Top 10 Best Sonic the Hedgehog Stages of All Time
Over the years, Sonic has raced through countless levels, from iconic 2D classics to sprawling 3D adventures, and each stage brings its own flair to the table. Some are memorable for their fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping platforming, while others stand out thanks to creative visuals, catchy music, or clever mechanics. Whether it's zipping through loop-de-loops, dodging enemies at breakneck speeds, or taking in the vibrant scenery, Sonic stages have always been a key part of what makes the series so beloved.
I loved going to San Francisco, and this level just preserved the place for me.
This level is a classic, and the music makes it better.
It's Sonic's iconic and beloved stage that has been brought back in Sonic's best games such as Generations, Mania, and Frontiers.
Zombieman99 is completely correct. Green Hill should be #1. I mean, please. Sure, City Escape is a decent level from Sonic Adventure 2, but Green Hill from Sonic 1 should be #1. It was the first Sonic level ever created. Come on people, think your decision through.
WHY IS THIS NOT #1?! I mean seriously! This is what started EVERYTHING. Best tune to hum or whistle to. It's the most memorable!
If you are a TRUE Sonic fan, this would be number 1 and you would have to at least hear it once a day to keep your sanity.
The amount of speed you get in this zone is amazing. There are a bunch of different paths you can take to clear the zone as well.
Really, the only part of the zone that I don't like is the water section towards the end of Act 2 because it's sort of a pace breaker. Everything else is great, though.
Chemical Plant Zone is one of the highlights of the Genesis era of the classic games. With its fast-paced platforming and the awesome remake in Generations, Chemical Plant is truly a gem to behold.
This stage stays true to Sonic with the awesome amount of speed it offers. The platforming sections are also a lot of fun. Tails has his own version of the stage as well, so that's a plus.
Amazing level. Love the snowboarding part, and the music is so good.
Really should be at least number 3. Beautiful stage, calming music.
It's the best stage in the series, honestly, it really is. The music is very catchy and fitting, the look is absolutely beautiful, and the stage itself is exhilarating. It's just more fun than any other stage, especially the overrated Green Hill Zone.
Easily the best stage in the series, though Final Rush is a close second.
Such an amazing stage from such an underrated game.
By far my favorite stage in the game. It gives an awesome amount of speed that remains constant throughout most of the stage, so platforming sections don't really break the pace.
It can be really frustrating going for the higher handle on the rocket for an A rank, but when you do finally pull it off, it's amazing.
The Newcomers
A new level with lots of references and thought put into it. Not to mention, it's fun.
As simple as this stage is, there's a great chance for shortcuts with Sonic. Fantastic music. You can skip the entire stage with Tails, and you can rack up ridiculous time bonuses with Gamma.
It has the best remix in the series ('The Air' is a remix of Green Grove from 3D Blast) and is the sole reason I bought Sonic and Mario at the London Olympics. It's also the stage that got me to love Adventure 1 and is why I play it every week.
I love this! So hard but amazing.
Other than Green Hill Zone, the Star Light Zone is probably the most memorable zone in Sonic 1. It has the perfect balance between speed and platforming, and the music is excellent as well.
I would say Star Light is definitely the best zone in the first Sonic game, and it's a candidate for the best zone in all the classic Sonic games.
Sort of short and hard in Sonic & Knuckles, but amazing music and a great remake in Sonic Generations.
What do you get when you combine a futuristic highway with Past, Present, and Good/Bad Future, and lots of "HUEHUE's"? Stardust Speedway from Sonic CD. I really had a blast when playing the iOS remake of Sonic CD with the Japan/PAL soundtrack.
It took me a few tries to defeat Metal Sonic, but still, don't avoid this one. It's fast, bright, and "HUEHUE" infested!
Final Rush is one heck of an epic final stage (well, for the Hero Story). A ton of alternate pathways, a ton of speed, and one of the most underrated music tracks in the entire series.
I find myself constantly revisiting this stage when I replay Sonic Adventure 2, making it one of my favorite stages in Sonic history.
I love this stage. I feel like a B.A. grinding on rails!
The speed section was a really cool-looking level section. The best speed section in the game.
A very fun stage, best stage in such a broken game!