25 Craziest Roller Coasters Worldwide for Thrill-Seekers

Posted by , Updated on March 25, 2024

Roller coasters may seem like modern entertainment, but the truth is that they have been around for quite a while. Thanks to advances in technology, they keep getting bigger, faster, and scarier.

They also keep gaining more fans. But why do so many people love roller coasters that much?

According to science, the release of adrenaline into the body causes that “rush” of adrenaline. Additionally, the release of endorphins makes you feel pumped and energetic. These factors, combined with the increased blood flow and oxygen in the body, contribute to the extremely high feeling you get after a crazy ride.

So, if you’re looking for unique ways to get naturally high, the following list of the 25 Craziest Roller Coasters around the World will satisfy even the wildest adrenaline junkies.

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25

Griffon, Virginia

TWktOB2XUc2IdAopwCHVx9LjCkDttYcftZAWalDJ55Uhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffon_(roller_coaster)

Griffon was the first of its kind, featuring a drop of 90 degrees, straight down, at 75 miles per hour. It’s a view you’ll never forget.

Some peeps suggest that just waiting for your turn to ride Griffon is a heart-pounding experience in itself, as you anticipate the moment of that cliffhanger drop on this tour de force roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia.

24

Steel Dragon 2000, Japan

1024px-Steel_dragon_2000http://voyapon.com/roller-coaster-kuwana/

Steel Dragon 2000 is a steel roller coaster at Nagashima Spa Land amusement park in Mie Prefecture, Japan. It opened in 2000, during the year of the dragon in Asia.

The construction of Steel Dragon 2000 required far more steel than any other coaster worldwide, for earthquake protection. Considered a “giga coaster” due to having a drop of at least 300 feet, this coaster cost above $50 million to construct and is considered the longest roller coaster in the world.

23

The Smiler, United Kingdom

1_JIP_MDG_230719Smiler_07827JPGhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smiler

The Smiler is the world’s first 14-loop roller coaster.

Its twisting track combines the world-beating 14 loops with a speed of 52.8 mph that will challenge your body and mind.

22

Skyrush, Pennsylvania

skyrush_hershey parkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyrush

Since it first opened in 2012 at HersheyPark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Skyrush has earned very high ratings from many roller coaster enthusiasts.

As the locals suggest, it’s not only the best roller coaster at Hershey, but it’s also one of the greatest roller coasters you’ll ever ride at any park.

In October, when Hersheypark is decorated with a Halloween theme, the ride is dubbed “Scarerush.”

21

Intimidator 305, Virginia

3kcXwWHhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intimidator_305

The Intimidator 305, located at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia, is one of the tallest, fastest, and most thrilling roller coasters on America’s East Coast.

The 300-tall first drop and high-speed twists and turns deliver a thrilling experience you will remember for a long time.

20

The Ultra Twister, Japan

800px-The_last_loop_in_Ultra_Twister,_Nagashima_Spa_Landhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_Twister_(Nagashima_Spa_Land)

The Ultra Twister is a roller coaster located at Nagashima Spa Land in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

It’s similar to other ultra-twister models in the United States, except that it has a vertical chain lift hill and an 84-degree drop. But trust us, this 84-degree drop makes a huge difference.

19

Diving Coaster: Vanish, Japan

vanish-roller-coasterhttps://rcdb.com/1290.htm

Alright, it’s not the tallest, biggest, or fastest roller coaster in the world … but just look at it. You know you want to ride this technological miracle, don’t you?

All you have to do is book a ticket for Japan and visit Yokohama’s Cosmoworld. The ride starts out slowly, climbing sky-high before diving into an underwater tunnel.

18

Shivering Timbers, Michigan

ma-shiveringtimbers-bannerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivering_Timbers

Shivering Timbers is a solid mile of pure adrenaline, excitement, and fun! The signature ride at Michigan’s Adventure, this classic wooden roller coaster holds the record as the longest and fastest in the state.

After hopping into a seat and strapping in, you climb to a dizzying height of 125 feet before plunging down a whopping 122 feet at a 55-degree angle. You just might leave your stomach far behind.

We recommend you avoid a big lunch before venturing on this ride.

17

El Toro, New Jersey

ElToro-59722ed8af5d3a00112e8697.jpghhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Toro_(Six_Flags_Great_Adventure)

At first glance, El Toro looks like a classic wooden roller coaster, with its complicated architecture rising high over the park.

Built with ultra-modern engineering techniques, however, you will get that classic feel with a smoother, faster, and more exciting ride than those old wooden coasters ever dreamed.

16

The Beast, Ohio

1200px-KI_SOB_Layouthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beast_(roller_coaster)

Designed and built in-house by Kings Island personnel, The Beast sprawls across 35 acres of wooded terrain.

