Modern roller coasters provide a thrilling experience like no other. Think about mind-blowing speeds, heart-pounding free falls, and moments against gravity. Well, it certainly sounds exciting. Today, we’ll explore the scariest roller coasters in the world where even the bravest souls can’t ride without shrieking with fear.
For everyone, it is a hair-raising experience due to the scary drops and chilling moments. These roller coasters are a must-try if you enjoy the thrill of danger coupled with enjoyment!
Scariest Roller Coasters In The World
There are a number of terrifying roller coasters that boast Guinness World Records for things like height and width. If you’re looking for record-breaking roller coasters that will leave you scared, keep scrolling down.
Yukon Striker at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario is the best roller coaster for thrill seekers! It’s known as the world’s scariest roller coaster.
This thrilling ride boasts four inversions and a spine-chilling 75-meter drop by setting new standards for dive coaster models. You may visit this nerve-wracking roller coaster which operates daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Online ticket prices and gate ticket prices have a huge difference.
Thrill Factor: The roller coaster’s journey starts with a 180-degree right turn out of the station followed by an ascent into the lift hill. A 90-degree right turn leaves riders hanging over the 24-story drop at the apex.
History and Design: It opened for the public on May 3, 2019. This steel dive coaster was designed by Bolliger & Mabillard and replaced SkyRider (a coaster removed from the park in 2014).
Riders Experience: Riders can experience an exciting underwater tunnel that leads to the 187-foot-tall Immelmann which is followed by a daring 152-foot-tall zero-g winder and a 122-foot-tall vertical loop. The fear and excitement continue as the roller coaster goes through a 103-foot-tall Immelmann over Timberwolf Falls.
Safety Measures: Yukon Striker has to meet the rules and regulations set out by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) to ensure safety. Amusement parks have to follow the maintenance and inspection recommendations of the ride manufacturer.
Awards and Records: It holds world records as the tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster with a length of 1,105 meters and a maximum speed of 130 km/h. It shares the height record with Valravn at Cedar Point.
What to Expect: If you prefer to slide and dive, this park offers a 20-acre sun lover’s paradise. The park features a wave pool, water slides, children’s splash stations, cliff jumping at Mountain Bay Cliffs, and more.
Price: You can get gate tickets starting from $44.99 and online tickets from $99.99.
Practical Information: There is a height restriction of 52 to 77 inches (132 – 196 cm). Visiting the park in May and June is recommended for shorter lines.
Height: 68m | Speed: 130km/h | Inversions: 4 | Duration: 3:20 | Unique Feature: Second Fastest and Steepest Roller Coaster in Canada
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If you’re searching for a roller coaster that leaves you amazed & scared, consider experiencing Millennium Force at Cedar Point in Ohio. This “Giga Coaster” provides a smooth and comfortable experience while scaring the daylights out of you.
The track is illuminated by neon lights at night, adding to the thrilling atmosphere. This roller coaster operates on different schedules. However, it commonly runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thrill Factor: It has an impressive 226-foot height supported by 9400 yards of concrete which offers a thrilling experience. The coaster features a steep 45-degree ascent followed by a heart-stopping 80-degree drop.
History and Design: This incredible roller coaster broke tradition by using a zippy elevator cable. It was manufactured by Intamin and proudly became Cedar Point’s 14th roller coaster when it debuted in 2000.
Rider Experience: Riders experience weightlessness and rapid side-to-side movements. Further, it provides high-speed elements, pops of airtime, and a lengthy ride. The t-bar restraints offer a freeing feeling.
Safety Measures: Individual lap bars and seatbelts secure riders across their thighs and pelvis.
Awards and Records: It broke five world records for coasters upon opening in May 2000. It introduced a magnetic braking system and was briefly the world’s tallest and fastest coaster.
What to Expect: The diverse array of attractions, including Pipe Scream, Wilderness Run, Woodstock Express, Corkscrew, Iron Dragon, and the famous Top Thrill Dragster, ensure thrills for guests of all ages.
Price: The cheapest rate for this roller coaster is $49.
Practical Information: Riders must meet the height requirement of 48–78 inches (122–198 cm) to enjoy this thrilling experience.
Height: 310 ft | Speed: 149 km/h | Inversions: 0 | Duration: 2:20 | Unique Feature: Broke five world records.
