10 Theme Parks That Are Based on Movies

10 theme-parks that is based on movies
Adrian Chew
Adrian Chew 
Updated
| 6 min read

There are many different types of theme parks around the world and most of them base their attractions and rides on unique themes. More viable than playgrounds or funfairs, the theme park industry is booming and a big part of many people’s summer vacation. At this time of year, blockbuster movies screen throughout the season and people often visit theme parks after watching the movies.

Over the past few weeks, films like Wonder Woman, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2, have just started screening and more are on their way in the coming months. All these films have their amusement rides and are worth exploring. Sure to make your summer an adventurous one, discover and experience the 10 theme parks that are based on movies.

1. Avatar Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage (33825582954)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Theme Park Tourist used under CC BY 2.0

Avatar is the most popular and highest-grossing movie to date. Most Avatar fans will remember the various beautiful scenes from the movie but now they can even experience them in real life.

Embark on a journey to Pandora - the World of Avatar and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and wildlife, just like in the movie. Just imagine yourself as a Na'vi for the day and take a 3D augmented reality flying simulator ride to enjoy the breathtaking view of Mountain Banshee. And there is more - get ready to be part of the avatar program, where you will get to sync yourself with an Avatar. How cool is that? Besides all this, you will get to fly freely across the Valley of Mo'ara.

Don’t wait until the release of the next movie as it’s time to take a ride. Head over now and spend your day at this movie-themed amusement park.

Avatar Flight of Passage

Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32830, USA

Opening Hours: Tue - Fri: 8am - 8pm; Sat - Mon: 8am - 8:30pm

Website: Avatar Flight of Passage

2. Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!

GOTG ride
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alex used under CC BY 2.0

From the title, visitors and tourists will know that this attraction is based on the successful Marvel film series, Guardians of The Galaxy. So, what is this attraction all about? You will get to be a hero by breaking out the Guardians of the Galaxy from the Collector’s fortress. Remember Rocket, the talking racoon, who likes to talk a lot but is a good marksman? Kids will enjoy this fun attraction as they get to be Rocket and help break out Mantis, Star-Lord, Groot, Gamora and Drax from the evil, Collector.

While assisting Rocket in rescuing his friends, you will also get to see the trees and plants from across the universe. Upon seizing the gantry lift, you will then team up with Rocket on a challenging mission. The other Guardians of the Galaxy are trapped in display cases and you need to wreak havoc to ensure the mission is successful. It’s summer, so let’s start out on an exciting journey.

Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission: Breakout!

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday (9 am - 10 pm), Tuesday & Thursday (8 am - 10 pm), Saturday (8 am - 9 pm), Sunday (9 am - 11 pm)

Website: Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission: Breakout!

3. Iron Man Experience

Iron Man Experience
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ngchikit used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is another awesome attraction you must visit, which gives you the chance to be Tony Stark or Iron Man, at Hong Kong Disneyland. It is a 3-D motion simulator attraction in Tomorrowland. Hurry, as Iron Man is calling you and he needs your help to defeat Hydra, an evil terrorist organization and the extraterrestrial beings. It is a super awesome experience, as you will be fighting alongside Iron Man and protecting Hong Kong from the enemies.

This place is more than just amusement park rides based on movies. You will get to buy Iron Man souvenirs from the Expo Shop as well as enjoy Iron Man-themed food and beverages at the restaurants around Disneyland. There is more - you can also view the various suits and technologies at the Stark Expo. It is just like in the Iron Man film series. Don’t forget to bring your kids along, too. They will not feel bored here as they can play an interactive Iron Man game and experience it in real-time.

Iron Man Experience

Address: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday (10:30 am - 8 pm), Saturday - Sunday (10:30 am - 8:15 pm)

Website: Iron Man Experience

4. Pirates of The Caribbean: Battle For The Sunken Treasure

Entrane to Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user xiquinhosilva used under CC BY 2.0

Yet another attraction based on a successful movie series, before you go to the cinema to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, head straight to Shanghai Disneyland. While you are here, you will be amused and excited because you can be the famous Captain Jack Sparrow. Get ready to hunt for treasures and sail with the notorious pirates. You will definitely find something interesting here. But beware, as there are various monsters, just like in the movies.

The adventure starts at the Royal Navy’s former fortress and along the way you will pass Barbossa’s Bounty restaurant. Upon entering the Caves of Misfortune, you will meet up with Jack Sparrow. The journey then becomes even more exciting, because from here, you will come face to face with the Kraken and the Flying Dutchman’s shipwreck. There is also Davy Jones’ lair to see. Besides all this, the most interesting part is you will be engaged in a sea battle, between two ships. It starts to sound more like a movie scene and does indeed reflect the scenes in the film. Before concluding your adventure, you will see a fort filled with gold, by Captain Jack.

