Pixar's Cars first reached cinemas in 2006.
The film was Pixar's seventh feature-length animated movie and followed The Incredibles, which had been released in 2004. Cars premiered in the United States on June 9, 2006, and became one of Pixar's major theatrical releases of the decade.
The story follows Lightning McQueen, a rookie race car who is stranded in Radiator Springs and gradually learns the value of friendship, patience, and community. John Lasseter directed the film, with Joe Ranft and Jorgen Klubien credited as co-writers.
Cars began a franchise that later included Cars 2 in 2011 and Cars 3 in 2017. It also inspired short films, television projects, video games, merchandise, and themed attractions. The year 2006 should not be confused with the release dates of the sequels or with 1995, the year Pixar released Toy Story.