On what date was Pixar’s Cars first released in U.S. theaters?

Pixar’s Cars was first released in U.S. theaters on June 9, 2006.

The animated feature was directed by John Lasseter and Joe Ranft and produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It followed Lightning McQueen, a rookie race car who becomes stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs while traveling to the championship race.

Cars premiered at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, on May 26, 2006, before its wider theatrical release. The premiere date and the general U.S. release date are therefore different. The film opened internationally in additional markets later in 2006.

Cars became Pixar’s seventh feature film and was dedicated to Joe Ranft, who died during production in 2005. Its success led to sequels, short films, merchandise, and the Cars Land attraction at Disney California Adventure.