Ranking: The Biggest Protagonists From 2017's Summer Blockbusters

9. Lightning McQueen - Cars 3

Cars 3
Pixar

Though Cars 3 may not have been the dark, mature conclusion to the franchise many may have hoped for, it was nevertheless a solid improvement over the rancid previous movie, and took the Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) character in an intriguing new direction.

By focusing on McQueen's inability to keep up with technologically advanced rookie sensation Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer) and the after-effects of his brutal crash, Cars 3 feels like the most character-driven and emotional entry into the trilogy.

Furthermore, like the Rocky-on-wheels tale that it is, the film smartly concedes that Lightning's future lies in training a young new talent, in Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo), and their burgeoning mentor-student relationship throughout the film is unexpectedly quite touching.

Sure, Cars 3 doesn't stand among Pixar's better efforts, but it nevertheless makes compelling use of its plucky underdog protagonist.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.