Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- nostalgic
- family movie night
- kids sleepover
What critics said
Critics generally found the film warmly made and emotionally resonant, praising its animation and more focused story while noting its familiar formula and occasionally forced resolution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Lightning McQueen is pushed aside by technologically advanced racers and must confront the limits of his established identity.
McQueen receives guidance from Smokey and ultimately supports Cruz Ramirez's ambitions as his own role changes.
Pixar renders high-speed Piston Cup competition, advanced racing technology, and varied training locations with elaborate animated detail.
The champion's comeback and eventual redefinition of achievement make the film accessible to children while offering older viewers themes of career transition.
Films like Cars 3, and why
rocky iii
shared animated sports competition, underdog comeback, mentorship, and themes of aging and perseverance
cars
shared family-friendly racing spectacle, anthropomorphic vehicles, comic adventure, and intergenerational themes
turbo
shared animated competition story, mentor relationship, self-belief, and colorful high-energy racing sequences
Movie Details
- Director
- Brian Fee
- Release Date
- 2017-06-15
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (6604)
Cast
- Owen Wilson
- Cristela Alonzo
- Chris Cooper
- Nathan Fillion
- Larry the Cable Guy
- Armie Hammer
- Ray Magliozzi
- Tony Shalhoub
- Bonnie Hunt
- Lea DeLaria
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Cars 3 about?
- A sidelined racing legend learns that staying true to his competitive spirit may mean making room for a new champion.
- What is Cars 3 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Cars 3 as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Cars 3 violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Cars 3.
- What did critics think of Cars 3?
- Critics generally found the film warmly made and emotionally resonant, praising its animation and more focused story while noting its familiar formula and occasionally forced resolution.
- Which films are like Cars 3?
- Films with a similar feel include rocky iii, cars, and turbo.
- How long is Cars 3?
- Cars 3 runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Cars 3?
- In United States, Cars 3 streams on Disney Plus.