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One of the scariest Roller Coasters in the world, Titan is a roller coaster that will challenge your senses and test your limits. It is a colossal steel roller coaster that is located at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas. It boasts an impressive layout that extends over the park’s employee entrance and the overflow parking lot. The sheer size is awe-inspiring as it operates with up to three trains.
Each train accommodates 30 riders across five cars with three rows of two. The intensity of the ride is no joke. It becomes especially evident during the two helices and final turns that make hearts race. The exhilaration is available on Fri & Sat: 11 am-9 pm, Sun: 11 am-8 pm, and other days: 11 am-7 pm.
Thrill Factor: Why is this roller coaster scary? It begins with a slow U-turn out of the station with a thrilling climb up a 245-foot (75 m) hill. Be ready for an adrenaline rush as the train drops 255 feet (78 m) into a 120-foot (37 m) underground tunnel.
History and Design: It was built by Giovanola and designed by Werner Stengel. The attraction’s announcement took place in November 2000 and opened its gates on April 27, 2001.
Rider Experience: Riders can experience a thrilling blast through a fast tunnel and soar over a hump, making them feel lifted out of their seat. But hold on tight as the ride speeds through sharp turns at 85 miles per hour.
Safety Measures: During the summer, this roller coaster reaches speeds of over 90 miles per hour which is enough to melt train wheels. A misting system was installed to keep the wheels cool to ensure safe operation.
Awards and Records: Titan opened as the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in Texas. It earned its place among the top ten fastest roller coasters in the United States due to its incredible speed.
What Else to Expect: Get ready for pulse-pounding coasters, dining, shopping, and entertainment suitable for kids, adults, and everyone.
Price: The price of admission is set at $49.
Practical Information: Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to be eligible for the ride. Consider visiting on weekdays during the summer or any regular operating day in April, May, June, or September for the best experience.
Height: 75m | Speed: 137 km/h | Inversions: 0 | Duration: 3:30 | Unique Feature: Remains tallest, longest and fastest roller coaster in Texas.
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Twisted Colossus is a unique roller coaster that blends the old-style wooden structure of Colossus with the newer steel track from Rocky Mountain Construction. This steel roller coaster is located at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.
The ride has 4 trains but only 3 are used at a time with each train having 6 cars. In each car, riders sit 2 across 2 rows that allow a total of 24 riders on each train. When the ride operators work quickly you’ll have the chance to race and compete with the other train. This makes the ride even more enjoyable and exciting.
The drop on this roller coaster is amazing and you’ll also experience thrilling hang time and airtime throughout the ride. It is open for riders from 10 am to 6 pm.
Thrill Factor: After a 90-degree left turn, the ride goes through drive tires, and small hills, ascends the lift hill, and offers an 80-degree drop. The ride will not only accelerate their heartbeat but also challenge their senses.
History and Design: This dual-tracked roller coaster was designed and built by International Amusement Devices. Further, its gate first opened to the public after a complete renovation to the previous model, on May 23, 2015.
Rider Experience: Riders can enjoy the traditional thrills of a wooden coaster while also experiencing the excitement of the latest state-of-the-art coaster technology.
Safety Measures: Guests must meet ride requirements that require proper riding position and utilize restraint systems (lap bars, shoulder harnesses, seatbelts). Furthermore, the park reserves the right to assess eligibility based on size, weight, height, or other limitations.
Awards and Records: The roller coaster held records for being the world’s tallest and fastest wooden coaster, featuring the first two drops greater than 100 feet (30 m).
What to Expect: Six Flags Magic Mountain, known as the “Thrill Capital of the World,” offers an array of thrilling coasters, rides for kids, and classic family attractions on its 260-acre theme park.
Price: Normally, the ticket for this park is $76 which includes the roller coaster ride.
Practical Information: Riders must be at least 54 inches tall to enjoy this roller coaster.
Height: 30m | Speed: 92 km/h | Inversions: 2 | Duration: 3:40 | Unique Feature: Blends old-style wooden structure with newer steel track
Thrill-seekers at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio can experience the excitement of the Banshee roller coaster. It operates with three trains and each consisting of eight cars providing an impressive hourly capacity of 1,650 riders.
Banshee takes riders through an elevation change of 208 feet that starts from the highest point of the 167-foot tall lift hill to the lowest point featuring the batwing inversions. The roller coaster is open from 10 am to 10 pm on all days and offers non-stop thrills for everyone.
