Pixar's Cars returns to theaters in September 2026 for the original movie's 20th anniversary.
Pixar announced the rerelease June 9, exactly 20 years after the movie opened in U.S. theaters. The new one-minute anniversary video features Lightning McQueen, Radiator Springs, and the original film's racing footage.
Cars 20th Anniversary Theater Return
Pixar has not announced the exact September date or ticketing partners yet. The studio has only given a broad September window, using the line "Cars Races Back into Theaters September" with the Cars20 tag.
The first Cars movie follows rookie race car Lightning McQueen after a detour drops him in Radiator Springs on the way to the Piston Cup. The film introduced Mater, Sally Carrera, Doc Hudson, Luigi, Guido, Ramone, Flo, and the desert town that later shaped Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.
Cars 20th Anniversary Merchandise
The theater return arrives during a busy anniversary week for the franchise. Disney Store released a Cars 20th Anniversary Radiator Springs Spirit Jersey on June 9, and the Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket launched at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort the same day.
That bucket sold out quickly at Disney's Hollywood Studios, with periodic restocks continuing later in the day.
Sources and image: Disney Video, Pixar on YouTube, and Pixar's Cars page.