Cars was not critically successful, but it has been a merchandising goldmine. Every NASCAR mom and dad bought a Lightning McQueen, or a Mater, or other Cars toy for their kids.
> I see Cars as a film that appeals to children primarily, while the others are "family" movies in the best sense.
They're not family movies, they're movies that parents want their kids to be interested in but the reality is kids prefer Cars, Frozen, Shrek and Minions.