12 Roller Coasters That’ll Make You Scream (and Wonder Why You Got on in the First Place)
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
There’s no place better than a roller coaster if you’re looking for thrills. The best roller coasters in the world are built to fill you with adrenaline and maybe even fear.
Most people love going on rides. Personally, I love an old-school carousel. But sometimes, that’s just not going to do the trick.
If you’re searching for heart-pounding action along a steel track, then you need to head to these parks. Below are the 12 best roller coasters in the world you can’t miss this year.
Swipe and Vote: Choose Your Favorite
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© aapsky / Adobe Stock
© Bertl123 / Shutterstock
© ChubbyWimbus / Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 3.0
© panosk18 / Adobe Stock
© Cornel / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
Prefer Listening? Here’s the Podcast
Enjoy our articles in audio form, perfect for planning your next getaway or relaxing on the go.
Note: Our podcasts are powered by cutting-edge technology to provide you with high-quality audio versions of our articles.
Save this!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Red Force, Ferrari Land, Tarragona, Spain
Red Force is one of Europe’s fastest coasters. It’s also one of the world’s only Giga coasters, with a height of over 300 feet.
This intense ride is not for the faint of heart. Expect to travel over 112 mph with zero to 112 mph accelerations in five seconds. You’ll have a 90° drop to contend with, too.
Coaster aficionados still consider the coaster to be among the world’s best. From its views to its thrills, it’s hard to find a more satisfying thrill ride.
Read also: Fun Facts About Europe
Mako, SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Mako is one of the scariest, most death-defying coasters in the US. If you love twists, turns, and pure dread, this is the coaster of your dreams or nightmares.
As one of the East Coast’s fastest and tallest coasters, Mako attracts a certain caliber of thrill seekers. Named after the fastest shark, the Mako turns your vacation into a scream-fest.
You’ll travel over 73 mph and drop from heights of 200 feet high. Then, be prepared to be pulled in every direction as you shoot along the edge of Ship Wreck Reef. This coaster is so scary, it’s continuously listed as among the world’s best.
Read also: Most Dangerous Tourist Destinations in the World
Phantom’s Revenge, Kennywood, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Phantom’s Revenge is another super coaster on the East Coast that will give you nightmares. You’ll travel over 3,365 feet of track and drop 232 feet at 85 miles per hour.
Rollercoaster fanatics love this coaster because of its speed and design. You’ll zoom past another roller coaster and come within feet of park structures. The ride pulls you in multiple directions and feels like you’re riding in a fighter jet.
When it opened in 1991, it became the world’s fastest coaster. It’s still considered one of the best coasters and an absolute must for coaster fans on the East Coast.
Read also: Top Bucket List Destinations in the World
Formula Rossa, Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Formula Rossa ranks as the world’s fastest coaster. You’ll speed through twists and turns designed to make your nightmares come true.
The coaster opened in 2010 and took the roller coaster world by storm. It features drops of over 170 feet and speeds of almost 150 mph. You’ll race through twists and drops until you reach the end of the track.
The coaster is located in Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, a theme park dedicated to ultra-fast cars. On this incredible ride, you’ll truly feel like you’re in a Formula One car.
Read also: Best Underwater Adventures in the World
Wildcat’s Revenge, Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Wildcat’s Revenge is a heart-pounding joyride through one of the most wholesome parks in the US. This wood and steel hybrid takes you over 140 feet high and drops you into inversions and turns.
You’ll travel over 62 miles per hour through the park. Prepare for drops over 80 degrees and moments where you feel free-falling. There’s the world’s largest underflip roll to prepare for as well.
The original Wildcat coaster was built in 1923 and was updated in 1996. The park opened Wildcat’s Revenge in 2023, 100 years after the first coaster was built. You’ll even see some wood from the original ride, making it the perfect destination for rollercoaster fans.
Read also: Thrilling Bungee Jumping Destinations in the World
Kingda Ka, Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, USA
When it opened in 2005, Kingda Ka was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. It has remained one of the world’s great coasters ever since.
