10 Most Intense Movie Openings Ever

Though it'd be easy to assume that Cliffhanger is another disposably entertaining '90s action-thriller from Sylvester Stallone, its high-wire prologue is probably the most sweaty-palmed sliver of cinema Sly has ever been involved with.

Those cheery first few minutes of the movie do nothing to prepare audiences for the absolutely stomach-knotting horror-show that follows.

Cliffhanger begins with a seemingly harmless set-piece where heroic mountain climber Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone) rescues his friend Hal (Michael Rooker) and Hal's girlfriend Sarah (Michelle Joyner) after they get stranded on a mountain peak.

Hal is quickly whisked to safety, but when Sarah traverses the line to the helicopter, her harness begins to fail. As Sarah starts to slip Gabe ventures out onto the line, yet despite a gallant effort is unable to save her as she falls from his grip to her death.

It's a brilliantly discomforting sequence because the audience assumes Gabe will find a way to save Sarah, but as she slips ever more, it becomes increasingly clear that's not going to happen.

Aided by a fantastic performance from Michelle Joyner as the terrified Sarah, this gruelling, vertiginous opening perfectly sets up the rest of the movie and Gabe's arc as he attempts to overcome his guilt.