Amusement parks are supposed to be places of joy, laughter, and fun, but what happens when the lights go out and the rides turn sinister? This curated list dives into the eerie world of horror films set in amusement parks, where the thrill of the ride can quickly turn into a nightmare. From haunted attractions to cursed carousels, these films explore the darker side of what should be a place of happiness, offering a unique blend of horror and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Carnival of Souls (1962)
Description: A woman survives a car accident and is drawn to an abandoned carnival where she encounters ghostly figures, making it a classic in the horror genre.
Fact: The film was made on a shoestring budget of $33,000 and has since become a cult classic.


The House on the Edge of the Park (1980)
Description: While not set in an amusement park, the film features a terrifying sequence in an abandoned carnival, making it a thematic fit for this list.
Fact: The film was directed by Ruggero Deodato, known for his controversial film "Cannibal Holocaust."


The Funhouse (1981)
Description: A group of teenagers decide to spend the night in a carnival funhouse, only to discover that they are not alone. The film captures the eerie atmosphere of an abandoned amusement park, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: The film was directed by Tobe Hooper, who also directed the iconic horror film "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."


Dark Ride (2006)
Description: A group of college students visit an abandoned amusement park for a night of fun, but they soon find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a deranged killer.
Fact: The film was shot at an actual abandoned amusement park in New Jersey, adding to its authenticity.


Zombieland (2009)
Description: While not exclusively set in an amusement park, the climax features a thrilling zombie chase through an abandoned theme park, showcasing the horror potential of such settings.
Fact: The film includes a cameo by Bill Murray as himself, adding a unique twist to the horror-comedy genre.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: Although primarily set in a house, the film's climax involves a terrifying sequence in an abandoned amusement park, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel.


Hell Fest (2018)
Description: During a horror-themed amusement park event, a masked serial killer begins to blend in with the costumed characters, turning the park into a real-life horror show.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life horror-themed events like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.


The Funhouse Massacre (2015)
Description: A group of escaped mental patients take over a haunted house attraction, turning the funhouse into a real slaughterhouse.
Fact: The film features a cast of well-known horror actors, including Robert Englund and Scott Yaphe.


The Amusement Park (1975)
Description: This lesser-known film by George A. Romero uses an amusement park as a metaphor for the mistreatment of the elderly, blending horror with social commentary.
Fact: The film was thought to be lost until it was rediscovered and restored in


The Dark Carnival (2017)
Description: A group of friends visit a carnival that turns out to be a front for a cult, leading to a night of terror and supernatural occurrences.
Fact: The film was inspired by the works of Ray Bradbury, particularly his collection "The October Country."
