Top 10 Craziest Roller Coasters We Can't Believe They Built

#10: Superman: Escape from Krypton (1997-2025)

United States

With how super-powered their reference is, it only makes sense that an attraction centered around the man of steel would be just as impressive. Superman: Escape from Krypton used to be one of the most unique coasters around. It's deceptively simple, and appears to be a single drop. The experience, however, proves naysayers wrong. Those aboard were shot up the 400 foot track at 100 miles per hour. They were then held at the top at a 90 degree angle for several seconds before rolling back down. For that brief moment, they would feel like they were flying, not unlike the hero himself. Though it was shut down in 2025, it still entertained guests for over a quarter-century proving that looks can be deceiving, even when it comes to rides.

#9: Formula Rossa (2010-)

United Arab Emirates

If youve ever wanted to combine the experience of being a NASCAR driver and flying, then this ride is for you. Debuting in 2010, this Abu Dhabi coaster immediately made history as the fastest in the world. The speed tops out at just under 150 miles per hour, with the launch mechanism ensuring they hit 100 in the first two seconds. As if that wasnt enough, the track is over a mile long, giving guests a prolonged experience theyll never forget. The combination of the intense pace and potential exposure to the elements has made safety goggles a mandatory inclusion while riding. Its a minute and a half of pure excitement and intensity, making it a holy grail for most roller coaster superfans.

#8: The Smiler (2013-)

United Kingdom

The name may lead you to believe this is a docile ride. In reality, its anything but. Located in the United Kingdom, The Smiler is intentionally disorienting. It holds the world record for the most times per ride where guests are thrown upside down, with a staggering 14 in total. From the moment it takes off, guests are spun around in the dark before being catapulted into the main event. The combination of rolls, loops, and sidewinders is enough to make anyones head spin. It even has a false pause, making you think youve made it through before sending you into the somehow more intense second half, complete with sea serpent and cobra rolls. Its the experience of a lifetime wed just recommend waiting to eat until after youre done.

#7: Shambhala (2012-)

Spain

Tall coasters arent limited to one area of the world. Spain boasts the largest in all of Europe, with this ones longest drop coming in at just over 250 feet. Thats only the tip of the iceberg. Attendees move at breakneck speeds as theyre taken through tiny tunnels and woven between the tracks of the attraction, before culminating in a drop that ends in an epic splashdown. While the thrills are great on their own, it also boasts a gorgeous view of the area around the park, particularly at the top of the first hill. This gives guests a moment of serenity before launching them into three minutes of pure chaos.

#6: Millennium Force (2000-)

United States

This is one of the most popular roller coasters running today, and its clear to see why. Built in 2000, the Millennium Force was dubbed the worlds first giga coaster which is characterized by a drop of at least 300 feet. Unlike some others that tease riders with a pause at the top of the first hill, this one pulls no punches. It immediately goes over and takes guests on the thrill of a lifetime, complete with sudden angle changes, tunnels, and wide loops. While it may not technically be the tallest or fastest option out there, its proof that those factors dont need to be dialled up to an eleven in order to be thrilling.

#5: Steel Dragon 2000 (2000-)

Japan

Some records are harder to break than others. Others may have surpassed this one in height and speed since its debut in 2000, but it has something theyll never have a seemingly endless track. Coming in at over 8,000 feet, the Steel Dragon 2000 comfortably holds the title for the longest roller coaster in the world. As a result, the ride lasts four whole minutes but we can guarantee you wont be bored. With multiple 200 foot hills and a corkscrew pattern to the track, it's made to keep people guessing the entire time and if its your first go-round, we defy you to anticipate whats around each corner.

#4: Fury 325 (2015-)

United States

Any ride can be tall or fast. However, it takes a different beast entirely to play with the attendees mind. Fury 325 seems to have been designed to be as daunting as possible, from the intense 320 foot drop to a track that carries you to the outermost edges of the park, including hurtling you over the entrance. For a moment, guests will even find themselves being momentarily taken over state lines into South Carolina. Thats without mentioning the sheer amount of high drops, sharp angles, and illuminated sections. For first timers, theres no way to tell what will happen next, making for an experience thats sure to be anything but boring.

#3: Takabisha (2011-)

Japan

Angles arent exactly a new concept for roller coasters to play around with. Many will incorporate 90 degree drops into their design, which is already daunting enough for new riders. Takabisha in Japan makes those look like childs play. It starts out by sending you into a pitch-black section that has its own variety of drops and loops. Then, youre shot outside to face a series of inversions, making you adequately dizzy before taking you to the main event: a dizzying 121 degree angle drop almost 150 feet in the air. Its so steep that the track curves inwards as you head down. For good measure, it ends things on another series of loops. Theres hardly a moment of respite, making it perfect for thrillseekers.

#2: Eejanaika (2006-)

Japan

If you thought the layout to any of these other coasters was confusing, then you may want to sit down for this one. Eejanaika takes some of the best components of other rides and elevates them to an even more intense experience, essentially creating the final boss of roller coasters. From the 360 degree seats on the X2 to the sheer amount of inversions on The Smiler, this is a Franken-ride in the best way possible. From being spun around backwards to emulate a backflip to being sent through a series of twists and turns, even the most seasoned amusement park attendees will need a minute after riding this.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

X2, United States (2002-)

Each Car Has Its Own 360 Degree Axis, Ensuring a Slightly New Experience Each Time

Do-Dodonpa, Japan (2001-21)

Launched Riders at 112 Miles per Hour in Less than Two Seconds

Gravity Max, Taiwan (2002-)

Takes Guests to the Edge of a Track Before Tilting Them Down 90 Degrees Onto Another One

Pantherian, United States (2010-)

The First Turn Was So Intense That Some Would Black Out While Riding

Hyperion, Poland (2018-)

With Banked Turns, Hills, & High Speeds, This Is Guaranteed to Keep You on Your Toes

#1: Kingda Ka (2005-24)

United States

It may be gone, but it will never be forgotten. In the United States, only a few come close to Kingda Ka which once held records as both the fastest and tallest coaster in the world. The initial 418-foot drop is so high that sometimes, the cars wouldnt get enough momentum to go over and instead roll back down which is a terrifying experience on its own. Make it over that hump, however, and you were treated to a slight corkscrew effect as you hurtled towards the ground. It was proof that you dont need tons of bells and whistles to make a hair-raising ride. It was demolished in 2025, but its legacy will live on in the hearts of thrillseekers forever.

Whats the craziest roller coaster youve ever ridden? Let us know in the comments below!