how many cars films are there

If you’re a fan of Lightning McQueen and his friends from Radiator Springs, you might be wondering just how many adventures they’ve had on the big screen. It’s a question that comes up often, especially when planning a movie marathon with the family. The world of these animated films has grown since the first one raced into our hearts, creating a beloved series that spans more than just the core movies.

So, if you’ve found yourself asking ‘how many cars films are there’, you’re in the right place. The answer is a little more exciting than a simple number, as the franchise includes a few different types of films that complete the story.

How Many Cars Films Are There in the Main Series?

At its core, the Cars franchise consists of three main theatrical films. It all started with Cars in 2006, which introduced us to the hot-shot rookie Lightning McQueen and the charming town of Radiator Springs. This was followed by Cars 2 in 2011, which took a bold turn into the world of international espionage with Mater as the unlikely hero. The trilogy was completed with Cars 3 in 2017, which brought the focus back to racing and themes of legacy and passing the torch.

The Essential Spin-Off Film

Beyond the trilogy, there is one crucial film that fans consider a must-watch: Planes. While it focuses on a new set of characters in the world of aviation, it exists in the same universe and carries the same spirit. For a complete viewing experience, many include this 2013 movie as the fourth film in the broader Cars film collection.

Planning Your Perfect Cars Movie Marathon

To get the full story, watching the films in release order is your best bet. Begin with the original Cars to establish the characters and their relationships. Move on to Cars 2 for a globe-trotting adventure, and then conclude with the emotional and satisfying Cars 3. If you want to expand your marathon, you can include Planes after the main trilogy to see more of this imaginative world. Don’t forget the short films, like Mater and the Ghostlight or Tokyo Mater, which add wonderful depth and fun between the feature-length stories.

In total, you have three main Cars movies to enjoy, with Planes acting as a fun companion piece. This gives you plenty of high-octane entertainment and heartfelt moments for your next family movie night.