What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedCars 2
John Lasseter · Film · 2011
If you loved Cars 2, start with SPY x FAMILY (2022) — a series on the same thread. Below: 3 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Cars 2 across media.
If you enjoyed the way Cars 2 blends high-stakes international espionage with the lighthearted dynamics of an unlikely duo, you will love these.
Books on the same thread
Spy X Family, Vol. 2
Tatsuya Endo · Book
Explores: found family, secret identity, domestic espionage.
Just as Cars 2 balances world-saving missions with personal stakes, this manga delivers a perfect mix of domestic comedy and high-stakes spying that keeps the tension grounded and fun.
Spy School
Stuart Gibbs · Book
Explores: imposter syndrome, competence porn, underdog hero.
You will recognize the thrill of being an outsider caught in a global conspiracy from Cars 2, as this story follows a boy suddenly thrust into a secret world.
The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel
Garth Stein · Book · 2010
Explores: Loyalty, The human-animal bond, Family.
While Cars 2 features racing, the core of that film is the deep bond between friends, which is mirrored in this story through an incredibly loyal and observant narrator.
Series on the same thread
SPY x FAMILY
Series · 2022
Shares a thread with Cars 2: Fish Out of Water.
This series captures the exact fish-out-of-water feeling found in Cars 2, where everyday characters must navigate dangerous espionage missions while maintaining their secret, unconventional family dynamic.
Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu
Tommy Andreasen · Series · 2012
Explores: Good vs Evil, Teamwork, Coming of Age.
If the team-based heroics and global stakes of Cars 2 kept you engaged, you will enjoy watching this group of heroes come together to protect their world from threats.
Archer
Adam Reed · Series · 2009
Shares a thread with Cars 2: Spy Comedy.
This show takes the espionage premise of Cars 2 and adds a layer of sharp, workplace-focused humor, perfect for those who want a more mature take on spy antics.
Wacky Races
Joseph Barbera · Series · 1968
Explores: Competition, Cheating, Underdog.
The spirit of competitive, high-speed racing found in Cars 2 is central to this classic series, which also features a colorful cast of characters and their distinct, custom vehicles.
Podcasts on the same thread
Fastlane with VinFast
Podcast
Explores: family bonding, everyday life, positive vibes.
If the road trip atmosphere of Cars 2 was your favorite part, this podcast offers the same sense of camaraderie, conversation, and family-friendly fun during long drives.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
Much like the focus on friendship in Cars 2, this podcast explores the dynamics of social connection and the humor found in trying to build lasting bonds with others.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the main plot of Cars 2?
In Cars 2, Lightning McQueen travels overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix. While he focuses on the racing championship, his friend Mater becomes involved in a separate mission centered on international espionage, leading to a complex adventure for both characters throughout the movie.
Does Lightning McQueen race in Cars 2?
Yes, Lightning McQueen is a star race car who travels internationally to compete in the World Grand Prix in Cars 2. His participation in this championship serves as the primary setting for the film's events alongside Mater's involvement in an espionage plot.
Who directs Cars 2?
Cars 2 was directed by John Lasseter. Released in 2011, the film follows the journey of Lightning McQueen and Mater as they navigate both international racing circuits and a storyline involving global intrigue, marking a significant departure from the domestic setting of the original story.
Is Mater a main character in Cars 2?
Mater is a central figure in Cars 2. While Lightning McQueen competes in the World Grand Prix, Mater gets caught up in his own adventure involving international espionage. The narrative balances the racing career of McQueen with the unexpected spy activities that Mater encounters abroad.