This super-coaster travels over 128 miles per hour through twists, turns, and drops. The track covers over 3,000 feet of steel. Its height of 456 feet still makes it the world’s tallest coaster.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
One of the highlights of Kingda Ka is its drop. At over 418 feet, you’ll feel like you’re skydiving. Then, expect to accelerate from 0 to 128 mph in just over three seconds.
Read also: Top-Rated Offbeat US Attractions
Superman: Escape from Krypton, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita, USA
Superman: Escape from Krypton is one of the US’ most intense coasters. Located in the desert mountains of Southern California, this adventure is not to be missed.
It features a track length of over 1,200 miles. Expect a drop of over 328 feet, which takes you from zero to 100 mph in seven seconds.
When it was built in 1997, it was the tallest coaster in the world. Today, it’s still one of the most beloved coasters in the US and a must if you’re in California.
Read also: Cheapest Destinations in the US
Steel Dragon 2000, Nagashima, Japan
Steel Dragon 2000 is one of Asia’s most feared and revered roller coasters. When it opened in 2000, it took the roller coaster world by storm and broke several records.
You’ll travel over 8,000 feet of track through endless twists and turns. What makes most riders scream the most is its 307-foot drop. If that’s not more exciting, the coaster lasts more than four minutes.
The Steel Dragon is still the world’s longest coaster. It has the fastest chain lift in the world. If you love non-stop intensity, this is the best coaster for you.
Read also: Most Underrated Destinations in Japan
Leviathan, Maple, Canada
Leviathan is Canada’s premier roller coaster and a must for any roller coaster fan in North America. This massive structure stands over 306 feet above the Canadian countryside.
As you crawl towards the peak, expect to suddenly drop over 300 feet to speeds of 92 mph. You’ll travel over almost 5,500 feet of track on Canada’s tallest and fastest coaster.
In total, there are eight drops and several hills. You’ll feel almost entire weightlessness careening along the intense bends. After your ride, you can enjoy the rest of Canada’s Wonderland Park at a slower pace, of course.
Read also: Top Cities to Add to Your Bucket List
Millennium Force, Cedar Point, USA
Millennium Force is one of the US’ most respected coasters. Since opening in 2000, its 300-foot drop and 93 mph speeds have won plenty of fans.
You can expect endless thrills on this cable lift-powered ride. As you ride over two large hills, you’ll experience G-forces of around 4.5g. The second hill gives you a sensation of weightlessness as you fall from the sky.
The track speeds down 6,595 feet of steel. The entire ride lasts around two minutes and 20 seconds, making it one of the longest coasters in the US.
Read also: Must-See Beautiful US Cities
Fury 325, Charlotte, USA
Fury 325 is a must for roller coaster fans because of its sheer speed and intensity. Since 2015, it has remained one of the top coasters in the world.
You’ll travel over 6,000 feet of track, hitting speeds over 95 mph. The entire ride lasts over three minutes. On top of all this, you can expect a drop of 320 feet, making it one of the tallest coasters in the world.
The Fury 325 is a beautiful coaster designed to give endless thrills to even the pickiest coaster lover. After your ride, don’t miss the other coasters around the Carolina Boardwalk.
Read also: Best US Landmarks for First-Time Visitors
Orion, King’s Landing, Mason, USA
Orion is a massive coaster and one of the US’ most beloved rides. Expect to travel at speeds of over 91 mph through 5,321 feet of track.
The coaster opened in 2020 and has since become one of the world’s best rides. It features several twists and turns plus a 300-foot drop. As you speed at over 90 mph, the entire park feels like a blurry background.
In total, you can expect eight hills, each with their exciting highlights. The ride lasts over three minutes, so be prepared for more adrenaline than you can imagine. After your ride, you can take on the park’s other coasters, such as the famous Diamondback.
Read also: Best US Cities for Shopping
Pin It Now, Read It Later
