Disney and Pixar’s Cars is racing back to theaters. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the film that introduced the world to Lightning McQueen will be back on the big screen on September 4, 2026. This will allow fans to see the film as it was originally released and relive those moments with the beloved car characters once again… or maybe for the first time in some cases.
This special theatrical re-release celebrates the 20th anniversary of Cars. It also coincides with Cars Lightning McQueen Day. This is observed annually on 9/5 in honor of Lightning McQueen’s racecar number, #95. Tickets are available now for this re-release.
Along with Cars returning to theaters for this milestone celebration, other collaborations are happening as well:
- A Cars integration celebrating Route 66’s centennial anniversary, including special screenings at the historic Tee-Pee Drive-In and Tulsa Circle Cinema
- A life-size Lightning McQueen and a Cars-wrapped Mercedes Safety Car at the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 at Monza in September, where fans can shop the all-new “Cars Collection for Formula 1”
- Life-size Cars sculptures and exhibits at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum in England, the National Automobile Museum in Italy, and the Petersen Automotive Museum and National Automobile Museum in the US
- A Porsche “Sally Special” vehicle touring across the US with stops already in Atlanta, Costa Mesa, Monterey, Los Angeles and New York
- A high-profile activation with NASCAR at the Daytona 500 in February
- An activation with Goodwood’s motorsport and automotive Festival of Speed UK event in July
- A branded simulator experience featuring Lightning McQueen at various events, including in collaboration with Make-A-Wish
- Special Cars-themed promotions at the Mundo Pixar Experience
- Key collaborations with General Motors including exclusive, limited-edition artwork and a presence at the D23: Ultimate Disney Fan Event
- Integrations across games and interactive media including Disney Speedstorm, Emoji Blitz, LEGO® DUPLO® and Magic Kingdoms
Cars Official Description
“Cars” introduces Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, who discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs and meets the town’s offbeat characters including Doc Hudson (voiced by Paul Newman), Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) and Sally (voiced by Bonnie Hunt). “Cars” is directed by John Lasseter, produced by Darla K. Anderson and features original music by Randy Newman – all three are Academy Award® winners.
What do you think about the return of Cars to theaters in September? Are you going to see it on the silver screen? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
