Beloved Family Movie Makes Epic 20th Anniversary Comeback

Disney and Pixar are revving up the nostalgia as the beloved animated classic “Cars” races back into the spotlight to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“Cars” will return to theaters Sept. 4, just in time to celebrate Lightning McQueen Day, Sept. 5.

The film will be honored with a series of collaborations and activations throughout the year, including special screenings in select theatres.

A Porsche “Sally Special” vehicle is slated to tour across the U.S. with stops secured in Atlanta, Costa Mesa, Monterey, Los Angeles, and New York, according to Animation Magazine.

The hit film will also be commemorated through a series of collaborations with General Motors (GM), including limited edition artwork. Lightning McQueen fans will be thrilled to learn that a branded simulator experience featuring the beloved character will be presented at various events throughout the promotional anniversary celebration, Animation Magazine reported.

A complete list of screening times and locations is available on Fandango’s official website, with more information available from Disney.

A “Cars” themed Mercedes safety car will be wrapped for the Formula 1 Gran Premio D’Italia in September, and fans can enjoy a special activation with NASCAR at the Daytona 500 in February, according to Variety. (RELATED: Beloved Classic ‘Clifford The Big Red Dog’ Makes Nostalgic Comeback)

See the original classic Disney and Pixar’s CARS and purchase our 20th Anniversary concession collectibles starting 9/3, available in theatres only while supplies last. https://t.co/LFdlR4NwTK pic.twitter.com/KqMGQYo61x

The synopsis for the 2026 anniversary edition of the film reads, “On the way to the biggest race of his life, a hotshot rookie race car gets stranded in a rundown town and learns that winning isn’t everything in life,” according to Variety.