David Lynch is a fantastic filmmaker who’s brought many brilliant films to screens all over the world. In this article, we list what we believe to be the best David Lynch movies.

Lynch has produced screen magic with Mulholland Dr., Lost Highway, and Blue Velvet, among many others.

His cinematic canon is wide and deep and we believe this list demonstrates that.

So whether you’re doing research on him, or ready to sit down and watch one of these movies tonight, this list of the top David Lynch films will be just what you need!

It should be noted that we’ve included the films in a rough ranking order. But with a filmmaker like David Lynch, the work is so good that it’s really hard to form an exact order.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right in and list the best David Lynch movies!

The Best David Lynch Movies

Let’s start off with an absolute cinema classic, Mulholland Dr.

Mulholland Dr.

“Mulholland Dr.” is a surrealist neo-noir film directed by David Lynch and released in 2001.

The film tells the story of a young actress named Betty (Naomi Watts) who arrives in Los Angeles to make it big in the film industry.

However, when she meets a mysterious woman (Laura Harring) who has lost her memory, she is drawn into a world of intrigue and mystery.

The film is known for its dreamlike and sometimes confusing narrative, as well as its intriguing characters and complex plot.

The film explores themes of identity, desire, and the American dream, and is widely regarded as one of Lynch’s masterpieces.

Visually, “Mulholland Dr.” is a stunning film, with beautiful cinematography and a rich, layered soundtrack that complements the mood and themes of the film.

The performances are also top-notch, with Watts and Harring delivering standout performances that are both captivating and deeply emotional.

   

 

Mulholland Dr.
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts, Laura Harrington (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director) - David Lynch (Writer) - Neal Edelstein (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

Lost Highway

“Lost Highway” is a psychological thriller film written and directed by David Lynch.

The film stars Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, and Robert Loggia, and follows the story of a jazz saxophonist who transforms into a completely different person after being convicted of a crime he did not commit.

The film is a quintessential example of Lynch’s unique style, blending elements of noir, horror, and surrealism to create a mesmerizing and often bewildering viewing experience.

The cinematography is outstanding, with dark and moody visuals that perfectly capture the film’s atmosphere of mystery and unease.

The soundtrack, which features an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, and classical music, adds another layer of atmosphere to the film and helps to create an unforgettable sensory experience.

The performances are equally impressive, with Bill Pullman delivering a nuanced and captivating performance as the film’s protagonist, while Patricia Arquette shines as his wife, who is drawn into a web of deceit and mystery.

Robert Loggia also gives a standout performance as a private investigator who is hired to uncover the truth behind the film’s central mystery.

In conclusion, “Lost Highway” is a masterful film that showcases David Lynch at the height of his powers.

 

 

Lost Highway
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Jack Nance, Henry Rollins, Michael Shamus (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director) - David Lynch (Writer) - Deepak Nayar (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

Best David Lynch Movies

Blue Velvet

“Blue Velvet” is a mystery-thriller film directed by David Lynch and starring Kyle McLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, and Dennis Hopper.

Set in a small town in the United States, the film follows a young man named Jeffrey Beaumont (McLachlan) as he investigates a mystery involving a mysterious and alluring nightclub singer (Rossellini) and a sadistic and unstable gangster (Hopper).

The film is a showcase for Lynch’s unique style, blending elements of film noir, psychological thriller, and horror to create a surreal and often disturbing viewing experience.

The cinematography is top-notch, with dark and moody visuals that perfectly capture the film’s atmosphere of mystery and unease.

The soundtrack, which features an eclectic mix of 1950s-style pop songs and haunting instrumental music, adds another layer of atmosphere to the film and helps to create an unforgettable sensory experience.

The performances are also noteworthy, with McLachlan delivering a strong and convincing performance as the film’s protagonist, while Rossellini shines as the alluring singer who is at the center of the film’s central mystery.

Dennis Hopper gives a standout performance as the film’s villain, delivering a truly terrifying and unhinged performance that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

 

 

Blue Velvet
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director) - David Lynch (Writer) - Fred C. Caruso (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

 

BEST DAVID LYNCH MOVIES

Who Is David Lynch?

David Lynch is an American filmmaker. He has been called the “Master of Weird”. His films include Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, and Mulholland Drive.

   

He attended art school in Philadelphia before moving to Los Angeles to study film at the AFI Conservatory.

His first short film was Six Men Getting Sick (1967). In 1977 he made a feature-length version of that film, Eraserhead, which won three awards – Best Film from National Society of Film Critics Awards; Best Direction Award from New York Film Critics Circle; and International Critics Prize at Cannes Film Festival.

His films are known for their surrealist qualities, as well as their use of dream logic and dark humor.

 

 

Wild at Heart

“Wild at Heart” is a film directed by David Lynch that tells the story of young lovers Sailor and Lula, who embark on a wild and dangerous journey across America.

The film is a tale of passion, freedom, and the search for true love.

The film’s unique style and direction, combined with the powerful performances by Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, make “Wild at Heart” a truly memorable experience.