When The Beast first opened to the public on April 14, 1979, it was acclaimed as America’s ultimate roller coaster. It broke records as the longest and fastest ride in the world.

Still listed in the prestigious “Guinness Book of World Records” as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world (7,359 feet) it has thrilled over 55 million riders over the years.

15

Millennium Force, Ohio

1024px-Millennium_Force_(Cedar_Point)_06https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Force

Ranking as one of the world’s best steel coasters year after year since its opening in 2000, this behemoth shoots riders over hills, past lagoons, and through tunnels, all at unbelievable speeds.

A looming giant among a park full of them, Millennium Force was designed for the purpose of proving that bigger really is better.

14

Leviathan, Canada

Leviathan_Hammerhead_Turnhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(roller_coaster)

Are you a daring and ambitious thrill-seeker looking to conquer Canada’s tallest and fastest roller coaster? Look no further. The leviathan might be a mythical sea creature, but as a roller coaster, it will take you on the ride of your life.

On this record-breaking mega coaster, you ascend a heart-pounding 306 feet to reach the highest peak in the park, where you face a steep 80-degree drop.

Before you know it, you’ll be racing down the track at incredible speeds reaching up to 92 mph … faster than most trains in Canada.

13

Gatekeeper, Ohio

Cedar_Point_beach_view_from_Sky_Ride_2013https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GateKeeper_(roller_coaster)

At a speed of 67 mph, the GateKeeper roller coaster at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, takes you on a terrifying six inversions at a dizzying height of 170 feet.

No wonder it’s currently touted as the world’s tallest and fastest wing coaster.

12

Superman: Escape From Krypton, California

800px-Superman_Escape_from_Krypton_towerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman:_Escape_from_Krypton

This Superman’s homeworld of Krypton is really beautiful but daring at the same time. In case you’re visiting it any time soon, watch out for the walls lined with glowing green kryptonite!

You and 13 other superhero wannabes must escape by piling into a sleek car that will blast you off this frozen rock. Keep in mind, however, that you will have to shoot from 0 to 100 mph in seven seconds … in reverse.

This record-breaking speed and acceleration has never before been achieved in a thrill ride, let alone backward.

11

The Gravity Max, Taiwan

roller_coaster_1498251051https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Gravity_Max

Advertised as a “Tilt Coaster” or “Cliffhanger,” the train at Discovery World in Lihpao Land in Taiwan gets pulled up a lift hill to a horizontal platform.

The track then tilts until it is vertical, drops down a tunnel, turns 180 degrees, and emerges to enter a vertical loop.

A one-of-a-kind roller coaster, it is currently the world’s only “tilt” coaster.

10

Full Throttle, California

1024px-Full_Throttle_loop_2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_Throttle_(roller_coaster)

According to the local urban legends at Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Full Throttle promises to excite you like never before.

This thrilling ride has three separate launches. You’ll go from zero to 70 mph like it was nothing, and then it’ll happen all over again backward.

In other words, you’ll come to a slamming stop inside a sci-fi-themed tunnel, only to be bolted back out in reverse. Are you brave enough to handle this?

9

Hades 360, Wisconsin

1280px-WisconsinDellsWisconsinRollercoasterhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades_360

Named after the ancient Greek god of the underworld, this roller coaster feels like Hades put on his wheels to terrorize anyone who dares to ride with him.

With speeds of 70 mph, a drop height of 140 ft, and a 360-degree loop, this is the world’s first upside-down wooden roller coaster, with the world’s longest underground tunnel.

8

Cannibal, Utah

IMG_5249https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibal_(roller_coaster)

Cannibal is a steel roller coaster at Lagoon amusement park in Farmington, Utah, which opened in 2015. It’s notorious for lifting riders 208 feet high and then plunging them into a 116-degree beyond-vertical free-fall into an underground tunnel.

Riders travel up to 70 mph over 2,735 feet and through three inversions. It currently features the steepest drop in America and holds the world record for the tallest beyond-vertical drop on a roller coaster.

7

Top Thrill Dragster, Ohio

2xm07aaqr1f21https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Thrill_Dragster

Three point eight … that’s 3.8 seconds. That’s all it takes to go from a complete standstill to 120 mph while you’re riding the Top Thrill Dragster.

You’ve never experienced speed like this … unless you’re an astronaut or something.

6

Wicked Twister, Ohio

Wicked_Twisterhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicked_Twister

This roller coaster will catapult you forward so violently that you won’t even be sure if there’s track in front of you. Honestly, the 72 miles-per-hour feels more like 100 mph.

