On January 16, 2025, David Lynch passed away, leaving behind a unique and diverse collection of work. Known for his roles in filmmaking, painting, music, and acting, Lynch introduced surrealism to the masses through films like “Blue Velvet”, “Mulholland Dr.”, and the TV series “Twin Peaks”. His work was a blend of the small-town America he was raised in and the darkness he encountered while studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. After starting with independently-produced shorts, Lynch received a fellowship at the American Film Institute. It was here that he directed his first feature film, the cult classic “Eraserhead”, setting the stage for the rest of his remarkable career.
David Lynch’s film and television productions were a unique blend of various cinematic styles, incorporating elements of noir, soap opera, camp, and horror. His narratives often unfolded in the realm of dreams (or nightmares), characterized by puzzling mysteries, Hitchcock-esque blonde characters, and the continuous battle between good and evil. The soundtracks featured popular tunes from the 1950s, while the tone frequently shifted dramatically from humor to brutality in a single scene. In essence, his work was distinctively Lynchian, though no one could ever truly replicate his style. This article compiles all 12 of David Lynch’s movies and TV shows, listed from what some might consider least impressive to the most exceptional.
12. Dune
David Lynch ventured into blockbuster movie production for only one time with this abridged version of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel. After turning down the opportunity to direct “Return of the Jedi,” he took on the challenging task of portraying the epic, interplanetary battle over the desert planet Arrakis, which was so complex that Denis Villeneuve later divided his adaptation into two films. In Lynch’s version, the struggle is condensed into a 137-minute film, necessitating significant edits, voiceovers, and what Elaine Benes might call “skipping over some details” to maintain coherence. Despite having supporters today, this movie was both critically panned and commercially unsuccessful upon its release, effectively ending speculation that Lynch would transform into a surrealist version of Steven Spielberg.
As a gamer reflecting on the movie “Dune”, I must admit that it didn’t exactly win over critics or audiences, but for me, it was a pivotal moment in David Lynch’s career. First off, it brought him together with Kyle MacLachlan, the talented actor who breathed life into Paul Atreides, the noble-born son who rallies the Arrakian people against the Harkonnens. Secondly, it was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, the same visionary who backed Lynch’s next project, “Blue Velvet.” However, what truly stood out for me is that “Dune” taught David Lynch to remain steadfast in his artistic beliefs and pave his own creative road.
Characters: Kyle MacLachlan, Patrick Stewart, Brad Dourif, Virginia Madsen, Sean Young, Sting (musician), Max von Sydow
Or, in a more conversational tone: Actors like Kyle MacLachlan, Patrick Stewart, Brad Dourif, Virginia Madsen, Sean Young, the musician Sting, and the legendary Max von Sydow are part of this production.
Runtime: 137 minutes
Year: 1984
Where to watch: Netflix
11. Inland Empire
David Lynch’s final film before his passing was “Inland Empire,” which he created using innovative DIY methods such as consumer-level video cameras and editing software. Unlike traditional filmmaking, where a script is already completed, Lynch improvised each day on set with freshly written pages, adapting to the flow of ideas from his cast and crew. The storyline, if one can be discerned, revolves around actress Laura Dern’s character losing her grip on reality following a role in a new romantic production. Additionally, there is a subplot featuring Polish sex workers, investigations into duality, and a sitcom starring Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts, and Laura Harring as talking rabbits.
For some people, “Inland Empire” may not be their preferred choice. It caters more to die-hard David Lynch fans, who are willing to follow the director’s subconscious journey wherever it leads. The three-hour length might be grueling for casual viewers, and its lower-quality production value could also be challenging. However, the unsettling digital video style gives an authentic feel to the nightmare scenes, making them even more chilling. It’s difficult to envision modern horror internet content without Lynch having laid the groundwork with “Inland Empire,” which might be the most comprehensive delve into his subconscious mind.
