Top 10 Movies That Would Make Great Theme Park Attractions

As a kid, didn’t you always want to roll the dice that take you to this enchanted jungle universe? Of course, actually being trapped in the magical board game would be terrifying, but we think a ride based on the film’s adventures would be totally exhilarating. We’re imagining something similar to the Jungle Cruise you could find at Disney World, but basically taking it to the next level by making it a simulator ride filled with the movie’s most thrilling moments. We’re talking quicksand, a crocodile monsoon, a stampede, and giant spiders… well, maybe minus the spiders.

Considering that “Independence Day” was one of the biggest movies of the 90’s, it’s actually surprising it never inspired a theme park attraction. With its long-awaited sequel on the horizon, however, now’s as good a time as any to turn the blockbuster hit into a ride. We can see it now: passengers enter a simulator where they follow Jeff Goldblum on a mission to destroy the alien mothership. The ride would put people at the center of the action with spacecrafts attacking and world landmarks blowing up at every turn. What better way to follow-up such a mind-blowing experience than with a fireworks display?

Just as the human imagination has unlimited potential, the possibilities for an “Inside Out” attraction are endless. Disney could construct an entire theme park based on the islands of young Riley’s personality. We’d all love to visit Family Island, Friendship Island, Hockey Island, Honesty Island, and especially Goofball Island. Heck, we wouldn’t even mind checking out Tragic Vampire Romance Island. Plus, who wouldn’t want some cotton candy served by Bing Bong himself? Let’s hop aboard the train of thought for a literal emotional rollercoaster.

Both “How to Train Your Dragon” films are among the most engaging 3D movie-going experiences we’ve ever had. These movies were tailor-made for a 3D flight simulator ride where we follow Hiccup and Toothless on an aerial tour of Berk. Along the way, we can partake in a game of sheep catching and go up against the fearsome Bewilderbeast. Of course we could also see this franchise inspiring a kickass rollercoaster full of massive drops and vertical loops. In any case, a “How to Train Your Dragon” ride would make us feel as if we can touch the sky.

There aren’t many thrill rides that can make us laugh and scream simultaneously, but a “Ghostbusters” attraction might provide the perfect balance. We could see this working either as a simulation ride where passengers get to drive around in the Ecto-1 or something more along the lines of laser tag where you get to capture ghosts with a proton pack. Either way, you’d encounter a number of diverse creatures, such as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, terror dogs, and Slimer. The real question, though, is whether we’d rather follow the original Ghostbusters or the new team from the upcoming reboot.

“The Goonies” is one of those movies that any kid would love to experience in real life. Who didn’t want to go down those waterslides, or playthat organ, or board that pirate ship? Even the most dangerous and terrifying parts of this 80’s flick look like a blast. A “Goonies” theme parkattraction would bring out the kid in us all on an adventure to find One-Eyed Willy’s rich stuff. Think “Pirates of the Caribbean” meets the “Indiana Jones” ride at Disneyland. It wouldn’t be complete without an animatronic Chunk performing the Truffle Shuffle.

The Land of Oz is one of the most magical and iconic worlds the cinema has ever brought to life. So why haven’t we gotten an amusement park, or at least a major attraction, based on MGM’s perennial classic? Picture this: you enter the park and find yourself in Munchkinland, full of colorful parades and lollipops aplenty. You then follow the Yellow Brick Road, encountering a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion along the way. From there, you can venture to the Emerald City or the Wicked Witch’s castle. It’s a park bound to send us over the rainbow. You’ll never want to go home.

“Star Wars” is getting its own theme park. So why can’t “Star Trek” just get a motion simulator ride already? Similar to “Star Tours,” this attraction would allow Trekkers to board the USS Enterprise, dump the sucker into warp and boldly go where no one has gone before. We’d gladly join Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock on a voyage to Vulcan or the Genesis Planet to play some fizzbin, pick a fight, pick up some whales, or just pick up chicks. Anything goes but don't wear a red shirt on this ride. It won't end well.

As of now, the closest we’re going to get to a Middle-earth theme park is a trip to New Zealand. Still, we’re keeping our fingers crossed of a land inspired by Peter Jackson’s groundbreaking film trilogy. Whether you’re looking to kick back in the Shire, do battle at Helm’s Deep, or fly a giant eagle over Mt. Doom, it’d be like the most epic renaissance fair ever constructed. Although the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been a massive success, a “Lord of the Rings” world would be an amusement park to rule them all.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“War of the Worlds” (2005)

“Gravity” (2013)

“House of 1000 Corpses” (2003)

“Inception” (2010)

“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is abundant in memorable set pieces that would make for wonderful theme park attractions, from the Wonka Mobile, to the Great Glass Wonkavator, to that trippy-ass boat ride. Of course the attraction we would be most excited to visit is the Chocolate Room. We’ve all likely dreamed of tasting one of those creamy mushrooms, giant gummy bears, or edible teacups. A few Oompa Loompas should probably guard that chocolate river, however. With plenty of candy and fun to go around, a Willy Wonka land would be a place of pure imagination.

Do you agree with our list? What movie would you like to see become a theme park attraction? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.