Pixar’s original Cars movie was released in 2006.
Cars opened in the United States on June 9, 2006. It was Pixar’s seventh feature film and followed The Incredibles, which had been released in 2004. The movie combined racing comedy with a story about a young competitor learning humility and community.
The film introduced Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally Carrera, Doc Hudson, and the residents of Radiator Springs. Its Route 66 setting and talking-vehicle concept made it distinct from Pixar’s earlier stories while retaining the studio’s focus on character-driven emotion.
Cars received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature and won the award for Best Animated Feature at the 2006 Annie Awards. Its success led to Cars 2 in 2011, Cars 3 in 2017, short films, merchandise, and theme-park attractions.