Amusement parks are places of joy, laughter, and thrills, but what happens when the rides turn sinister and the fun turns to fear? This curated list of horror movies explores the dark side of amusement parks, where the lines between reality and nightmare blur. From haunted attractions to cursed rides, these films will make you think twice before stepping onto that next roller coaster. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just looking for a spine-chilling experience, these movies offer a unique blend of terror and amusement park thrills.

The Carnival of Souls (1962)
Description: This classic horror film features a woman who survives a car accident and is drawn to an abandoned carnival, where she encounters ghostly apparitions. The eerie setting and the film's low-budget charm make it a must-watch.
Fact: The film was shot in Salt Lake City, Utah, with many scenes filmed at the abandoned Saltair Pavilion, which adds to the film's haunting atmosphere.


The Funhouse (1981)
Description: A group of teenagers decide to spend the night in a carnival funhouse, only to find themselves trapped with a deranged killer. The film captures the eerie atmosphere of a deserted amusement park, making every shadow and creak a potential threat.
Fact: The film was directed by Tobe Hooper, who also directed the iconic "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre." The funhouse set was so detailed that it was reused in other productions.


The House on Sorority Row (1983)
Description: While primarily set in a sorority house, the film includes a carnival scene where a killer uses the chaos to his advantage, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film was one of the first to feature a killer using a wheelchair, adding a unique twist to the slasher genre.


Final Destination 3 (2006)
Description: This installment of the franchise features a roller coaster disaster, setting the stage for a series of gruesome deaths. The amusement park setting adds a layer of dread to what should be a day of fun.
Fact: The roller coaster scene was one of the most expensive sequences in the franchise, costing around $1 million to create.


Dark Ride (2006)
Description: A group of college students visit an abandoned amusement park for a weekend getaway, only to discover that the park's dark past includes a serial killer who still haunts its grounds. This film uses the park's eerie emptiness to build suspense and terror.
Fact: The film was shot at the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans, which adds a layer of authenticity to the setting.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: While not set in an amusement park, this film features a babysitting job gone horribly wrong at a house that feels like a twisted attraction. The slow build-up and the 80s setting make it a unique addition to this list.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 80s feel, and it was inspired by the satanic panic of that era.


The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013)
Description: While not directly about an amusement park, the film includes a haunted carnival ride that plays a significant role in the story, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house narrative.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Haunting in Georgia" but was changed to tie it to the first film for marketing purposes.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: Although not set in an amusement park, the film's chilling atmosphere and the mystery surrounding the body of Jane Doe evoke the same sense of dread one might feel in a haunted attraction.
Fact: The film was praised for its minimalistic approach to horror, relying heavily on atmosphere and suspense rather than jump scares.


The Amusement Park (1975)
Description: Directed by George A. Romero, this film uses an amusement park as a metaphor for the treatment of the elderly, blending social commentary with horror elements to create a unique viewing experience.
Fact: The film was lost for decades and only recently rediscovered and restored, giving audiences a chance to see Romero's lesser-known work.


The Park (2003)
Description: A group of friends visit an abandoned amusement park, only to find themselves hunted by a mysterious figure. The film plays on the fear of isolation and the unknown lurking in the shadows of the park.
Fact: The film was shot in a real abandoned amusement park in Thailand, adding to its authenticity.
