I know it's not on many people's top ten lists anymore, but I think TTD's launch is worth acknowledging here.
Prowler between the second hill and the turnaround though, especially at night. That drop is always *just* longer than you expect, and then you just lose all control over your body for the next few seconds. And then at night the flash from the photo blinds you and it's that much darker, yummmm.
Also Beast's double helix, again especially at night, ideally in the front row. I love how the train slllooowwwllyyyy picks up speed and then BAM you just SLAM into the helix.
And then the first three elements of Leviathan. First drop is endless and perfect, and the speed from there on through the overbank and speed hill is totally relentless. There's no chance at all to catch your breath until the top of the hill overlooking the park entrance, like it hardly slows down at all from its top speed (or it doesn't feel like it does). I know a lot of enthusiasts don't really consider speed all that intense, but I do think it's fair to say the pacing of those three elements is quite remarkable, even if there's no spine-crushing g-force or 15-foot pop of ejector air.
I guess I305 makes the list by default, but I didn't find the ride that exceptionally intense, to be honest, just a bit uncomfortable after the drop and then a lot of fun, like a stretched-out Maverick.
Oh right also Maverick would be another default addition, from the first launch to the horseshoe roll.