Cast: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons, Justin Theroux, Harry Dean Stanton, Julia Ormond
Runtime: 180 minutes
Year: 2006
Where to watch: Max
10. Wild at Heart
By the time David Lynch crafted “Wild at Heart,” he was at the pinnacle of his creative prowess, following the success of “Blue Velvet” and “Twin Peaks.” This allowed him to fully embrace his unique style for this offbeat road movie starring Nicolas Cage as Sailor Ripley and Laura Dern as Lula Pace Fortune. Influenced by Southern Gothic, Elvis Presley, and “The Wizard of Oz,” the film showcases Lynch’s artistic quirks to the maximum, with a wildly erratic tone that shifts from brutal violence and sensuality to slapstick humor and heartwarming sentimentality. While reactions to Lynch’s work have always been varied, none were as polarized as those for “Wild at Heart,” which sparked boos from the audience when it received the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
To put it simply, “Wild at Heart” might be hard to digest for some viewers. The graphic scene where Willem Dafoe’s character Bobby Peru accidentally blows his own head off with a shotgun is quite intense, and it can seem oddly out of place when compared to Diane Ladd’s performance as Lula’s mother Marietta, who rides a broomstick resembling the Wicked Witch. However, whenever Sailor and Lula are on screen together, David Lynch’s genuine emotion comes through, making the film genuinely “wild at heart.
Leading Actors: Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Diane Ladd, Isabella Rossellini, Harry Dean Stanton
Or even more casually: Stars: Nic Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Diane Ladd, Isabella Rossellini, HDS (Informal Version)
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1990
Where to watch: Buy on Amazon
9. Lost Highway
In simpler terms, “Lost Highway” is a David Lynch film that leaves many viewers puzzled. It delves into the themes of doppelgängers, dual identities, and the coexistence of good and evil within us. The story revolves around Fred Madison, a jazz musician, and his wife Renee, played by Patricia Arquette. They start getting videos of themselves sleeping, which are reportedly recorded by an enigmatic figure (Robert Blake), who could be a regular man or even a demon. After Fred is imprisoned for murdering Renee, an unexpected twist occurs – he wakes up in prison as Pete Dayton, a younger man, who’s in a relationship with Alice Wakefield, the girlfriend of a mob boss, played once again by Arquette.
You might spend an entire day exploring the diverse interpretations of “Lost Highway,” a film that blossomed from David Lynch’s fascination with the O.J. Simpson trial. Known for his obsession with themes like duality, peeking, and violence, these elements are subtly woven into true crime narratives. “Lost Highway” serves as an examination of our fixation on violence and deviance, particularly when they intersect in high-profile cases. It’s as provocative and sensational as any work Lynch has created before, challenging us to gaze directly into the abyss of our own depravity without looking away.
Cast: Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Blake, Gary Busey, Robert Loggia
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 1997
Where to watch: The Criterion Channel
8. Eraserhead
David Lynch’s directorial debut, “Eraserhead,” wasn’t typical – it was made over several years in stables at the American Film Institute and showcased Lynch’s unique talent for crafting personal stories in an eerie way. Jack Nance, one of Lynch’s earliest muses, played Henry Spencer, a man with a bouffant hairdo who finds himself unexpectedly married and a father to a deformed child, which many viewers interpret as a symbol of Lynch’s own apprehensions about parenthood. The strange yet endearing puppet baby serves as a tangible representation of those fears.
In this rephrased version: Lynch paints the screen with chilling, dreamlike visuals, such as Laurel Near, who appears puffy-faced and sings a song titled “In Heaven” (a place she promises Henry is perfect). The fact that he manages to craft the grimy industrial world where Henry lives, which is astounding given it was essentially a student project expanded into a full-length feature, speaks volumes about his talent. With its harsh sound design by Alan Splet and gritty black-and-white cinematography by Frederick Elmes (both of whom would collaborate with Lynch in the future), “Eraserhead” is a terrifying nightmare made real, one that has captivated the midnight movie scene for decades.
Cast: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne Bates, Judith Roberts
Runtime: 89 minutes
Year: 1977
Where to watch: Max
7. The Elephant Man
Mel Brooks deserves credit for being the first to perceive David Lynch’s ability to appeal to a wide audience. At first glance, the director of “Eraserhead” might not seem like an obvious pick for “The Elephant Man,” but it was Lynch’s unique style that prevented this film from turning into a overly-sentimental biopic. As an uncredited producer, Brooks likely recognized this when he decided to hire him. The real story of John Merrick (played by John Hurt), a man with severe deformities who was saved from a life as a circus attraction by the compassionate Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), is presented in a sensitive and understated way, never attempting to portray him as a saint, but rather as a human being, much like how Dr. Treves treated him.
