8 Disney Theme Park Rides That Were Turned Into Films

The Haunted Mansion is one of Disney's most beloved attractions and has been since its opening in 1969. Versions of the dark ride operate in Disney parks across California, Florida, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The ride is a hybrid which mixes an eerie, atmospheric first half, with a goofy, fun sing-along second half, filled with impressive effects and animatronics that hold up even today.

In 2003, Disney decided to turn the attraction into a feature film starring comedic talent, Eddie Murphy. The film was poorly received by critics who called it a 'bland comedy' that struggled to find its tone.

The adaptation of the ride definitely strayed heavily towards comedy which disappointed many theme park enthusiasts, as it was more of an Eddie Murphy-vehicle than it was a faithful adaptation. The film is not without positives however, and brought to life some of the rides most famous moments with varying degrees of success. The score by Mark Mancina is a particular highlight, a version of the ride's theme that is creepy enough to bring chills.

Way back in 2010 at San Diego Comic-Con, Guillermo Del Toro took to the stage to announce he would be writing and directing a new film based on The Haunted Mansion. He promised his reboot would be scary rather than a comedy like the predecessor had been.

Now, ten years later, news about the project is scarce other than the apparent casting of Ryan Gosling. Fingers crossed that Disney is still moving forward with the film.