The film’s darkly comic and surreal tone, combined with its vibrant visuals, creates a unique and captivating world that draws the audience in and keeps them on the edge of their seats.

One of the standout elements of the film is the cinematography, which captures the beauty of the American landscapes and the grittiness of its urban environments.

The film’s score is also noteworthy, with its mix of rock and roll and classical music adding to the film’s overall tone and atmosphere.

“Wild at Heart” is a film that is not for everyone, as its unconventional approach to storytelling and its often graphic and violent scenes may be too much for some viewers.

However, for fans of David Lynch and those who appreciate unconventional and thought-provoking films, “Wild at Heart” is a must-see.

 

 

Wild at Heart (Collector's Edition)
  • Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Diane Ladd (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

The Straight Story

“The Straight Story” is a film directed by David Lynch, known for his surreal and often bizarre style of filmmaking.

This film, however, departs from that style and instead tells a simple, straightforward story of an elderly man, Alvin Straight, and his journey across Iowa on a riding lawnmower to visit his sick brother.

The film is a heartwarming and touching portrayal of family, aging, and the American Midwest. The cinematography captures the rolling hills and picturesque farmland, providing a beautiful backdrop for Alvin’s journey.

The film also showcases the great acting skills of its lead, Richard Farnsworth, who brings a quiet strength and dignity to the character of Alvin.

One of the film’s strongest aspects is its simplicity and lack of artifice. The film allows the audience to focus on the emotions of the characters and their relationships, without any distractions or extraneous elements.

This is a refreshing change from the often-overcomplicated narratives of many contemporary films.

 

The Straight Story
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director) - John Roach (Writer) - Mary Sweeney (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

 

BEST DAVID LYNCH MOVIES

David Lynch – Themes and Style

David Lynch’s films are known for their surreal, dark and often disturbing content. Yet his films also explore themes of love, hope and redemption. His style is defined by a dream-like mood that contrasts with the violence in his films.

Lynch’s films are known to be weird or strange. Themes that appear throughout many of his films are dreams, nightmares, fear of death, duality between good and evil characters within a film story line as well as an exploration into what constitutes reality versus fantasy versus being stuck in limbo

Known for his disturbing, yet deeply moving movies (e.g., Blue Velvet), he has developed a cult following in the United States through films like Eraserhead and The Elephant Man.

 

 

Inland Empire

“Inland Empire” is a 2006 psychological thriller film written, directed, and produced by David Lynch.

This film follows the journey of an actress named Nikki Grace (played by Laura Dern) who gets involved in a movie production that becomes increasingly nightmarish and surreal.

The plot of “Inland Empire” is famously enigmatic, with a series of interconnected stories that unfold in a seemingly non-linear fashion.

Throughout the film, Lynch explores themes of identity, reality, and the subconscious mind.

The film’s central character, Nikki Grace, is a complex and multi-layered figure, whose journey is both captivating and confusing.

From a technical standpoint, “Inland Empire” is a masterclass in surrealist filmmaking.

The film’s visual style is rich and eclectic, with Lynch drawing on a wide range of influences, including film noir, classic Hollywood, and avant-garde cinema.

The film’s soundtrack is equally noteworthy, with a haunting score that effectively underscores the film’s eerie and unpredictable atmosphere.

Overall, “Inland Empire” is a film that demands to be seen, especially by fans of David Lynch and his unique brand of filmmaking.

This is a challenging and thought-provoking film that rewards repeated viewings, as each time you watch it, you’ll uncover new layers of meaning and symbolism.

Whether you love it or hate it, “Inland Empire” is an unforgettable experience that will linger with you long after the credits have rolled.

 

Inland Empire
  • Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director)
  • Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Eraserhead

Eraserhead is an experimental film directed by David Lynch, who is known for his enigmatic and abstract storytelling style.

The film is set in a dark, industrial city and follows the protagonist, Henry Spencer, as he navigates a surreal and nightmarish world.

The film is a mixture of horror and surrealism, with themes of fatherhood, guilt, and the fear of the unknown.

Henry Spencer is struggling with the expectations and responsibilities that come with being a father, and as the film progresses, his world becomes increasingly strange and disorienting.

The film is visually stunning, with memorable images such as the iconic “Lady in the Radiator,” who sings a haunting song that sticks with the viewer long after the film is over.

Eraserhead is a film that will appeal to those who enjoy avant-garde cinema, as well as fans of Lynch’s unique style.

The film’s abstract nature can make it a challenging watch for some, but those who stick with it will be rewarded with a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience.

 

Eraserhead
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director) - David Lynch (Writer) - David Lynch (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

 

BEST DAVID LYNCH MOVIES

What Is David Lynch Known For?

• His movies are known for their offbeat plots, innovative sound design. Lynch has been described as the world’s most prominent purveyor of what some call ‘audio cinema.

• His own singular style has influenced a generation of filmmakers from Terry Gilliam to Quentin Tarantino.

• His art transcends reality and speaks to the complexity of human experience.

• His films are always atmospheric, haunting, and deeply thoughtful.

• He never shies away from challenging material that is often controversial or even taboo for mainstream audiences.

