There's something uniquely thrilling about watching a place meant for fun and relaxation turn into a scene of chaos and destruction. This curated list of films focuses on the theme of disaster striking at amusement parks, offering a mix of suspense, action, and sometimes even a touch of dark humour. Whether it's a malfunctioning ride or a natural catastrophe, these movies showcase the fragility of human-made entertainment havens. From classic thrillers to modern blockbusters, each film provides a rollercoaster of emotions, making this collection a must-watch for fans of disaster cinema.

Westworld (1973)
Description: This sci-fi classic explores a futuristic theme park where guests can live out their wildest fantasies, until the robots start malfunctioning and turn against the visitors. It's a chilling precursor to the chaos that can ensue when technology goes awry.
Fact: The film was directed by Michael Crichton, who later wrote "Jurassic Park," another tale of a theme park gone wrong. It inspired the HBO series of the same name.


The Funhouse (1981)
Description: A group of teenagers get trapped in a carnival funhouse where they witness a murder, leading to a night of terror. It's a classic horror film with a carnival setting.
Fact: The film was directed by Tobe Hooper, who also directed "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."


The Park Is Mine (1985)
Description: While not a traditional disaster film, this thriller involves a Vietnam vet taking over Central Park, leading to a tense standoff with authorities. It's an unconventional take on a park in peril.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Stephen Peters and features a young Tommy Lee Jones.


Jurassic Park (1993)
Description: While not exclusively about a theme park, the film's setting is a dinosaur-themed amusement park where genetic engineering leads to catastrophic results. It's a perfect blend of adventure and disaster.
Fact: The film was groundbreaking for its use of CGI and animatronics, setting new standards in visual effects.


The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Description: Based on the Disney ride, this film involves a family trapped in a haunted mansion, blending supernatural elements with the theme park setting.
Fact: The film features Eddie Murphy and was directed by Rob Minkoff, known for co-directing "The Lion King."


Final Destination 3 (2006)
Description: The third installment features a roller coaster accident at an amusement park, setting off a chain of deadly events. It's a unique take on the disaster theme, focusing on the inevitability of death.
Fact: The film's roller coaster scene was filmed at Playland in Vancouver, Canada.


The Amusement Park (1975)
Description: This experimental horror film by George A. Romero uses an amusement park as a metaphor for the neglect of the elderly, turning a day of fun into a nightmarish ordeal.
Fact: The film was thought to be lost until it was rediscovered and restored in


The Banana Splits Movie (2019)
Description: This horror-comedy takes the beloved children's show and turns it into a gory, chaotic adventure when the animatronic characters go berserk at their theme park.
Fact: The film was inspired by the 1968 Hanna-Barbera TV series, giving a dark twist to the original concept.


Rollercoaster (1977)
Description: A mad bomber targets amusement parks across the country, creating a series of disasters. It's a suspenseful ride through the world of thrill-seeking gone wrong.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use Sensurround, a special sound system designed to enhance the experience of disaster films.


Escape from Tomorrow (2013)
Description: Shot guerrilla-style at Disney World and Disneyland, this film follows a man's descent into madness during a family vacation, turning the happiest place on earth into a surreal nightmare.
Fact: The film was shot without Disney's permission, leading to legal concerns, but it was eventually released.