Despite being a simple addition to his filmography, “The Elephant Man” includes numerous scenes that bear David Lynch’s distinctive style, such as the opening scene where Merrick’s mother is chased by elephants while pregnant with him. However, Lynch manages to tone down some of his more peculiar tendencies to avoid sensationalizing Merrick’s tale. The black-and-white cinematography, skillfully done by Freddie Francis, serves dual purposes: it captures the Victorian-era England setting accurately and makes Merrick’s appearance seem natural rather than grotesque. The film received eight Oscar nominations, including best picture, director, and actor for Hurt, propelling Lynch into wider acclaim.
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, Freddie Jones, John Gielgud
Runtime: 123 minutes
Year: 1980
Where to watch: Buy on Amazon
6. Twin Peaks (Seasons 1 and 2)
It’s hard to believe that a show as unusual and otherworldly as “Twin Peaks” was broadcast on primetime TV, but it’s a rare occurrence when something like this happens. Co-created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, the series revolved around an intriguing premise: the body of high school beauty queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) is found wrapped in plastic, leading FBI agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) to travel to the small town of Twin Peaks. Upon arrival, Agent Cooper discovers that the town not only offers fantastic coffee and cherry pie but also harbors many secrets, and any one of its peculiar residents could be responsible for Laura’s death.
The unique blend of “Twin Peaks” captivated audiences initially with its intriguing mix of daytime drama, unexplained mysteries, and detective thrillers. One unforgettable scene involves Agent Cooper dreaming in a strange red room filled with Laura Palmer and a man speaking backward (Michael J. Anderson), leading to the entryway of an unusual dimension. Despite being canceled shortly after revealing Laura’s murderer during Season 2, “Twin Peaks” endured as a cult favorite and remains one of the most extraordinary shows to ever be televised (though there is one exceptional counterpoint worth mentioning later).
As an ardent admirer, allow me to share my affection for this captivating ensemble: I’m a fan of Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Richard Beymer, Sherilyn Fenn, Piper Laurie, and the extraordinary Sheryl Lee. Each of them brings an enchanting essence to their roles in our beloved series.
Episodes: 30
Years: 1990-1991
Where to watch: Paramount+
5. The Straight Story
It caused quite a surprise when it was revealed that David Lynch, the creative mind behind “Blue Velvet,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Wild at Heart,” had directed a G-rated Disney movie. Some might have thought he was growing softer with age, but his subsequent film, “Mulholland Dr.” demonstrated otherwise. However, “The Straight Story” suggests a more compassionate side to him, as it chronicles the true tale of Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth in an Oscar-nominated performance), an older World War II veteran who journeys on his John Deere lawn mower from Iowa to Wisconsin to reconcile with his brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton) after he experiences a stroke.
While it might seem unusual among his other works, “The Straight Story” stands out as one of David Lynch’s most intimate films. It offers a romanticized portrayal of the American heartland that he likely yearned to inhabit, much like “The Elephant Man”. Remarkably, these seemingly sentimental tales of real-life victories gain depth from his unique eccentricities. The score by frequent collaborator Angelo Badalamenti is as haunting as his “Twin Peaks” theme, and the cinematography by Freddie Francis transforms an Iowa cornfield into a majestic scene, comparable to the desert landscapes in “Lawrence of Arabia”.
Cast: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton, Everett McGill
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 1999
Where to watch: Disney+
4. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
Those expecting enjoyable fan elements may have felt let down by “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me,” a movie that David Lynch himself considered his saddest creation. This film, detailing the final days in the life of murdered prom queen Laura Palmer (portrayed by Sheryl Lee), was met with boos at the Cannes Film Festival and generally rejected by critics, including Quentin Tarantino, who felt so disheartened by “Fire Walk with Me” that he vowed to avoid any future Lynch productions. However, over time it has been recognized as one of Lynch’s significant pieces, offering a bleak exploration of the traumatic impacts of parental abuse.
Lynch’s work frequently explored themes of violence towards women, leading some critics to label him as misogynistic. However, this perspective assumes that he found pleasure in what he depicted on screen, rather than being repulsed by it. In fact, Lynch has often spoken about a traumatic childhood memory involving a distressed woman. What sets him apart from other directors who delve into human suffering is his empathy for the characters he creates. This empathy was perhaps most evident in his portrayal of Laura Palmer. In essence, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” strives to restore the humanity that was lost when we first encountered Laura wrapped in plastic.