Thrill Factor: It offers scary thrills with a combination of intense height, speed, inversions, and drops which make it the perfect choice for adrenaline junkies seeking a wild ride. The lack of interactions in the open field setting adds to the intensity of the ride.
History and Design: This coaster is designed and manufactured by Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard which opened on April 18, 2014. The coaster’s construction cost $24 million which made it Kings Island’s most expensive project at the time.
Rider Experience: It delivers strong forces which include a terrain height change for an added speed boost and offers desired inversions characteristic of inverted coasters. Additionally, it incorporates an in-line twist to enhance the excitement.
Safety Measures: Riders are secured with flexible, over-the-shoulder restraints and interlocking seat belts, known as vest restraints.
Awards and Records: With 4,124 feet (1,257 m) of track, Banshee was the longest inverted roller coaster in the world when it opened. Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket Awards has consistently ranked Banshee among the top 50 steel roller coasters in the world.
What To Expect: You can also experience other things like Cincinnati events and different food, and enjoy live entertainment.
Price: The park entry costs $59.99 which includes the roller coaster as well.
Practical Information: Guests should be 44 inches or above to experience this ride.
Height: 51 m | Speed: 109 km/h | Inversions: 7 | Duration: 3:00 | Unique Feature: Remains the world’s longest inverted roller coaster.
As you drive on I-15 Veterans Memorial Highway between Salt Lake and Layton, you might come across the Cannibal roller coaster. This amazing ride is smooth and cool, taking you on a breathtaking journey. It has seven trains each carrying 12 riders in three rows of four.
The combination of the towering drop, sharp angle, and inversions results in a thrilling ride best suited for the bravest adventurers. Cannibal welcomes all thrill-seekers to experience the excitement every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
Thrill Factor: Cannibal lifts riders above and sends them on a heart-stopping 116° beyond-vertical free-fall into an underground tunnel. It features a 140-foot-tall inverted loop and a water feature.
History and Design: Debuting on July 2, 2015, Cannibal boasted the world’s tallest beyond-vertical drop at that time. It was designed by Dal Freeman and manufactured by ART Engineering.
Rider Experience: Its 208 feet elevator lift, enclosed in a towering structure leads to an intense ride with inversions. It features an exciting loop that resembles an Immelman and a one-of-a-kind “Lagoon Roll.”
Safety Measures: It follows strict safety protocols and undergoes regular inspections for safety. The seats have lap restraints which provide secure and comfortable seating.
Awards and Records: This scary roller coaster consistently ranks among the top 50 steel roller coasters worldwide in the Golden Ticket Awards.
What to Expect: You will experience 50 rides, heart-racing X-Venture attractions, and splash-filled fun at Lagoon. Further, you can visit Pioneer Village for a trip back to the Wild West and enjoy captivating shows. If you are visiting in October then don’t forget to brace yourself for Frightmares ( a hair-raising event).
Practical Information: Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall to ride Cannibal.
Height: 48 inches (122 cm) | Speed: 110 km/h)| Inversions: 4 | Duration: 3 minutes | Unique Feature: Tallest roller coaster in the state.
GateKeeper is a steel roller coaster located at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. It operates with three open-air steel and fiberglass trains each with eight cars of four seats each with two on each side of the track.
Each train holds 32 riders and the ride has a capacity of about 1,710 riders per hour. A high-speed wing-looping roller coaster that turns riders upside down six times. It opens from 10 am to 10 pm on all days.
Thrill Factor: GateKeeper offers an exhilarating experience with a wing-over drop maneuver at 67 mph and a 180-degree rotation into a half loop at 170 feet, setting a record for the highest inversion among roller coasters.
History and Design: This exciting Wing Coaster was designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) and is the fifth of its kind in the world. It opened on May 11, 2013, with a hugely successful weekend at the park.
Rider Experience: As riders board the winged coaster, they can experience the thrilling sensation of flying through the air during the breathtaking wing-over drop. Throughout the ride, they will also feel weightless and enjoy the swaying motion from side to side which add more excitement.
Safety Measures: You’ll be safely secured with over-the-shoulder restraints and seat belts. The coaster’s seats are supported by a sturdy steel arm on the side of the track for a safe ride.
