The Pixar film Cars introduced Lightning McQueen in 2006.
Cars follows a selfish rookie race car who becomes stranded in Radiator Springs while traveling to the final Piston Cup race. His forced stay among the town’s residents gradually changes his attitude toward friendship, competition, and fame.
The film was directed by John Lasseter, who also helped create the story with Joe Ranft and other Pixar filmmakers. It was Pixar’s seventh feature-length film and followed The Incredibles, released two years earlier.
Cars became the starting point for a franchise that includes Cars 2, Cars 3, short films, games, merchandise, and theme-park attractions. Its setting and characters remain among Pixar’s most recognizable creations.