Fast and Furious: The fiercest amusement park rides based on films
With a Studio Ghibli amusement park currently in development (and looking incredible) and Fast & Furious: Supercharged (a thrill ride based on Vin Diesel’s eminently successful car-based action franchise) opening a year ago this month, it’s a great time to be a film fan who also loves taking their cinematic obsessions to the next level.
Being given the opportunity to indulge your love for a movie in the real world within an expert and loving recreation of a movie or a story is one of the simplest but most powerful joys thrill seeking cineastes can enjoy. As we get hyped to visit the Studio Ghibli park and Fast & Furious: Supercharged, here’s our ranking of the eleven best amusement park rides based on popular movies.
11. The Dark Knight Coaster: Six Flags (New Jersey & Illinois)
A press conference with Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) greets riders as they queue for this suitably dark roller coaster that sweeps guests through Gotham’s underworld on an out of control subway train.
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: River Expedition: Motiongate (Dubai)
Opened in 2016, this water-based ride is littered with lovingly detailed props that reference the movie like some french fries that grow off the side of a wall, a gigantic cherry pie, and various characters from the movie. Definitely needs more meatballs, though.
9. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem: Universal Studios (Florida, Hollywood, Japan)
The family friendly attraction uses a 3D HD projection to make the audience feel as though they’re on a madcap, high-speed adventure with Gru (Steve Carell), Margo, Edith, Agnes, and The Minions.
8. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters: Magic Kingdom (Florida), Disneyland (California, Tokyo, Shanghai, Paris)
This ridiculously fun ride lets guests sit in a tiny spaceship and shoot at various targets as they move around a fixed track. Buzz Lightyear and the Little Green Men both pipe up at one point (as you may expect), making this a playfully good time.
7. Iron Man Experience: Hong Kong Disneyland (Lantau Island)
The first Disney attraction based on a Marvel property makes guests feel as though they’re in a tech-savvy suit of armor similar to Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.), taking them on an adventurous flight into battle.
6. Saw: The Ride: Thorpe Park (UK)
The first and only roller coaster in the world based on a horror franchise, Saw: The Ride is part dark-coaster and part outdoors loopy bonanza. Throwing guests through a blood smeared, water-spewing, rustic warehouse before launching them outdoors to be challenged by a video of Billy the Puppet, the ride is surprisingly innovative and good fun.
5. Jaws: The Ride: Universal Studios (Osaka)
Originally developed in 1976 in Hollywood (where it now only operates as a segment), Jaws: The Ride is one of the most iconic and beloved movie inspired rides in the world. Currently you can now only enjoy its fun in Osaka, Japan (since the ride also closed in Orlando, Florida recently) but heck, it’s well worth the trip!
4. E.T. Adventure: Universal Studios Florida (Orlando)
After versions of the ride were closed in Hollywood and Tokyo, the only remaining iteration of it remains in Orlando despite rumors it was also due to close. Thankfully, it’s still open (for now) and remains one of the most cherished and magical movie ride experiences for film fans across America.
3. Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril: Disneyland Paris (Paris)
That’ll be Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom for those of you who can’t and won’t speak the language of love, and it’s one helluva ride. The roller coaster is full of thrills, twists, and a ludicrous attention to detail that fans of Steven Spielberg’s classic adventure series will go nuts for.
2. Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek: Tokyo Disneyland (Tokyo)
Bringing a wonderful twist to the average shooting gallery ride, Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek takes viewers through a stunningly detailed journey into Monstropolis and the Monsters Incorporated headquarters.
1. Jurassic Park: The Ride: Universal Studios (Florida, Hollywood)
Hands down the absolute best movie ride ever made. We hope it never closes for good because our little T-Rex obsessed hearts just couldn’t take it.
