What was the U.S. theatrical release date of Pixar's Cars?

Pixar's Cars was released theatrically in the United States on June 9, 2006.

The film was Pixar's seventh feature film and followed the studio's growing run of computer-animated successes. John Lasseter directed it with Joe Ranft and Jorgen Klubien credited as co-writers. Its story follows Lightning McQueen, a rookie race car who becomes stranded in the fading town of Radiator Springs.

Cars premiered at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, on May 26, 2006, before its wider U.S. release. The film was distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and became a major worldwide box-office success. It also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

A common mix-up is confusing the premiere date with the general release date. The premiere happened in May, while the standard U.S. theatrical opening was June 9. Cars later expanded into sequels, short films, merchandise, and theme-park attractions.