On what date did Pixar’s Cars open in U.S. cinemas?

Pixar’s Cars opened in U.S. cinemas on June 9, 2006.

The film was Pixar’s seventh feature film and followed The Incredibles, which had been released in 2004. John Lasseter directed Cars, with Joe Ranft and Jorgen Klubien credited as co-writers. Its story follows rookie race car Lightning McQueen, who becomes stranded in the fading town of Radiator Springs while traveling to the Piston Cup finale.

Cars premiered at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, on May 26, 2006, before its general U.S. release. That setting was appropriate because the movie draws heavily on American road culture, Route 66 history, and stock-car racing.

The release date is sometimes confused with the dates of the film’s international openings or its premiere. Cars later became a major franchise, followed by Cars 2 in 2011 and Cars 3 in 2017. It also inspired short films, merchandise, theme-park attractions, and video games.