Cars (2006)

Kernel Score: 78% · 14,930 ratings · Rated G

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family

Released: 2006-06-08

Runtime: 117 minutes

Is Cars worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A solid but unremarkable Pixar film about a hotshot race car stuck in a sleepy town. The lessons are familiar, but it's a pleasant, good-looking family movie, especially for car-mad kids.

Watch it if you

  • have kids who love cars
  • want a gentle, easy family film
  • enjoy slower, nostalgic stories

Skip it if you

  • expect Pixar's best
  • dislike predictable stories

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Cars

  • Stream: Disney+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, 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. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters.

Cars parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that Cars is a G-rated Pixar animated film about a rookie race car learning life lessons in a small town, suitable for young children.

  • Products & purchases: Moderate — As a Pixar franchise built around racing cars, it drives significant merchandising and toy sales.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Cars

If you liked Cars, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Toy Story (1995) — 96%: Pixar at its most inventive
  • Up (2009) — 87%: Funny, moving adventure for all ages
  • WALL·E (2008) — 90%: Pixar story with real warmth
  • The Incredibles (2004) — 85%: Fun family adventure with great action
  • Ford v Ferrari (2019) — 88%: Real-life racing story if you want a grown-up version
  • Porco Rosso (1992) — 87%: Charming adventure for people who love machines

Director

John Lasseter

Cast

  • Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen (voice)
  • Paul Newman as Doc Hudson (voice)
  • Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera (voice)
  • Larry the Cable Guy as Mater (voice)
  • Cheech Marin as Ramone (voice)
  • Tony Shalhoub as Luigi (voice)
  • Guido Quaroni as Guido (voice)
  • Jenifer Lewis as Flo (voice)
  • Paul Dooley as Sarge (voice)
  • Michael Wallis as Sheriff (voice)

Cars FAQ

Is Cars worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A solid but unremarkable Pixar film about a hotshot race car stuck in a sleepy town. The lessons are familiar, but it's a pleasant, good-looking family movie, especially for car-mad kids.

Where can I watch Cars?

In the US you can stream Cars on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Cars OK for kids?

Cars is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Cars is a G-rated Pixar animated film about a rookie race car learning life lessons in a small town, suitable for young children.

What movies are like Cars?

If you liked Cars, try Toy Story, Up, WALL·E and The Incredibles.