Yes, modern roller coasters can absolutely do a 90-degree (vertical) drop, and many in 2026 even exceed that by going "beyond-vertical." Coasters that feature a true 90-degree drop are often classified as "Dive Coasters," such as Griffon at Busch Gardens or Valravn at Cedar Point. These rides typically use a "holding brake" at the top of the lift hill, danging passengers over the edge for several seconds before releasing them into a perfectly vertical free-fall. Some "Euro-Fighter" or "Infinity" models, like TMNT Shellraiser at American Dream, feature drops of 121.5 degrees, which means the track actually curves back underneath the lift hill. This is made possible by advanced computer-aided design (CAD) and high-precision steel manufacturing, which ensures that the G-forces remain within safe human limits. While a 90-degree drop looks terrifying, the transition is usually very smooth; the "scare factor" comes from the visual of the ground rushing up at you while your body feels a brief moment of pure "zero-gravity" airtime before the track curves into the next element.