Characters: Sheryl Lee, Moira Kelly, David Bowie, Chris Isaak, Harry Dean Stanton, Ray Wise, Kyle MacLachlan (or simply, Actors: Sheryl Lee, Moira Kelly, David Bowie, Chris Isaak, Harry Dean Stanton, Ray Wise, Kyle MacLachlan)
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 1992
Where to watch: Max
3. Blue Velvet
The film “Blue Velvet” left an indelible mark on cinema history, causing quite a stir when it was released during the Ronald Reagan era of the 1980s. It delved beneath the tranquil facade of small-town America to expose the hidden underbelly of violence and perversion that resided there. The story follows college student Jeffrey Beaumont, portrayed by Kyle MacLachlan, who, upon returning home, discovers a severed ear in a field. This chilling discovery sets in motion a mystery involving nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens, played by Isabella Rossellini, and Frank Booth, the volatile, nitrous-sniffing antagonist portrayed by Dennis Hopper, who holds her captive through sexual coercion. Similar to “Psycho,” it seemed as if the director had laid bare his deepest, darkest anxieties and fantasies on the screen, presenting them in a stark, unnerving manner for all to witness.
A well-known critique by Siskel and Ebert (with Siskel admiring it and Ebert disapproving) encapsulates the general reaction towards “Blue Velvet,” a film that garnered Lynch a nomination for Best Director at the Oscars. At the time, viewers unfamiliar with his style found themselves bewildered by the unexpected transitions from 1950s parody to explicit sadomasochistic scenes. However, what makes “Blue Velvet” (and indeed, Lynch’s entire body of work) captivating is its unique ability to portray the most grotesque, harrowing, and distressing visuals in a manner so aesthetically pleasing that it’s hard not to be drawn in. This is why those who have watched it find it difficult to forget the experience.
Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern, Dean Stockwell
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 1986
Where to watch: Max
2. Twin Peaks: The Return
The termination of “Twin Peaks” following its second season left numerous storylines unresolved, as Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) vanished into the Black Lodge and was supplanted by a doppelgänger inhabited by the demon Bob (Frank Silva). However, the surge in TV revivals offered an opportunity to wrap up these cliffhangers while indulging in some classic nostalgia. Instead, David Lynch cashed in on a blank check from Showtime and employed it to generate his masterpiece: “Twin Peaks: The Return.
Starting from when Cooper steps out of the Black Lodge disguised as Dougie Jones, it’s evident that David Lynch and co-creator Mark Frost aren’t interested in conventional fan satisfaction. Despite numerous familiar faces returning from “Twin Peaks,” the narrative expands to introduce fresh characters, settings, and even the explosion of the first atomic bomb. Beneath all this, the tale still revolves around Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), the deceased prom queen whom Cooper endeavors not only to avenge but also to resurrect. It’s no wonder that Lynch couldn’t abandon the “Twin Peaks” universe, as it embodies the central motif of his work: evil has snatched innocence from our world, depriving us of the paradise we all yearn for.
Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, David Lynch, Robert Forster, Laura Dern, Naomi Watts
Episodes: 17
Year: 2017
Where to watch: Paramount+
1. Mulholland Dr.
The journey of the movie “Mulholland Dr.”, initially a failed TV pilot that later became a critically acclaimed film, is worthy of its own Hollywood tale. In David Lynch’s hands, themes like duality, doppelgängers, and the hidden ugliness in beauty reach their peak in this narrative about an aspiring actress, Betty (played by Naomi Watts), who shifts to Los Angeles and encounters a mysterious woman named “Rita” (Laura Harring) who has lost her memory due to a car accident. However, this only scratches the surface of the bizarre plot twists and turns that “Mulholland Dr.” navigates en route to its third act where reality is broken, identities are exchanged, and the City of Angels claims another victim.
David Lynch, who received an Oscar nomination for his direction in “Mulholland Dr.,” found dreams intriguing, and the movie reflects the illogical structure of the subconscious mind by presenting diverse characters, concepts, and storylines that remain unresolved (or do they?). For years, fans have debated about its meaning, searching for hints to help them understand it better. However, any attempt at explanation would fall short of capturing what makes “Mulholland Dr.” so enthralling. It’s like a cinematic Rorschach test, designed to stimulate our own interpretations as we revisit it repeatedly. Though you may not grasp its meaning, the allure of unraveling its many mysteries will never fade.
Cast: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Ann Miller, Dan Hedaya, Robert Forster
Runtime: 147 minutes
Year: 2001
Where to watch: Prime Video
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2025-07-12 13:32