Awards And Records: GateKeeper earned the title of the world’s highest inversion upon its debut and set numerous records for Wing Coasters, including height, speed, track length, drop height, and inversions. It ranked 28th among steel roller coasters in the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards poll by Amusement Today and remained a favorite at Cedar Point.
What To Expect: Visitors can explore a plethora of exciting upcoming events, including festivals, concerts, live music, and sporting events. It also offers a range of delicious dining options, authentic cuisine, and local favorites.
Practical Information: Riders must be between 52 inches and 78 inches tall to enjoy the adventure.
Height: 52 m | Speed: 108 km/h | Inversions: 6 | Duration: 2:40 | Unique Feature: Record-breaking inversions
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Roller coaster enthusiasts can enjoy Time Traveler, an intense spinning ride at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, USA.
The coaster’s cars accommodate four passengers, with two facing forward and two facing backward. Time Traveler holds the record for using the most inversions during its time which cost $26 million. It includes a 95-foot tall vertical loop and two launches that can send riders to unprecedented speeds. It opens daily from 9:30 am to 10 pm.
Thrill Factor: The unique combination of spinning vehicles, a vertical drop, double launches, and multiple inversions provides an exhilarating experience. The rush of excitement increases as the cars spin and plunge 10 stories straight down.
History and Design: The ride officially opened on March 14, 2018. It was initially planned to be sponsored by White River Valley Electric. However, Mack Rides collaborated with the park’s in-house team to build this roller coaster by taking inspiration from a successful prototype train tested on another coaster.
Rider Experience: Riders can enjoy 14 mind-blowing twists and loops. Thrill-seekers will love the two launches that propel them from 0 to 47 mph in 3 seconds and 30 to 45 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Safety Measures: Regular inspections by third-party teams and daily checklists before boarding ensure safe rides. The coaster undergoes four or five cycles before opening and daily routine tests prioritize rider safety.
Awards and Records: Time Traveler has become the tallest and fastest spinning roller coaster and it was the first of its kind to feature three inversions. It was recognized as the second-best new roller coaster of 2018 and ranked 18th overall among steel coasters in Amusement Today’s annual Golden Ticket Awards.
What to Expect: Food, thrill rides, live shows, 100 resident craftsmen, and 60 unique shops make up the fun by providing a great experience for the entire family.
Practical Information: Riders are required to be at least 51 inches tall to be able to ride.
Height:30 m | Speed: 81.0 km/h | Inversions: 3 | Duration: 1:57 | Unique Feature: World’s first roller coaster with 3 inversions
Griffon is a steel roller coaster that operates at Busch Gardens Williamsburg amusement park in James City County, Virginia, United States. Griffon operates with three steel and fiberglass trains and is colored red, yellow, and black.
Each train has three rows that can seat ten riders across, providing a total capacity of 30 riders per train. This configuration allows the ride to achieve a theoretical hourly capacity of 1,400 riders per hour. The roller coaster is open from 10 am to 10 pm for everyone.
Thrill Factor: This amazing roller coaster makes riders feel both thrilled and vulnerable. If you’re in the front row, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to fly through the sky.
History and Design: Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) designed the Dive Coaster model. It debuted to the public on May 18, 2007, making its mark as an innovative addition to the world of roller coasters.
Rider Experience: Griffon’s floorless trains allow your legs to dangle freely throughout the thrilling journey. Experience up to 4 times the force of gravity as you dive through the exhilarating twists and turns.
Safety Measures: Safety is a top priority for Griffon. Each seat is equipped with over-the-shoulder restraints and a seatbelt to ensure a secure ride for all.
Awards and Records: Griffon has earned well-deserved recognition for its exceptional ride experience. In 2007, it secured third place in the Best New Ride category at the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards presented by Amusement Today. Since then, it has consistently ranked among the top 50 steel roller coasters worldwide and reached a peak rank of 19 in 2010.
What Else To Expect: At Busch Gardens Williamsburg, you will find a mind-blowing array of roller coasters and water rides that will keep you coming back for more.
Practical Information: Riders who want to take on this daring ride must be 54 inches or taller.
Height: 62 m | Speed: 114 km/h | Inversions: 2 | Duration: 3:00 | Unique Feature: First floorless Dive Coaster
Invertigo
Invertigo is a Vekoma inverted shuttle roller coaster that is located at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, USA. From 1999 to 2007, the ride was originally called Face/Off. Each car on this roller coaster has four seats in two back-to-back rows so riders can face each other during the ride.
