10 Best David Lynch Movies That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best David Lynch Movies

David Lynch is famed for his particular style, but how do his films fare on IMDb’s list of the best of the best?

Director David Lynch is a master of cinematic surrealism, having worked on numerous projects ranging from classics like Blue Velvet to misfires like Dune, satirical short films such as rabbits, and spine-chilling television mysteries like Twin Peak.

It’s time for a look at some of the most memorable opening scenes from David Lynch films (& 5 Best Endings)

Lynch’s unique style of dream imagery, metaphorical storytelling, and “Lynchian” atmosphere have earned him a cult following over the years. He has worked in a variety of genres, although mystery and horror appear to be his staples. Despite the fact that he published his last feature film, Inland Empire, in 2006, he has continued to draw attention to his other works, including music videos, short films, and the resurrection of Twin Peaks.

1. Dune (1984) – 6.4

Dune (1984)

An adaptation of the science-fiction epic Dune, Lynch’s most ambitious film. It focused on the feuds between noble families over the desert world of Arrakis. Unfortunately, both critics and fans were unimpressed by Dune. That being said, director David Lynch has long been known for his dislike of the film’s theatrical cut because of studio interference.

Some fans have had a change of heart after seeing three distinct versions of the film over the years. In addition, the impending film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel, Dune, has resurrected interest in the book.

2. Inland Empire (2006) – 6.9

Laura Dern, a Lynch regular, plays an actress portraying an unfaithful lady in Inland Empire. Increasingly weird incidents occur in her real life as she immerses herself farther and deeper into the role.

From most villainous to most heroic, here are Laura Dern’s ten most memorable roles.

As a result of its experimental approach, the three-hour-long film provides some genuine horrors. Inland Empire was shot entirely on a handheld camcorder by David Lynch, resulting in low-resolution imagery that accentuates the film’s chaotic tone.

3.  Wild At Heart (1990) – 7.2

Wild At Heart (1990)

In comparison to the other entries on this list, Wild At Heart isn’t quite as strange, but it still benefits from some unexpected creative decisions and metaphorical allusions that dramatically alter some portions of Barry Gifford’s novel of the same name.

Road movie/dark comedy stars Laura Dern and Nicolas Cage as two lovers on the run from their tyrannical mother’s thugs. A Lynchian sense of strangeness and unease pervades the film, but it is primarily conveyed by the characters, who rarely speak or act like real people.

4. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992) – 7.3

As both a prologue and a sequel to the Lynch classic Twin Peaks, the psychological thriller follows two murder investigations in distinct time periods with most of the TV ensemble repeating their roles.

Similar to other Lynch films, Fire Walk With Me didn’t do well at the box office in the United States and was panned by critics. As with other Lynchian films, the film’s reputation has improved over time as more re-evaluations and positive assessments have been made.

5. Eraserhead (1977) – 7.4

A sci-fi classic, David Lynch’s first indie film, is also widely regarded as one of the best of the last century. Eraserhead, a low-budget film made during his time as a student at the American Film Institute, became a hit thanks to word-of-mouth, startling and amusing audiences at midnight showings.

The plot centres around a guy who has to deal with the birth of a child who is malformed and looks like a lizard. For Lynch, the film’s hideous visuals, strong sexual themes, and multilayered sound design were enough to offend and enchant spectators while confirming his status as an unorthodox director.

6. Lost Highway (1997) – 7.6

Lost Highway (1997)

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It’s tough for viewers to grasp Lost Highway in a single viewing because of its time-shifting, dimension-defying plot. It’s possible that many viewings and varied interpretations are the core of a typical Lynch film.

The film begins with two parallel tales, each including adultery as a central subject, which are branded as neo-noirs. Patricia Arquette stars in both scenarios, yet they are considered to be independent stories. As one might guess, things get out of hand as the linkages start to show.

7. Blue Velvet (1986) – 7.7

Starz has a version of this available.

Blue Velvet epitomizes the Lynchian aesthetic, seamlessly fusing psychological terror with classic film noir. It begins with the discovery of a severed ear that sends a college student (frequent collaborator Kyle MacLachlan) down a dark rabbit hole of mystery, romance, and violence..

Hopper, who plays Frank Booth, was resurrected in this film, and Lynch received his second Best Director Oscar nomination. One of Lynch’s most talked-about and admired works, it has endured to this day.

8. Mulholland Drive (2001) – 7.9

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Mulholland Drive, arguably one of the greatest thrillers of all time, was nominated for three Oscars in 2001 and included on a number of reviewers’ year-end lists. An amnesiac (played by Laura Harring) who is trying to overcome the trauma of a car accident befriends Naomi Watts’ actress character. As the plot thickens and vignettes multiply, a Hollywood director comes on board (Justin Theroux).

As a result, we have a menacing, moody noir that lends itself to numerous interpretations. Mulholland Drive’s true meaning has been left up for interpretation by film fans due to Lynch’s silence on the subject.

9. The Straight Story (1999) – 8.0

Oddly enough, David Lynch’s least weird picture has one of the highest IMDb scores of his oeuvre.

Many aspects of The Straight Story are unique. For the first time, the film’s director takes a more family-friendly approach than he usually does. Richard Farnsworth stars as an elderly man who wants to make up with his ill and estranged brother in this Disney-produced film.

He is unable to renew his driver’s license because of his poor vision and legs, so he ends up driving his lawnmower all the way from Iowa to Wisconsin. An emotional and genuine road movie set in the Midwest is the product of this voyage.

10. The Elephant Man (1980) – 8.1

The Elephant Man (1980)

John Hurt portrays Joseph Merrick in Lynch’s follow-up to Eraserhead, a man who was tragically exploited for his medically anomalous facial traits in a more grounded tale than Eraserhead. A British doctor (Anthony Hopkins) helps him gain a position at a hospital after he spent time at a circus freak show.

David Lynch’s Oscar-nominated script for The Elephant Man bravely shows the brutality and contempt that people like Merrick have experienced throughout history.