Water rides are meant to be fun, thrilling, and sometimes a bit scary, but what happens when they go horribly wrong? This curated list of films explores the terrifying possibilities of water ride disasters, from mechanical failures to human errors, offering a mix of suspense, drama, and sometimes even dark comedy. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just love a good disaster movie, these films will take you on an unforgettable ride.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Description: A luxury liner capsizes, turning the ship into a vertical water ride from which passengers must escape, making it a classic water disaster film.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two.


The Abyss (1989)
Description: While primarily about deep-sea exploration, the film includes scenes where characters must escape from flooding compartments, reminiscent of a water ride disaster.
Fact: James Cameron, the director, developed a special underwater camera system for this film, which has since become standard in underwater cinematography.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: Although set in an underwater military base, the film's climax involves a catastrophic failure similar to a water ride disaster, with the crew fighting for survival against a rising flood.
Fact: This was one of the first films to use CGI for underwater scenes, setting a precedent for future underwater disaster films.


Hard Rain (1998)
Description: A heist during a massive flood leads to a series of events where characters navigate through waterlogged environments, much like escaping from a malfunctioning water ride.
Fact: The film was one of the most expensive ever made at the time, with a budget of $70 million, largely due to the extensive water effects.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While not strictly about a water ride, this film captures the essence of battling against overwhelming water forces. A fishing boat crew faces a monstrous storm, akin to the chaos of a water ride gone awry.
Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the storm depicted was one of the most powerful ever recorded in the Atlantic.


Ghost Ship (2002)
Description: The film features a scene where a cable snaps, causing a horrifying accident on a ship, akin to a water ride malfunction.
Fact: The opening scene of the film, where a cable slices through a dance floor, was inspired by an urban legend.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively about water rides, the film includes scenes where characters must navigate through flooded streets and buildings, similar to escaping from a water ride disaster.
Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its visual effects, particularly the depiction of the superstorm.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: This film recounts the true story of a Coast Guard rescue mission during a massive storm, where the crew faces water conditions akin to a wild water ride.
Fact: The film was shot in Massachusetts, where the real-life events took place, adding authenticity to the setting.


The Wave (2015)
Description: A Norwegian disaster film where a massive wave hits a fjord, creating a scenario where characters must escape from water in a manner similar to a water ride disaster.
Fact: The film is based on the real-life geological phenomenon known as the Åknes rockslide, which could potentially cause a tsunami in the Geiranger Fjord.


The Perfect Wave (2014)
Description: This film follows a young man's journey to surf the perfect wave, but includes a dramatic scene where he must escape from a dangerous water situation, reminiscent of a water ride gone wrong.
Fact: The film was shot in multiple locations around the world, including South Africa and Indonesia, to capture the essence of surfing culture.