Pirates of The Caribbean Battle For The Sunken Treasure

Address: Huangzhao Rd., 川沙新镇 Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai Shi, China

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday(8 am - 8 pm)

Website: Pirates of The Carribean Battle For The Sunken Treasure

5. Saw: The Ride

Thorpe Saw - The Ride
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stefan Scheer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is one terrifying ride and if you are not up for it, don’t take the risk, as it is not for the faint-hearted. It is only for those who dare to take up the challenge and are not afraid of heights and screaming. The good news is Saw VIII will be in cinemas this October, but you don’t need to wait until Halloween to experience it. Summer is the best time, as you can bring your friends or family members to Thorpe Park.

Take a deep breath and overcome your fears on a rollercoaster ride, which will bring you a vertical drop of 100 degrees from a height of 100 feet (30.5 meters). That is freaking high and terrifying but worth the trip. Before you take the ride you will get to meet Billy the Puppet on a tricycle and various equipment used by Jigsaw, just like in the movie. There are other traps in the park and you need to hurdle them in order to reach your ride. From swinging blades to loaded crossbows, this is a once in a lifetime experience for horror movie fans and Saw followers. If you plan to come here, you need to book in advance online.

Saw: The Ride

Address: Staines Rd, Chertsey KT16 8PN, UK

Opening Hours: Refer to the website as it differs from time to time

Website: Saw:The Ride

6. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SolarSurfer used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Disneyland is well-known, not just for its fairy-tale attractions but also for attractions and theme parks based on movies especially animated films, like Finding Nemo. It is an ideal place for families and kids to spend time and have fun together. Ready yourself for an underwater adventure by boarding one of the yellow submarines at the Institute of Nautical Exploration and Marine Observation (NEMO). You will see most of the characters and settings from the movie, while underwater. You might not want to the three seagulls, perching on a nearby buoy, who cry out “Mine! Mine! Mine!”.

If you miss the submarine or can’t manage to board it, fret not, as you can enter the Observation Outpost at the end of the dock and watch a “SubCam” that shows the submarine voyage.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Address: Tomorrowland Terrace Stage, 1313 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (8 am - 12 am)

Website: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

7. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Elevator of Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Eliedion used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Although the Harry Potter film series and books have long been completed, its fan base is still very strong, globally. Try asking any teenager and they will definitely say they know about Harry Potter and like the series, very much. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is an attraction not to be missed.

Enter the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter, where the steel roller coaster ride will bring you through the vaults of Gringotts. Once you reach the vault, you will come face-to-face with the evil Lord Voldemort as well as Harry Potter and his friends. Do not miss this attraction and plan your trip here.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Opening Hours: Varies at different times. Kindly refer to the website.

Website: Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

8. Madagascar: A Crate Adventure

Madagascar A Crate Adventure sign
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Evelyn Lim used under CC BY 2.0

This water ride adventure is not to be missed and is fun for first timers and families, alike. You will definitely remember these names from the films - Gloria, Alex, Melman and Marty, all characters from the movie Madagascar. Take a boat ride and find them, as they are missing after the ship lost its way. This is an enjoyable ride for kids and they will indeed have a fun time.

Madagascar: A Crate Adventure

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday (10 am - 7 pm)

Website: Madagascar: A Crate Adventure

9. Tomb Raider: Firefall

The Crypt Kings Dominion
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user https://www.flick... used under CC BY 2.0

Tomb Raider: Firefall, is another attraction not to be missed. If you are not afraid of heights, you should take the Top Spin ride. Fans of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider will love this attraction. It sounds interesting, right? Plan your trip to Kings Dominion, in Virginia, USA, now.

Tomb Raider: Firefall

Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047, USA

Opening Hours: Kindly refer to the website.

Website: Tomb Raider: Firefall

10. Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster

Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster facade
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Herry Lawford used under CC BY 2.0

This is the spookiest and scariest rollercoaster based on movies ever made and you will get to experience it the Scooby-Doo way. The rollercoaster is just like the one in the movie if you notice. The main entrance is also terrifying, as it’s modeled after the Spooky Island Castle. Embark on a thrilling ride and experience the mystery of Scooby-Doo’s world.

Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster

Address: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday (9:30 am - 5 pm)

Website: Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster

Fun filled attractions

Every country has its own theme park and each theme park is unique in its own way. At the moment, attractions based on movies are so popular, as they continue to bring happiness to visitors and tourists, from around the world.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Adrian, originally hailing from the small town of Muar in Johor, Malaysia, was born and raised there. Following his parents' marriage, he made the transition to Kuala Lumpur and now resides in...Read more

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