Pixar’s Cars series had three feature films by 2017.
The trilogy consists of Cars, released in 2006; Cars 2, released in 2011; and Cars 3, released in 2017. The films follow Lightning McQueen and other anthropomorphic vehicles through racing, international espionage, and a changing competitive landscape.
The first movie establishes Radiator Springs and McQueen’s friendships. Cars 2 expands the setting to an international spy adventure centered on Mater. Cars 3 returns to the emotional and sporting themes of the original, focusing on McQueen’s response to younger, technologically advanced racers.
The franchise also includes the 2008 short-form television series Cars Toons, the 2013 feature-length spin-off Planes from Disneytoon Studios, and the Disney+ series Cars on the Road. Those related productions are not additional Pixar Cars feature films, which is why the feature-film count remains three in 2017.