There's something undeniably thrilling about water rides at amusement parks, but what happens when the fun turns into a nightmare? This curated collection of films explores the terrifying and often dramatic scenarios of water ride accidents. From heart-stopping moments to the sheer chaos that ensues, these movies will keep you on the edge of your seat, offering a mix of suspense, action, and sometimes, a touch of dark humour. Whether you're a fan of disaster films or just love the adrenaline rush, this list is your ticket to some of the most memorable water ride disasters ever captured on film.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Description: A luxury liner capsizes in a tidal wave, and the survivors must navigate through the upside-down ship, akin to a terrifying water ride.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.


Deep Impact (1998)
Description: This disaster film includes scenes of massive tsunamis hitting the coast, providing a terrifying water ride experience on a grand scale.
Fact: The film was released in the same year as another asteroid disaster movie, "Armageddon," leading to comparisons between the two.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: While not directly about a water ride, this film captures the essence of being at the mercy of water, as a fishing boat crew faces a massive storm. It's included for its intense portrayal of battling against overwhelming water forces.
Fact: The film is based on a true story, and the storm depicted was a real meteorological event known as the "Perfect Storm" of


Ghost Ship (2002)
Description: This horror film features a ship where a cable snaps, slicing through passengers, creating a chilling water ride disaster scenario.
Fact: The film's opening scene, where the cable slices through the dance floor, was considered one of the most shocking scenes in horror cinema.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: Although not specifically about water rides, the film features catastrophic flooding in New York City, which can be likened to an extreme water ride experience.
Fact: The film was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies but praised for its visual effects.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: This film recounts the Coast Guard's daring rescue mission during a massive storm, where a tanker splits in two. The water ride aspect comes from the life-threatening conditions the crew faces, akin to the chaos of a water ride gone wrong.
Fact: The movie is based on the true story of the 1952 Pendleton rescue, one of the most daring in Coast Guard history.


The Wave (2015)
Description: This Norwegian disaster film about a tsunami hitting a fjord town provides a realistic depiction of water ride disasters on a massive scale.
Fact: The film is based on the real geological phenomenon known as the Åknes rockslide, which could potentially cause a tsunami in the area.


The Abyss (1989)
Description: While primarily about underwater exploration, the film includes scenes of water flooding into a submerged habitat, creating a claustrophobic water ride-like scenario.
Fact: James Cameron used real water tanks for many scenes, making it one of the most challenging films to shoot.


Hard Rain (1998)
Description: In this action thriller, a heist takes place during a massive flood, where characters navigate through waterlogged streets and submerged buildings, reminiscent of a water ride disaster.
Fact: The film was one of the most expensive ever made at the time due to the extensive use of water effects.


The Perfect Wave (2014)
Description: While more of a coming-of-age story, it includes scenes of surfing and dealing with dangerous water conditions, akin to the thrill of a water ride.
Fact: The film was shot in various locations around the world, capturing real surfing conditions.
