Release order
Start with Cars to meet Radiator Springs, then continue through Cars 2 and Cars 3. The second film shifts into a globe-trotting spy comedy; the third returns to racing and mentorship.
Enjoy the journey
Sometimes the road
is the story.
Lightning McQueen’s film trilogy begins with an unexpected stop in a quiet town and grows into stories about friendship, travel, and passing experience on. The theatrical features form a simple three-film run.
Cars2006–2017About 5 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
The three features follow release order. Shorts and streaming series can add detours but are not necessary to the main film journey.
The films / 3 theatrical releases
Cars
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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Cars
A racing detour leads Lightning to people who change his priorities.
Directed by John Lasseter
With Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie HuntUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Cars (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Cars 2
Mater takes a larger role in an international comic adventure.
Directed by John Lasseter
With Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Michael CaineUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Cars 2 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Cars 3
Lightning faces a new racing generation and considers what he can pass on.
Directed by Brian Fee
With Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris CooperUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Cars 3 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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