The Piston Cup Order: Best Order to Watch Cars

After a gruelling week filled with countless meetings, brainstorming sessions, and deadlines, I needed a break. I wanted to take a trip down memory lane and rekindle the joy of simpler times. Should I binge-watch an action-packed series? Or how about a comedy sitcom?

Then it hit me. The perfect blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt moments - the "Cars" franchise!

The common notion is to watch movies in the order they were released, but why stick to the conventional when you can spice things up? So, I embarked on a journey to figure out the best viewing order for the Cars franchise, which I lovingly call the "Piston Cup Order".

This order isn't just about watching the films and series in sequence, but it's about immersing yourself in the life and times of Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the vibrant world of Radiator Springs. If you don't want to read or want to follow McQueen's philosophy 'Speed. I am speed...'

Behold, The Piston Cup Order:

1. Cars (2006)
2. Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales (2008–12)
3. Cars 2 (2011)
4. Cars Toons (2018-2014)
5. Cars 3 (2017)
6. Cars on the Road (2022)

THIS is how you watch the Cars movies, and I'm sure Lightning McQueen and Doc Hudson would be proud of me! If you haven't yet seen them, copy and paste that order into your notes, and if you've already seen them and want to know why I destined the order like this, stick around.

Minor spoilers are ahead...

We start with the first Cars movie because it's the first one chronologically. It's where we get introduced to our hero, the rookie and the fresh meat (or metal) Lightning McQueen, and the quirky, yet lovable inhabitants of Radiator Springs. From a rookie race car to a valued member of a close-knit community, this movie sets the stage for Lightning McQueen's journey. We see him being an arrogant, cocky race car yet humbles himself when he meets Dinoco race car, Strip "The King" Weathers. It shows his confidence and how he had the world at his tyres, to how it just disappeared in few days and eventually working his way back up with Piston Cup legend, Doc Hudson.

After the first movie, we venture into the tall tales of Mater. Mater being this lovable character from the first movie, having this carefree attitude to the world. In reality, we all want to be like Mater...

Here, we get a deeper understanding of Mater's character and his hilarious escapades. It's a nice departure from the main storyline, giving us some light-hearted fun and showing us a different side to the characters we've grown to love. As I'm sure you know, each person has their own backstory and we should not be quick to judge.

We then return to the main storyline with Cars 2. In this sequel, we see Lightning McQueen competing in the World Grand Prix while Mater gets mixed up in an international espionage plot. Again, now we know Mater much better, we understand why he ends up in these EXTREME situations. This movie expands our view of the Cars universe, introducing us to new characters and locations.

Next, we dive into the everyday life of the Radiator Springs' residents. Each character, as you know, helped McQueen achieve his Piston Cup dreams, not through victory but with grace and decorum. From Guido and Luigi with tyres, to Ramone with his fancy paintjob, each resident has had their part. So these shorts give us a closer look at the town's charm and the dynamics of its inhabitants.

The third movie brings us back to Lightning McQueen, who's now dealing with the next generation of racers. The storyline provides a thoughtful examination of aging and mentorship, adding depth to McQueen's character, whilst taking inspiration from Doc Hudson. It really does demonstrate the life cycle of player to coach in sports, it's nice to see how athletes give back to the game they love, similarly to McQueen to guiding Cruz Ramirez to glory.

Finally, we conclude our journey with the TV series, where Lightning McQueen and Mater embark on a cross-country road trip. It's a fitting end, showcasing the power of friendship and adventure.

And that is the Piston Cup Order!

This movie franchise really has shown us that

"I'm not old. I'm, uh... I'm mature.

- Lightning McQueen, Cars 3 (2017)

since we go through more life experiences as we progress - having people come and go in life. Movies like this teaches us values and morals which I personaly don't think we learn in school or home.

If you have any questions or if you want to tell me that you've tried it out, please let me know!

Thank you so much for reading, and until next time...

Don't fear failure. Be afraid of not having the chance, you have the chance!" - Sally Carrera, Cars 3 (2017)