 

 

The Elephant Man

“The Elephant Man” is a powerful and poignant film that explores the life of John Merrick, a man born with severe physical deformities who was rescued from a life of exploitation by a compassionate doctor named Frederick Treves.

Directed by David Lynch and released in 1980, the film is a masterful blend of drama and suspense, as Merrick’s life is transformed by his newfound freedom and the kindness of those who come to know him.

The film is a tour de force for its lead actor, John Hurt, who gives a moving and nuanced performance as Merrick, capturing the humanity and dignity of a man who has been treated as a monster his entire life.

He is ably supported by a talented ensemble cast, including Sir Anthony Hopkins as Treves and Anne Bancroft as a stage actress who takes Merrick under her wing.

“The Elephant Man” is a visually stunning film, with rich and detailed sets, haunting imagery, and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood of the film.

The film’s themes of acceptance, tolerance, and the importance of understanding are just as relevant today as they were when it was first released.

 

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Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

“Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” is a surrealist mystery film directed by David Lynch and released in 1992.

The film serves as a prequel to the television series “Twin Peaks” and explores the events leading up to the death of Laura Palmer, a popular high school student in the small town of Twin Peaks.

The film follows FBI agent Chester Desmond as he investigates the murder of Palmer, but soon finds himself drawn into a dark and surreal world filled with mysterious visions and supernatural elements.

Along the way, he encounters a cast of quirky characters, including the unstable and delusional waitress at the local diner, a psychic who seems to have a connection to the spirit realm, and a strange and disturbing entity known as the Man from Another Place.

Visually stunning and hauntingly beautiful, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” is a masterclass in Lynchian storytelling, weaving together elements of horror, mystery, and drama to create a truly captivating and unforgettable experience.

The film’s exceptional cinematography, surreal imagery, and haunting score help to create a dream-like atmosphere that will leave audiences both mesmerized and disturbed.

Despite being a prequel to the television series, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” can be enjoyed as a standalone film and is a must-see for fans of David Lynch and his unique brand of filmmaking.

 

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise, Kyle Maclachlan (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director) - David Lynch (Writer) - Gregg Fienberg (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

Dune

“Dune” is a science fiction epic directed by David Lynch and released in 1984.

The film is based on the classic novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, which is set in a distant future and tells the story of a young man named Paul Atreides, who is the chosen one to lead a group of oppressed people against their oppressors.

The film is a visual feast that explores the many different aspects of the rich and detailed world created by Herbert, with stunning sets and breathtaking cinematography.

Despite its impressive production values and captivating story, “Dune” received mixed reviews from audiences and critics upon its release.

Some appreciated its efforts to bring the novel’s complex world to life, while others felt that it struggled to fully capture the essence of Herbert’s writing.

Nevertheless, “Dune” remains a staple of science fiction filmmaking and a cult classic among fans of the genre.

For those unfamiliar with the world of “Dune,” the film is a must-see for its unique blend of science fiction and political intrigue, and for its captivating performances by actors like Kyle McLachlan, Sting, and Sean Young.

However, for fans of the novel, “Dune” may be a bit of a mixed bag, as the film’s focus on spectacle over substance may not accurately reflect the depth and nuance of Herbert’s writing.

 

 

Dune
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Stewart (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director) - David Lynch (Writer) - Raffaella Delaurentiis (Producer)
  • English (Playback Language)
  • English (Subtitle)

The Short Films of David Lynch

The Short Films of David Lynch is a compilation of several short films made by the legendary director, David Lynch.

This collection showcases Lynch’s unique style, which is characterized by surreal imagery, strange soundscapes, and a focus on the dark and bizarre aspects of life.

One of the highlights of this collection is “The Alphabet,” which is a haunting and beautiful meditation on the process of losing one’s mind.

Another standout is “The Grandmother,” a powerful exploration of family dynamics and the pain of childhood memories.

 

 

Short Films Of David Lynch
  • David Lynch, Catherine Coulson, Harry Dean Stanton (Actors)
  • David Lynch (Director)
  • Korean (Subtitle)
  • Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Bonus: Twin Peaks

For the first time, in one collection, the complete television phenomenon TWIN PEAKS:

  • All 29 episodes of the original groundbreaking seasons.
  • All 18 parts of the Limited Event Series the return to Twin Peaks captivated audiences 25 years later, written by the series co-creators and entirely directed by David Lynch.
  • A wealth of intriguing, behind-the-scenes special features. So grab a cup of coffee, a slice of cherry pie, and experience the legendary mystery… again and again!

Sale
Twin Peaks: The Television Collection [Blu-ray]
  • Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Madchen Amick (Actors)
  • Audience Rating: R (Restricted)

The Best David Lynch Movies – Wrapping Up

So there you have it. The top David Lynch films. As you can see, he’s been responsible for some classics of cinema history and it’s clear to see why he’s considered one of the all-time greats.

If you’re sitting down to watch one of these tonight, we envy you. You’re in for a real treat!

We hope this list of the best David Lynch movies has been helpful. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.
 

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