Fantasy Films Set in Amusement Parks

Description: A group of teens get trapped in a carnival funhouse with a killer on the loose, turning the amusement park into a nightmarish fantasy of horror.

Fact: The film was directed by Tobe Hooper, known for "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre." The movie was shot in an actual carnival funhouse.

Description: This classic film follows Josh Baskin, who, after wishing to be big, wakes up as an adult in an amusement park. The park becomes a playground for his newfound adulthood, blending fantasy with the real world in a heartwarming tale.

Fact: Tom Hanks was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Josh. The iconic FAO Schwarz piano scene was improvised by Hanks and Robert Loggia.

Description: In this adaptation of Roald Dahl's book, an English boy stumbles upon a convention of witches at a hotel, which includes a scene at an amusement park where the witches' true nature is revealed.

Fact: Anjelica Huston's performance as the Grand High Witch was critically acclaimed, and the film's special effects for the witches' transformation were groundbreaking at the time.

Description: Based on the Disney ride, this film follows a realtor and his family as they encounter ghosts in a mansion, with elements of fantasy and amusement park magic.

Fact: The film includes a cameo by the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the ride, and the mansion itself was inspired by the Disneyland attraction.

Description: While not set in an amusement park, the film captures the essence of a magical journey, akin to the thrill of a theme park ride, with its fantastical train ride to the North Pole.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use performance capture technology extensively, and Tom Hanks played multiple roles, including the conductor and Santa Claus.

Description: This German film revolves around a haunted dark ride in an amusement park, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs as the characters face their fears.

Fact: The film was shot at the Europa-Park in Germany, one of the largest theme parks in Europe.

Description: This animated film features a cat who stumbles upon a house filled with magical inventions, reminiscent of an amusement park's wonder.

Fact: The film was originally released in French as "Le Manoir Magique" and was later dubbed into English.

Description: While not strictly fantasy, this coming-of-age story set in an amusement park captures the magic and chaos of summer, with elements of fantasy through the characters' dreams and aspirations.

Fact: The film was inspired by writer-director Greg Mottola's own experiences working at an amusement park in the 1980s. The movie features a real amusement park, Kennywood, in Pennsylvania.

Description: Based on Ray Bradbury's novel, this film tells the story of a mysterious carnival that arrives in a small town, bringing with it dark magic and temptation.

Fact: The film features a score by James Horner, and Bradbury himself wrote the screenplay, ensuring the adaptation stayed true to his vision.

Description: Shot guerrilla-style at Disney World and Disneyland, this surreal film follows a man's descent into madness, with the parks becoming a backdrop for his increasingly bizarre experiences.

Fact: The film was shot without permission from Disney, leading to legal concerns. It was the first narrative feature film to be entirely shot inside Disney parks.