Dans quel ordre regarder les films et séries Cars ?

In what order should I watch the Cars movies and series?

1060 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

Summary

The recommended order at a glance

Good news: it's not complicated. The best way to experience the Cars universe is to follow the release order. This is also the chronological order of the story, as each film advances Lightning McQueen's life in time, without flashbacks or prequels that would disrupt the timeline.

The ideal order: Cars (2006) → Cars 2 (2011) → Cars 3 (2017) → the Cars on the Road series (2022), inserting the Cars Toon short films between the feature films, as you wish.

📘 Before you begin, discover why the Cars saga is so popular.

The complete list in order

Here are the feature films and the main series, in the order to watch them:

  • Cars (2006) — the foundational film. Racing star Lightning McQueen gets stranded in Radiator Springs and learns about friendship and humility. → The complete story of Cars 1.
  • Cars 2 (2011) — a change of tone: a spy film where Mater is mistaken for a secret agent during the World Grand Prix. → Cars 2, the spy movie.
  • Cars 3 (2017) — a return to basics and emotion: facing high-tech rival Jackson Storm, Lightning McQueen must reinvent himself and pass on his legacy. → Cars 3, the emotional journey.
  • Cars on the Road (2022) — the nine-episode Disney+ series: Lightning McQueen and Mater hit the road again for a road trip full of surprises. → the Cars on the Road series.

🏁 And what's next? A fourth film has not been officially confirmed by Disney-Pixar to date, but it could be in development. We discuss everything we know about Cars 4.

Release order or chronological order?

For many sagas, the release order and the chronological order of the story differ. This is not the case with Cars: the films follow each other in time. We see Lightning McQueen go from an arrogant young champion (Cars) to an experienced racer who must give way (Cars 3), then to a relaxed travel companion (Cars on the Road).

Conclusion: the release order is the chronological order. Therefore, we recommend it without hesitation, whether for a first discovery or a family marathon.

📀 For a marathon at home, find the films on Cars DVD and Blu-ray.

Where to place the Cars short films?

The Cars universe also includes many short films, which can be watched freely between the feature films:

  • Mater and the Ghostlight (2006) — a bonus short released just after the first film.
  • Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales (2008-2012) — eleven short episodes where Mater tells his wildest adventures.
  • Cars Toons: Tales from Radiator Springs (2013-2014) — four additional shorts, including The Radiator Springs 500½.
  • Miss Fritter's Racing Skoool (2017) — a short released with the Cars 3 Blu-ray.

🎬 To find your way through all these episodes, follow our guide to Cars Toons and Mater's improbable adventures.

What about the Planes movies?

Be careful not to mix everything up: Planes (2013) and Planes 2: Fire & Rescue (2014) take place in the same world as Cars, but they are spin-offs produced by DisneyToon Studios, not by Pixar.

They are therefore not essential for understanding Lightning McQueen's story. You can watch them as a bonus, after the main trilogy, if you enjoy the universe.

🚗 Meanwhile, extend the adventure with Cars miniature cars of your favorite characters.

Where to watch the Cars saga today?

The three Cars films, the Cars on the Road series, and the short films are available for streaming on Disney+, Disney-Pixar's official platform. This is the simplest option to watch everything in order.

For collectors and image quality enthusiasts, physical editions remain a safe bet, without relying on an internet connection.

🖼️ And to decorate the room with the colors of the saga, take a look at our Cars posters.

Summary table

Title Year / Format
Cars 2006 — Feature Film (Pixar)
Mater and the Ghostlight 2006 — Short Film
Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales 2008-2012 — 11 short episodes
Cars 2 2011 — Feature Film (Pixar)
Cars Toons: Tales from Radiator Springs 2013-2014 — 4 shorts
Cars 3 2017 — Feature Film (Pixar)
Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool 2017 — Short Film
Cars on the Road 2022 — Disney+ Series (9 episodes)
Cars 4 Not officially confirmed to date

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

In what order should I watch the Cars movies?
In release order, which corresponds to chronological order: Cars (2006), Cars 2 (2011), Cars 3 (2017), then the Cars on the Road series (2022).

Do I need to watch Cars 2 to understand Cars 3?
No, each film stands on its own. But watching them in order allows you to follow Lightning McQueen's and Mater's evolution from one film to the next.

Are the Planes movies part of the Cars saga?
Planes (2013) and Planes 2 (2014) take place in the same universe, but they are spin-offs from DisneyToon Studios, not Pixar films. They are optional.

Where can I stream Cars?
The entire saga (films, series, and short films) is available on Disney+.

Is Cars 4 planned?
To date, no fourth film has been officially confirmed by Disney-Pixar, although the project might be in development.

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