Sonic the Hedgehog Special Short Film: 'Memories and Beyond' 35th Anniversary Celebration

Exciting news for Sonic the Hedgehog fans: Sega has announced a short animated film titled 'Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond' to celebrate the series' 35th anniversary. According to Anime News Network, a preview video was released on July 4, 2026, and quickly garnered great interest among fans.

This special production serves as a tribute to the blue hedgehog's adventures from past to present. According to Sega's official statements, the film highlights Sonic's journey since his first game in 1991 and his iconic place in popular culture. Memories and Beyond combines nostalgia and hopes for the future by referencing both classic game scenes and the modern Sonic universe.

Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the longest-running characters in the video game world. The series, Sega's flagship, has reached millions of fans through dozens of games, animated series, manga, and blockbuster films. Notably, the live-action films released in 2020 and 2022 introduced the character to new generations and further boosted the brand's popularity.

Sega has not yet announced the director and animation studio for the short film, but the high-quality 2D and 3D hybrid animation used in the preview video indicates a significant production budget. Such anniversary projects demonstrate that Sega has followed a similar strategy in the past with games like Sonic Generations and Sonic Colors: Ultimate.

For fans, this film might be not only a celebration but also a hint about Sonic's future in the animation world. Sega is expected to make a new game announcement soon, and this short film is seen as a precursor to that announcement. The full release date of Memories and Beyond is not yet known; however, it is expected to be offered for free on Sega's official YouTube channel. Stay tuned!