On what date did Pixar’s Cars (2006) open in the United States?

Pixar’s Cars opened in the United States on June 9, 2006.

The release followed Pixar’s established pattern of launching a major animated feature during the summer movie season. Cars arrived after its world premiere at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, on May 26, 2006, an event that matched the film’s racing subject.

The United States opening date is distinct from international release dates, which varied by territory. It is also different from the date of the film’s premiere and from the later home-video release, so those dates can be mixed up in timelines.

Cars became a major commercial success and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its June release helped establish Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Radiator Springs as central parts of Pixar’s franchise history.