Chance Rides, a leading manufacturer of amusement rides, has made its mark in some unexpected places during its 65 years in business, from major Hollywood productions to memorable TV moments
Starting in 1993, one of the company's rides appears in The Sandlot, in the film's classic carnival scene. The boys head to a local fair, and viewers get a glimpse of the Yo-Yo before they hop on a spinning ride known as the Scrambler (also called the Trabant).
To look older and cooler, they try chewing tobacco beforehand…which does not end well. As the ride speeds up, the combination of motion and nicotine quickly catches up with them, turning the scene into one of the most unforgettable moments in the film.
Next up is Child's Play 3 with the chilling Carnival of Terror finale. Set in an amusement park, Chucky creeps up on Tyler through the midway rides. As the tension mounts, iconic attractions such as Zipper, Yo-Yo, Flying Bobs, and a carousel appear in the background, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Still from Child's Play
On thrills of a different kind, Chance Rides' Pharaoh’s Fury made an appearance in Zombieland. During the film’s climactic amusement park showdown, the towering swinging ride can be seen in action as havoc unfolds around it, adding to the high-energy, over-the-top finale.
Meanwhile, fans of suspense might have also caught a glimpse of a classic Chance carousel in Final Destination 3, appearing just before the film’s infamous roller coaster scene.
Chance Rides on TV
There have been some unforgettable carnival scenes on television, too.
The hit series Euphoria (Season 1) featured a visually stunning carnival episode, filled with bright lights and Chance Rides attractions helping to set the scene. This illustrates how Midway remains influential in contemporary storytelling.
One of the most memorable moments comes from Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. In this part, Rodrick tries to freak Greg out by describing something called the Cranium Shaker, and Greg imagines it as a wild, chaotic machine that spins and rattles a person around.
The illustration captures the same kind of dizzying, unpredictable energy you’d expect from a carnival ride, turning a simple rumour into something intense. An example of how middle school rumours can feel just as thrilling and terrifying.
Chance Rides has consistently supported the creation of significant moments across genres, from comedy and horror to popular hit shows.
As the company celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2026, it recently marked the milestone by sharing the story of its origins.
