Disney and Pixar’s Cars Races Back to Theaters on September 4 for Its 20th Anniversary

Cars Returns to Big Screens September 4 for 20th Anniversary

Grab your pit crew and start your engines—Disney and Pixar’s beloved animated classic Cars is racing back onto the big screen!

In celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary, moviegoers can experience the high-octane comedy adventure in theaters in its original format starting September 4, 2026. Tickets are already on sale!

The special theatrical re-release lines up perfectly with “Cars” Lightning McQueen Day, celebrated every year on September 5 (9/5) in honor of the iconic rookie’s famous racecar number, #95.

Directed by Academy Award® winner John Lasseter, produced by Darla K. Anderson, and featuring memorable original music by Randy Newman, Cars first captured hearts two decades ago. The film follows hotshot rookie race car Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), who is laser-focused on winning the Piston Cup. But when he takes an unexpected detour into the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs, he learns that life is about the journey, not the finish line. Along the way, he meets an unforgettable cast of characters, including Doc Hudson (voiced by Paul Newman), Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy), and Sally (voiced by Bonnie Hunt).

The 20th anniversary of Cars isn’t just happening at your local multiplex. Disney and Pixar are marking two decades of Radiator Springs magic with major activations, exhibits, and collaborations around the globe throughout the year:

• Route 66 Centennial Integration: Special anniversary screenings at historic landmarks, including the Tee-Pee Drive-In and Tulsa Circle Cinema.
• Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix: A life-size Lightning McQueen and a Cars-wrapped Mercedes Safety Car will take over the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO D’ITALIA 2026 at Monza in September, alongside the launch of the all-new “Cars Collection for Formula 1.”
• Global Museum Exhibits: Life-size Cars sculpts on display at world-renowned locations, including the Beaulieu National Motor Museum in England, the National Automobile Museum in Italy, and the Petersen Automotive Museum and National Automobile Museum in the U.S.
• Porsche “Sally Special” Tour: The real-world 1-of-1 Porsche “Sally Special” is making stops across America, with visits to Atlanta, Costa Mesa, Monterey, Los Angeles, and New York.
• Motorsport Collaborations: High-profile tie-ins with NASCAR at the Daytona 500 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK.
• Interactive & Simulator Experiences: A branded Lightning McQueen simulator experience popping up at events nationwide, including special community initiatives with Make-A-Wish.
• Mundo Pixar & D23: Special Cars-themed promotional experiences at the Mundo Pixar Experience and an exclusive General Motors collaboration featuring limited-edition artwork unveiled at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
• Gaming & Digital Media: Cross-platform anniversary integrations across Disney Speedstorm, Disney Emoji Blitz, LEGO® DUPLO®, and Disney Magic Kingdoms.

Whether you’re reliving the nostalgia of 2006 or introducing a brand-new generation of Disney fans to Radiator Springs for the very first time, seeing Lightning McQueen’s journey on the big screen with full Dolby sound is a pit stop you won’t want to miss.

You can get your tickets here!