris: our Sonic duvet covers take that last step for you, right up to your bed.
📺 We even have a complete feature on it: (re)read Sonic X, the cult cartoon.
The hero of all screens
Sonic The Hedgehog Figure
The same Sonic, from the 1993 cartoon to Netflix: the essential figurine.
€26.90
View figure →2. Sonic Prime (2022-2024)
The most recent, and visually most ambitious. Sonic Prime, released on Netflix in three seasons (December 2022, July 2023, and January 2024), sends Sonic into a chaotic multiverse after a mysterious crystal shatters. This provides an opportunity to encounter surprising alternate versions of his friends. Modern 3D animation, fast-paced action: a real breath of fresh air.
🦊 One of these alternative versions has its own profile: discover Tails Nine, the cybernetic fox.
3. Sonic the Hedgehog, aka "SatAM" (1993-1994)
Nicknamed "SatAM" (in reference to its Saturday morning broadcast on ABC), this 26-episode series offers a much darker and more epic tone. Sonic leads the Freedom Fighters against a tyrannical Robotnik who has enslaved the planet Mobius. A cult classic, still adored by fans for its dramatic atmosphere.
🥱 SatAM owes its nickname to the Saturday morning slot on ABC, the one where you followed the Freedom Fighters before you were even dressed: our Sonic slippers are cut for exactly that moment at home, when you are not quite up yet.
4. Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993)
The same year, but in a completely opposite vein: Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (often abbreviated "AoStH") focuses on slapstick comedy. With its 65 fast-paced episodes, continuous gags, and Sonic-Tails duo facing a buffoonish Robotnik, it's the cartoonish and zany side of the same era.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, the OVA (1996)
Heading to Japan with the OVA (Original Video Animation) Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, released in 1996. This short format (two episodes often combined into one "movie") offers polished animation and an adventure where Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles confront Eggman… and a certain Metal Sonic. A little gem sought after by collectors.
6. Sonic Boom (2014-2017)
Sonic Boom (2014-2017) is a CGI series with a decidedly comedic tone, attached to its own universe (games and spin-off products). Sonic navigates with Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and newcomer Sticks, exchanging jokes with a more ridiculous than menacing Eggman.
🪃 The most original recruit of this series has her own profile: discover Sticks the Badger.
🧣 Sonic Boom completely redesigns the gang for its own continuity, scarves and bandages included: our Sonic scarves and neck warmers wrap the same kind of fabric around your neck as soon as the wind picks up.
7. Sonic Underground (1999)
The most atypical of the bunch. Sonic Underground (1999, 40 episodes) imagines Sonic accompanied by two siblings, Sonia and Manic, forming a rebellious music group. Together, they search for their mother, Queen Aleena, while resisting Robotnik. A musical proposition unlike any other.
Summary table
| Animated adaptation | Period | Type | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic X | 2003-2006 | Anime (series) | Sonic on Earth, the most famous |
| Sonic Prime | 2022-2024 | 3D Series (Netflix) | The multiverse |
| "SatAM" | 1993-1994 | Series | Dark tone, the Freedom Fighters |
| Adventures of Sonic | 1993 | Series | Slapstick comedy, 65 episodes |
| The Movie (OVA) | 1996 | Animated film | Cult Japanese OVA |
| Sonic Boom | 2014-2017 | 3D Series | Offbeat humor, arrival of Sticks |
| Sonic Underground | 1999 | Series | Sonic, Sonia and Manic in a band |
FAQ
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What is the most famous Sonic cartoon?Sonic X (2003-2006) is generally considered the most popular animated adaptation.
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What is the most recent Sonic animated series?Sonic Prime, released on Netflix from 2022 to 2024.
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What was the first Sonic animated series?Two series appeared in 1993: Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (comedic) and Sonic the Hedgehog known as "SatAM" (darker).
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Is there a Sonic animated film?Yes, the Japanese OVA Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie (1996). The cinema films, however, are live-action.
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What is Sonic Underground?A 1999 series where Sonic forms a band with his brother and sister, Sonia and Manic.
🔎 To learn more: Chris Thorndyke: the human from Sonic X, the Sonic films in cinema and the complete list of Sonic games.