Amusement parks are meant to be places of joy and excitement, but what happens when these fun-filled locations turn into scenes of chaos and disaster? This curated list dives into the heart-pounding world of disaster movies where the thrill rides are not just the attractions but the very essence of survival. From roller coasters gone wild to haunted houses with real ghosts, these films offer a unique blend of adrenaline and terror, making them a must-watch for fans of both amusement parks and disaster scenarios.

The Carnival of Souls (1962)
Description: This classic horror film involves a woman who survives a car accident and is drawn to an abandoned carnival, where she encounters the supernatural.
Fact: The film was shot in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the carnival scenes were filmed at the Saltair Pavilion, which was later destroyed by fire.


The Funhouse (1981)
Description: While not strictly a disaster movie, this horror film involves a group of teenagers trapped in a carnival funhouse with a murderous freak, making it a chilling addition to the list.
Fact: The film was directed by Tobe Hooper, known for "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre." The funhouse was built specifically for the movie and was later used in other productions.


Final Destination 3 (2006)
Description: This installment of the "Final Destination" series takes place at a carnival where a roller coaster derails, setting off a chain of deadly events. It's a perfect fit for this list as it showcases the horror of amusement park disasters.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to the success of the previous films. The roller coaster crash was one of the most expensive scenes in the franchise.


The Dark Ride (2006)
Description: This German film involves a haunted house ride where the scares become all too real, fitting into our theme of amusement park disasters.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual abandoned amusement park, adding to its eerie authenticity.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: While not set in an amusement park, this film features a babysitting job that turns into a night of terror, reminiscent of the unexpected horrors one might find at a carnival.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel, and it was inspired by classic horror films of that era.


The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013)
Description: Although not directly about an amusement park, the film includes scenes in a haunted carnival, making it relevant to our theme.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Haunting in Georgia" but was rebranded to tie it to the first film for marketing purposes.


The Funhouse Massacre (2015)
Description: A group of escaped mental patients wreak havoc at a carnival, turning it into a deadly funhouse. This film directly ties into the theme of amusement park disasters.
Fact: The film features real-life sideshow performers, adding a layer of authenticity to the carnival setting.


The Amusement Park (1975)
Description: Though not a typical disaster movie, this George A. Romero film uses an amusement park as a metaphor for the horrors of aging, with elements of chaos and survival.
Fact: The film was lost for decades and only recently restored and released. It was originally made as an educational film for the Lutheran Society.


Rollercoaster (1977)
Description: A mad bomber targets amusement parks, leading to a series of roller coaster disasters. This film captures the essence of amusement park chaos with a thrilling plot.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use Sensurround, a special sound system designed to enhance the experience of disaster films.


The Funhouse 2: Carnival of Terror (2007)
Description: A direct-to-video sequel to "The Funhouse," this film continues the theme of a carnival turning into a place of terror and survival.
Fact: Despite its title, this film has no direct connection to the original "The Funhouse" in terms of plot or characters.