With your feet dangling free below, Invertigo can carry riders up a 138-foot lift. This gives you the momentum to fly through three inversions both forwards and backward at speeds that can reach 55 miles per hour.
Thrill Factor: This inverted looping roller coaster takes riders through three inversions, both forward and backward. This thrilling experience leaves passengers with a surge of butterflies in their stomachs and might lead to an increased heart rate.
History and Design: Invertigo was developed and manufactured by the Dutch company Vekoma. It is part of a series of four roller coasters based on this model, with the first installation known as HangOver, which opened in 1997 at Liseberg amusement park in Sweden.
Rider Experience: Passengers sit face-to-face which allows them to stare at fellow riders throughout the journey. The train completes the circuit twice by running in the opposite direction as it returns to the station.
Safety Measures: Kings Island employs a ride rating system that categorizes attractions from one to five, with one denoting calm rides and five signifying the most aggressive experiences in terms of intensity.
Awards and Records: Invertigo is the world’s first launched roller coaster using a linear induction motor,
What Else to Expect: You can enjoy not only the thrilling Invertigo roller coaster but also 42 other rides and attractions, games of fortune, music stages, dance floors, and a variety of restaurants and cafes—all nestled in this beautiful green parkland setting.
Practical Information: To enjoy the excitement of Invertigo, riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 54 inches or above.
Height: 40.0 m | Speed: 80 km/h | Inversions: 3 | Duration: 1:30 | Unique Feature: Longest of its kind in the world
Summary!
Check out this table for a quick summary of each of the roller coasters we mentioned!
Scariest Roller Coasters in the World | Summary | |||||
| Roller Coaster | Location | Height (m) | Speed (km/h) | Duration (min:sec) | Unique Features |
| Yukon Striker | Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario | 68 | 130 | 3:20 | Tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster |
| Millennium Force | Cedar Point, Ohio | 310 | 150 | 2:20 | Broke five world records for coasters |
| Titan | Six Flags Over Texas, Texas | 75 | 137 | 3:30 | Remains the tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster in Texas |
| Twisted Colossus | Six Flags Magic Mountain, California | 30 | 92 | 3:40 | Blends old-style wooden structure with newer steel track |
| Banshee | Kings Island, Ohio | 51 | 109 | 3:00 | World’s longest inverted roller coaster |
| Cannibal | Lagoon, Utah | 48 | 110 | 3:00 | Tallest roller coaster in the state |
| GateKeeper | Cedar Point, Ohio | 52 | 108 | 2:40 | Record-breaking inversions |
| Time Traveler | Silver Dollar City, Missouri | 30 | 81 | 1:57 | World’s first roller coaster with 3 inversions |
| Griffon | Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia | 62 | 114 | 3:00 | First floorless Dive Coaster |
| Invertigo | Kings Island, Ohio | 40 | 80 | 1:30 | World’s first launched roller coaster using a linear induction motor |
Conclusion
The real fun in roller coasters comes from the scare and thrill factor within them. The carefully crafted drops, loops, twists, and inversions are designed to challenge our sense of fear while simultaneously igniting our sense of adventure. With the scariest roller coasters in the world listed above, you now have plenty to explore for your next trip!
Scariest Roller Coasters in the World - FAQs
The scariest roller coaster in the world is Yukon Striker at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario. It is known for its thrilling four inversions and a spine-chilling 75-meter drop, setting new standards for dive coaster models.
Titan is terrifying due to its combination of intense height, speed, inversions, and drops. It starts with a slow U-turn out of the station and a thrilling climb up a 245-foot hill, followed by a heart-stopping 255-foot drop into a 120-foot underground tunnel.
GateKeeper at Cedar Point is a wing coaster, making it unique with its thrilling wing-over drop maneuver at 67 mph and a 180-degree rotation into a half loop at 170 feet, setting a record for the highest inversion among roller coasters.
Roller coasters are designed and built with safety as a top priority. They undergo rigorous testing and inspections to ensure they meet strict safety standards. Following the rules and guidelines set by the amusement park and ride operators further enhances safety.
Most roller coasters have height restrictions to ensure the safety of riders. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions or physical limitations are advised not to ride due to the forces experienced during the ride.
Reviewed by Bilal Ahmed Vohra
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