Like its predecessors, Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs was also a huge hit with audiences upon its release grossing $886.7 million worldwide, the most finically successful film in the series despite mediocre critic reviews. Long awaited by fans, this entry puts the characters into a what-if scenario where dinosaurs lived underground during the ice age.

Initially criticised for its historical inaccuracy, Ice Age 3 was a good excuse for claiming that dinosaurs would have lived underground during the ice age. Humour is still present, although several are clearly aimed for older audiences. The animation was also vastly improved over its predecessors, and is the first entry to be released in digital 3D.

Just like its predecessor, the sequel also takes care of opposing a problem to the three main characters: Manny finds the happiness of a family, but shows overly protective and worried when he has to Ellie as she is pregnant. Diego loses his touch while living with his herbivore friends. making hunting more difficult, and considers of departing for a normal predatory life.

Sid meanwhile, resents the departure of Diego and is in need of affection, feeling abandoned. Then he meets and adopts the baby dinosaurs, but Momma Dino comes quickly, and relationship problems arise! So to speak, Sid is central to this new suite. He who wanted attention, he's served! The rest of the herd travel to the underground dinosaur world with the help of a weasel named Buck to rescue Sid.

Although this scenario is a classic quest with its danger and wonders, the scenes are bizarre, with references to other films or completely shifted replicas that are unique to the Ice Age universe. Scrat also returns, and with a companion just as interested in the object of his lust! Scratte the female squirrel hard to resist…

Technical description of the film:​

• Country of origin: United States
• Directors: Carlos Saldanha, Mike Thurmeier (co-director)
• Producers: John C. Donkin, Lori Forte
• Screenplay: Michael Berg, Peter Ackerman, Mike Reiss, Yoni Brenner
• Story: Jason Carter Eaton
• Music: John Powell
• Distributor: 20th Century Fox
• Studio: Blue Sky Studios
• MPAA rating: PG
• Running time: 94 minutes

English voices:

• Ray Romano - Manny
• John Leguizamo - Sid
• Denis Leary - Diego
• Queen Latifah - Ellie
• Sean William Scott - Crash
• Josh Peck - Eddie
• Buck - Simon Pegg
• Chris Wedge - Scrat
• Karen Disher - Scratte

Theatrical release in the USA: July 1, 2009
DVD/Blu-ray release in the USA: October 27, 2009