Amusement parks and fairs serve as film locations, backdrops for renowned directors, places to make wishes that don't quite go as planned, to learn the story of one of the world's most famous illusionists, or to see dinosaurs up close. A water park is a place to reunite a group of old friends or to write your own summer movie story. It's also a setting for comedy, drama, and even horror.
We have selected some of the Movies in which amusement parks, water parks and theme parks take center stage.
1. “Grown Ups” (Dennis Dugan, USA, 2010)
Five friends reunite after the death of their basketball coach. They decide to spend a few days in a mountain cabin with their families, and although the first problems and recriminations begin to surface, they soon realize that their friendship is much stronger. During their vacation, the five families decide to visit a water park, one of the best excuses to have fun, forge new bonds, and help their children understand that there's more to life than a cell phone or a screen and that they can have fun outdoors too. The cast includes names like Adam Sandler, Salma Hayek, and Rob Schneider.
2. “Jurassic Park” (Steven Spielberg, USA, 1993)
When discussing theme parks in the world of cinema, the undisputed champion is the "Jurassic World" saga. This park, located on a remote island, is home to all sorts of prehistoric animals—until the first problems arise. The first film in the saga was released in 1993, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring actors such as Laura Dern, Sam Neill, Richard Attenborough, and Jeff Goldblum. Since then, generations have grown up with these films, which have become cornerstones of the adventure and science fiction genres. The most recent installment, "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," premiered in 2018, directed by J.A. Bayona.
3. “Big” (Penny Marshall, USA, 1988)
It is at an amusement park where a teenager finds a peculiar wishing machine and wishes to become an adult (played by Tom Hanks). But he soon longs to be a child again and must find the machine once more to make a new wish.
4. “The Great Houdini” (George Marshall, USA, 1953)
This documentary film tells the story of the renowned magician and illusionist Harry Houdini and his wife, Bess, whom he met at a Coney Island amusement park in New York. It is one of the most notable films about Houdini, with Tony Curtis portraying him and Janet Leigh playing Bess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVtzpPb3sYc
5. “Scoop” (Woody Allen, USA, 2006)
Even one of cinema's most acclaimed directors hasn't been able to resist turning a theme park or amusement park into a filming location. In this case, it serves as the setting for the encounter between Allen himself, who plays a magician, and the film's protagonist, played by Scarlett Johansson.
6. “Final Destination 3” (James Wong, USA, 2006)
Comedy, drama, science fiction, and, why not, even horror. The popular "Final Destination" film series centers the opening of its third installment in an amusement park. It's on a roller coaster that Wendy, the protagonist, has a vision of an accident that ends tragically; this causes her to get off the ride and witness her vision come true. From that moment on, her life will never be the same.
7. “#Atraccionante” (Tú, Benicàssim, 2018)
It's the latest release in over 30 years. In fact, it's the movie of the summer. An adventure comedy that tells the story of one of the best holiday experiences: visiting the Benicàssim water park. Aquarama. A story in which you are the protagonist and the one who will shape it.
