Disney To Re-Release “Cars” In Cinemas To Celebrate Its 20th Anniversary

August 24, 2026 Roger Palmer

Disney has announced details on the theatrical re-release of the classic Pixar animated film, “Cars”, to celebrate the movie’s 20th anniversary.

“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.

Tickets are now on sale for the 20th anniversary re-release, which hits cinemas on September 4th 2026, coinciding with “Cars” Lightning McQueen Day, observed annually on 9/5 in honour of Lightning McQueen’s racecar number, #95.

The 20th anniversary of “Cars” is being commemorated throughout the year with a number of themed collaborations and activations, including:

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” sculpts 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

All three “Cars” films are available to stream on Disney+, along with the original short series, “Cars On The Road”.

Are you going to go see “Cars” in cinemas? Let me know on social media!