4. Blue Streak – Cedar Point

Image: Cedar Point 

But, if we talk about a roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain, we also have to take a look at the other great coaster capital of the United States: Cedar Point.

Opened in the 19th century in Sandusky, Ohio as a lakeside vacation destination, Cedar Point has grown over time to include an insane 16 roller coasters – tied for second most in North America (only Magic Mountain has more).

It stands to reason that one of those 16 has to be older than all the others and, sure enough, 1964's Blue Streak is that coaster. It wasn't the first roller coaster to be built at Cedar Point – that honor goes to the since-demolished Switchback Railway of 1892. However, Blue Streak is the oldest currently in operation at Cedar Point, and in a park that seemingly opens a new roller coaster every other year, that's an important distinction.

Ultimately, Blue Streak's place on this list is due to the park it hails from. Blue Streak gives Cedar Point a baseline to operate from, helping showcase what makes each of the 15 other coasters in the park so special and unique. They all exist in relation to Blue Streak, and keeping it in operation at Cedar Point simply shows how amazing it is that you can soar 300 feet in the air on Millenium Force, or fly 120 mph down the stretch at Top Thrill Dragster. Blue Streak is the ride that makes Cedar Point feel complete, and as any history buff would love a day at Cedar Point, that's an important role worth filling.

5. Thunderbolt – Kennywood

Image: Larry Pieniazek, Wikipedia (license) 

Kennywood, located outside Pittsburgh, is one of the most historic amusement parks in North America. In fact, it is one of only two to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and given the sheer number of classic and vintage attractions within it, it shouldn't surprise anyone.

One of those attractions, Thunderbolt, stands out among all the others.

Originally built in 1924 as “Pippin”, Thunderbolt earned its modern moniker in 1968, when the ride was updated and refurbished. But, while the ride was updated, it still maintains its classic charm, as evidenced by the fact that it still uses its original 1958 trains, known as the “Century Flyers.”

Interestingly, in 2001, Kennywood constructed a new thrill ride alongside Thunderbolt called “Phantom's Revenge,” which includes a steep drop that passes right through the structure of Thunderbolt – a unique ride element that helps connect the history of Thunderbolt to the more modern coaster experience.

But, much like the others on this list, Thunderbolt's thrills are of a more vintage variety. Its height is listed as just 70 ft, although due to its layout along a natural ravine, its maximum drop if 95 ft. Even still, Thunderbolt has earned classic status among roller coaster enthusiasts, and it's a must-ride experience for anyone who loves a bit of a historical flavor to their thrills.

6. Coney Island Cyclone

Image: Luna Park  

There are roller coasters that are faster. There are roller coasters that are taller. There are roller coasters that are older. There are roller coasters that are newer. All of that is true. And yet, if you were trying to pick one of the most iconic roller coasters on the planet, you could do a lot worse than to choose the Coney Island Cyclone. Despite the lack of any true coaster superlatives, it has held and continues to hold a unique spot in roller coaster lore.

Built in 1927 in Coney Island, New York, the Cyclone has since inspired half a dozen replica coasters across the globe, made an appearance in a Beyonce music video, and even had a Minor League baseball team named after it. If you've ever lived in New York, you've ridden it. If you haven't ridden it personally, you likely know someone who has.

Everything about it, from its too-small classic cars to its manual-release break system, feels simultaneously classic and modern, retro and current. It's from another time, sure, but it's as important a part of New York City culture today as it was in the 1920s. For something to have that kind of staying power in a city so of-the-moment is impressive. And that it can still dole out thrills with the best of them is just icing on the cake.

Roller coasters are unique in that they've been thrilling people for close to a century now. Thankfully, some of those early coasters are still around, and we can still ride them and experience something that people generations ago enjoyed. But, those six about are just some of the hundreds of classic and iconic coasters across the country.

What about you? Do you have a favorite old-time roller coaster? Which is coaster do you think is the most iconic? Let us know in the comments below.