Pixar’s ‘Cars’ Rerelease Is Disney’s Biggest Animation Reissue Since Pandemic

In 2026, Pixar has embraced nostalgia, with ‘Toy Story 5’ leading the box office earlier this year and a series of anniversary events keeping fans engaged with the studio’s iconic franchises. This nostalgic wave now includes one of Pixar’s earliest hits, allowing audiences to revisit a cherished classic on the big screen exactly 20 years after its initial release.

The film in question is ‘Cars,’ which debuted in 2006 and grossed $462 million globally, spawning a franchise centered around Radiator Springs and its vibrant cast of anthropomorphic cars. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Disney and Pixar have brought the film back to theaters in its original format starting September 4, perfectly timed with the annual fan celebration known as Lightning McQueen Day on September 5.

This strategic timing seems to be paying off at the box office. The 20th anniversary rerelease is on track to become the largest reissue debut for any animated film distributed by Disney since the pandemic, having earned an impressive $2.2 million on its reopening day.

Given its opening day success, the rerelease is now expected to earn between $6 million and $8 million over its three-day opening weekend, which is a remarkable achievement for a film that has been available on home video and streaming for years. This turnout for a 20-year-old animated film highlights the lasting appeal of ‘Cars’ and its merchandise-driven fanbase.

The rerelease’s success is bolstered by the extensive activities Disney has organized for the anniversary. Celebrations have included a Route 66 centennial integration with special screenings at the historic Tee-Pee Drive-In and Tulsa Circle Cinema, a life-size Lightning McQueen appearance at the Formula 1 Gran Premio d’Italia in Monza, and exhibits at automotive museums across the United States, England, and Italy.

Disney has also launched new ‘Cars’-themed merchandise available through the Disney Store, including a Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket now offered at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. This broad merchandising effort emphasizes how integral ‘Cars’ remains to Disney’s retail strategy, even two decades after the film’s original release.

The original ‘Cars’ follows Lightning McQueen, an ambitious rookie race car voiced by Owen Wilson, who unexpectedly finds himself stranded in the quiet Route 66 town of Radiator Springs while racing to compete in the Piston Cup Championship. Directed by Pixar legend John Lasseter, the film features the voices of Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, and Tony Shalhoub, holding a 76% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside an 80% audience score.

The strong early numbers from the rerelease come as fans speculate about the franchise’s future beyond this nostalgic celebration. Jay Ward, the franchise’s creative director, has hinted that more ‘Cars’ projects are in development, although specific details remain unconfirmed.

One confirmed addition to the franchise is ‘Cars: Lightning Racers,’ a new preschool-oriented animated series set to premiere on Disney Jr. in 2027 before moving to Disney+. This series will introduce a new animation style and feature returning voice talent, with Wilson confirmed to reprise his role as Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy returning as Mater.

With the anniversary rerelease exceeding expectations and additional franchise content on the horizon, ‘Cars’ appears set to remain a significant part of Disney’s animation lineup well into its third decade. Given the strong performance of nostalgia-driven rereleases across the industry this year, this milestone weekend may encourage Disney to continue revisiting its animated classics in the future.

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