Soaring towards the sky won’t last long because, before you know it, you’re flying back toward the station.

Racing back and forth builds momentum to reach a maximum height of 206 feet. But with a name like Wicked Twister, are you really that surprised?

5

The Banshee, Ohio

Roller-coaster-at-nighthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banshee_(roller_coaster)

Adrenaline junkies have something to scream about when they experience the world’s longest steel-inverted roller coaster.

With seven stomach-churning inversions, this 4,124-foot long coaster located at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio, reaches a maximum speed of 68 miles per hour.

4

Kingda Ka, New Jersey

Kingda-Ka-the-tallest-and-fastest-roller-coaster-in-North-Americahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingda_Ka

There’s a reason they call this coaster the King. Kingda Ka is the tallest coaster in the world and the fastest roller coaster in North America. Is that impressive enough to warrant royalty? You bet it is.

Its upside-down U-shaped track rises 45 stories; that’s 456 feet high! This leaves all other coasters in the dust.

Last but not least, the train is launched by a hydraulic launch mechanism, accelerating to an insane 128 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds.

3

Takabisha, Japan

800px-Takabisha_under_construction_3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takabisha

Takabisha is a German-designed roller coaster located at Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi, Japan.

Currently the world’s steepest roller coaster, Fuji Q Highland invested a whopping $37 million in the development of this amazing roller coaster.

The ride provides 112 seconds of pure thrill.

2

Formula Rossa, UAE

FormulaRossa_apphttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_Rossa

Are you ready to feel the surge of 4.8Gs in the pit of your stomach as you scale heart-racing heights of 52 meters?

If your answer is yes, the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi offers the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, capable of reaching 150 mph in less than five seconds.

 

1

Fury 325, North and South Carolina

Craziest Roller Coastershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fury_325

Fury 325 is North America’s longest steel coaster and is over 1.25 miles long.

The average ride lasts about three and a half minutes. Interestingly, the ride crosses both North and South Carolina state lines.

Fury 325 has been voted the world’s best steel coaster in Amusement TodayGolden Ticket Awards for four consecutive years, beginning in 2016.



Photo: 1. https://www.reddit.com/r/rollercoasters/comments/6nb9f0/fury_325_my_first_giga_coaster_i_know_some_dont/, 2. https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/en/rides, 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takabisha#/media/File:Takabisha_under_construction_3.jpg, 4. https://onthisride.com/kingda-ka/, 5. http://www.lovethesepics.com/2015/01/thrill-seekers-virtual-ride-on-highest-ranked-roller-coasters-in-2015-pics-videos/, 6. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Wicked_Twister, 7. https://www.reddit.com/r/rollercoasters/comments/any61g/top_thrill_dragster_august_2018/, 8. https://www.coaster101.com/2015/07/03/cannibal-opens-at-lagoon/, 9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades_360#/media/File:WisconsinDellsWisconsinRollercoaster.jpg, 10. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Full_Throttle#/media/File:Full_Throttle_loop_2.jpg, 11. http://www.industrytap.com/gravity-max-worlds-first-tilting-roller-coaster-offers-true-90-drop-madness/22542, 12. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman:_Escape_from_Krypton#/media/File:Superman_Escape_from_Krypton_tower.jpg, 13. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GateKeeper_(roller_coaster)#/media/File:Cedar_Point_beach_view_from_Sky_Ride_2013.jpg, 14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(roller_coaster)#/media/File:Leviathan_Hammerhead_Turn.jpg, 15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Force#/media/File:Millennium_Force_(Cedar_Point)_06.JPG, 16. https://chronicles.roadtrippers.com/true-story-wooden-roller-coaster-epic-survive-eternal-flame-marks-grave/, 17. https://www.tripsavvy.com/el-toro-six-flags-great-adventure-3225670, 18. https://www.miadventure.com/blog/2017/may/summertime-in-michigan-%E2%80%93-shivering-timbers, 19. https://www.techeblog.com/vanish-a-thrilling-underwatr-roller-coaster-in-japan/, 20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_Twister_(Nagashima_Spa_Land)#/media/File:The_last_loop_in_Ultra_Twister,_Nagashima_Spa_Land.jpg, 21. https://imgur.com/gallery/3kcXwWH, 22. http://www.amusementinsider.com/2019/05/hersheypark-targets-mid-june-for.html, 23. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/how-alton-towers-dealt-smiler-18726237, 24. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_Dragon_2000#/media/File:Steel_dragon_2000.jpg, 25. https://external-preview.redd.it/TWktOB2XUc2IdAopwCHVx9LjCkDttYcftZAWalDJ55U.jpg?auto=webp&s=4bb4f9a874268044679ed8b1956183a6031797b2