Cars

Lightning McQueen is a brash rookie race car determined to win the Piston Cup. While en route to a big race in California, a mix-up strands him in Radiator Springs, an out-of-the-way town on Route 66. Compelled to repair the town's road and spend time with its quirky residents, McQueen slowly rethinks what matters as he forms unexpected friendships and learns from older, wiser characters. The story keeps its competitive stakes in play while avoiding spoilers about how the championship scenes conclude, focusing instead on McQueen's changing priorities and the small moments that reshape him.

Released in 2006 and directed by John Lasseter, Cars was built from a story credited to Lasseter, Jorgen Klubien, and Dan Fogelman, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.

Randy Newman supplied the score and songs, and the film earned industry recognition, including two Academy Award nominations, among other nods from critics and guilds. Those nominations highlighted the movie's music and its place within animated filmmaking that year.

Lightning McQueen and Mater quickly became cultural touchstones, and catchphrases like "Ka-chow!" entered popular awareness. The film generated an enormous merchandising wave, inspired sequels, and led to themed attractions at Disney parks, helping Radiator Springs become a familiar setting in family media.

It has a vote average of 7.017/10 from 14,776 votes. Reviewers often praised the visual detail and the voice performances while noting the plot follows familiar formulas. The film centers on humility, mentorship, and the value of community, showing how ambition and personal connection can change what success looks like.