On June 16, 1884, Sunday school teacher and part-time inventor LaMarcus Adna Thompson unveiled his greatest creation to the waiting crowds at Coney Island. Reportedly inspired by the switchback ...

We get it. You’ve seen dozens of cheap, page view-grabbing slideshows, read a series of misinformed opinion pieces, and glared at tweets proclaiming Space Mountain the “best ride ever!” You’re upset.

Of the estimated 6,600 roller coasters in the world, several stand tall among the rest by offering thrills that go beyond the standard coaster and take excitement to new heights. Nothing quite matches ...