10 Intense Horror Movie Scenes You Couldn’t Watch

10. The Ruins (2008) - The Amputation Scene

Based on the novel of the same name by Scott Smith (who also penned the screenplay), The Ruins sees a group of tourists’ Mexican vacation go horribly wrong after they're convinced to embark on a trip deep within the jungle. Soon after the holidaymakers arrive at the small village, they’re forced to the top of some Myan ruins when one of them accidentally stands on some vines.

Now trapped with scarce food and water, the sound of a ringing phone emanating from a nearby shaft signals their possible salvation. But when one of them attempts to descend into the darkness, the makeshift harness snaps. Their fall breaks their back, paralysing them.

Things only get worse for the injured man the next morning when they realise the true terror of their situation. The vines enveloping the ruins have wrapped themselves around their legs while he slept, eating his flesh down to the bone.

To keep the unfortunate traveller alive, an amputation is required. What follows is a harrowing sequence in which their legs are broken with a large stone and sawed off with a knife before the wound is cauterised.

Watching this scene, viewers feel every bone-breaking crunch as it happens.