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Entertainment • Film

Cars 3

Cars 3 is a 2017 American computer-animated sports comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cars 3 is a 2017 American computer-animated sports comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is the third film in the Cars franchise and a sequel to Cars 2 (2011). The film follows Lightning McQueen as he faces a new generation of racers and tries to prove he can still compete.

Plot

The story centres on Lightning McQueen, a veteran race car who struggles against a new generation of racers led by Jackson Storm. He works with Cruz Ramirez and draws inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet as he tries to remain competitive.

Production

Cars 3 was directed by Brian Fee and written by Kiel Murray, Bob Peterson, and Mike Rich. It was produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.

Release

The film had an industry screening in Kannapolis, North Carolina, on May 23, 2017, before its U.S. theatrical release on June 16, 2017. It was released with the Pixar short Lou. Cars 3 was distributed in Canada by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures as part of its North American theatrical release, and it reached Canadian audiences in the same family-film market as in the United States.

Reception

Cars 3 was distributed as a family-oriented animated feature and received a G rating. It was released in theatres, with later home-video and streaming availability noted by entertainment databases.

Key facts

  • The film is the third instalment in Pixar’s Cars franchise.
  • Lightning McQueen is challenged by younger, more technologically advanced racers.
  • Cruz Ramirez is a key supporting character who helps McQueen train.
  • The movie was released in the United States on June 16, 2017.
  • It was accompanied in theatres by Pixar’s animated short film Lou.
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Canadian context

Cars 3 was distributed in Canada by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures as part of its North American theatrical release, and it reached Canadian audiences in the same family-film market as in the United States.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cars 3 about?
It follows Lightning McQueen as he confronts a new generation of faster racers and tries to prove he still belongs in competition.
Who directed Cars 3?
Cars 3 was directed by Brian Fee.
Is Cars 3 part of a series?
Yes. It is the third film in the Cars franchise and the sequel to Cars 2.
When was Cars 3 released?
It was released in the United States on June 16, 2017.
Who voices Lightning McQueen?
Lightning McQueen is voiced by Owen Wilson.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_3
    Supports: Basic production details, franchise position, release date, plot overview, and principal creative credits.
  2. Disney Movies — https://movies.disney.com/cars-3
    Supports: Release date, genre, synopsis, rating, and cast.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cars_3
    Supports: Synopsis, rating, genre, release date, and runtime.
  4. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m12535/cars-3
    Supports: Release timing and sequel/franchise context.