Seems like you enjoy Pat Lawlor games. I would suggest JJP’s Dailed In. It’s a great layout and I enjoyed the disaster theme. Saw a used standard for $6000 the other day.

Other good options:Twlight zone, Ripleys (RBION)

I think Addams Family is more of an evolutionary successor. It has the same "shoot the scoop, start a mode, hit the ramp to light the scoop again" school of completion like Whirlwind started.

I think Monopoly is more of a "spiritual successor" to Whirlwind. Similar layout and everything. You seem to have similar tastes in games as I do, and I really enjoy Monopoly. The theme just isn't for me. Not sure if it's something you'd like.

I didnt vote because I love all 3 on the list. Earthshaker is the most shallow of the 3. I really liked funhouse but played it so much over the years it's not exciting to me anymore. Addams is great. Been looking for a while and now hope the cgc remakes it so I can get a new one.
Now for the others...
Assuming you enjoy the 3rd flipper so let's look at a few.
Roadshow. Best bang for the buck. I just learned about the new code so I am eager to play it
Demoman. Not crazy about the theme, but decent layout and resonable price.
Judge dredd. See demoman.
Roller games. This only came to mind because I mentioned it in the "hardest shot in pinball" thread. Its shallow but no more shallow then most system 11. The ramp is a killer with out the magnet helper.
Last and definitely not least, twilight zone. If you are planning to dump cash on an addams then tz needs to be on the radar.

Twilight Zone

What is it about Whirlwind that you like? Layout? Rule set? Lawlor games in general? That will probably help narrow it down...that and your budget.

Monopoly is a good option honestly, it has a very similar layout but feels different. Not super deep but enough to do, I am a fan. I'm probably in the minority, but I'm not a fan of Funhouse. For the price I just don't have fun with it and much prefer Earthshaker - that's the only game I've sold so far that I'd like to have back. If you have the cash, TAF is probably your best bet. Ripleys is actually my favorite Lawlor game. The price is starting to rocket up but it has a lot of the WW-esque features.

Dialed in can be deep, Definitely find one and put some games on it. It has a great shot layout and fun toys.

Your judging Twilight Zone on a beat one that probably doesn't play properly. Its rule set is pretty close to Addams. Shoot the scoop, start the mode, shoot the ramp to light scoop. TZ just has a whole lot more things to make the modes way better. Both games have great callouts and light shows.

You said you like Whirlwind for the simpler rule set. Therefore, I am not sure why some people are recommending TZ or Dialed In. Based on what you said you like about Whirlwind, I think you would most enjoy Funhouse or Earthshaker.

The layouts of Whirlwind and Funhouse are so similar, it would usually be tough to recommend both. It’s the same layout but flipped essentially. In this case everything just feels a little different so FH is the perfect game for you. If you have the coin and want to try Dialed In I would recommend that HIGHLY as well.

funhouse
space shuttle
diner
taxi

Getaway is pretty simple but fun. If the right deal came along I would recommend one.

I found that I really liked the shots on Dialed In. Given the choice, I'd take one over TAF. And surprisingly, they're about the same price.

Surprised no one mentioned high speed.

* Whirlwind has a fun long shot from the left flipper to the drop target, HS has a fun long shot from the left flipper to the saucer
* WW has a challenging ramp shot from upper right flipper, same with HS
* WW is by a legendary game designer and will always be a classic, same with HS

Still, I don't love HS or WW as much as I enjoy Getaway mentioned above.

Wow. If that's true I would totally do the same thing. I have great respect for TAF and Lawlor is my favorite but I don't feel the need to own one, especially given the premium being paid by collectors.

I didn't like Funhouse at all. Cool theme, Rudy is fun, but the game play wasn't for me. Most Lawlor games I can't get into. This includes AF and TZ.

I do love me some ww though.

I see I'm a bit late to your question, and I only found it by "asking the same question", I too love my Whirlwind it's my favorite machine!
I also own Road Show most recently (i'm loving it!!), Whitewater which I saw you already owned (crazy fast and furious at times!), and Tales of Arabian Nights, (smooth and seems controllable compared to lots)
I've played many many other machines over the years as well. The thing most people don't like about Whirlwind is the reason I love it, it's simple but difficult. My high score is 26 mill.
I seriously doubt there's a comparable game...to me they all have differences. Yes there's machines that copy some of each others playfields, or rule sets, but most all of them seem to have something unique.
WHIRLWIND = best music throughout, love the jams when you post a high score!! Such a cool theme with awesome Youssi art work, LOVE the spinning discs and the top flipper shot is great!! I'm also a fan of JET BUMPERS and the six on here are placed so well, and are integral to it's design!!
"Ya all come back now!!"

Dialed in is the modern pat masterpiece. Though be aware I am still in the honeymoon faze

I'd say Funhouse also. I've had them both now for years and love them both. Some say the layout is similar, I don't find that at all.

Dr.Dude sort of reminds me of Whirlwind and Scared Stiff combined. I don't know why other than the specific order of shots that need to be made.

When I play my whirlwind, it gets me jonesing to play Twilight Zone. I think it’s the left shot through the pops and the long center/right extra ball shot that does it everytime

That left orbit is certain stdm on mine. Everytime.
I'm just not quick enough to grab it with the top flipper.

For a pre-DMD game I find it hard to beat.

I've gotten real good with the timing on this shot, still miss it frequently, but have learned to nail it a lot too!

Sorry i meant the right orbit, it zooms back through the pops and sdtm. I need to adjust the ball guide, it does it every time.