David Lynch Films Ranked

It was announced on Thursday that legendary filmmaker and artist David Lynch sadly passed away aged 78. Lynch had contributed to multiple media across arts and entertainment for decades, and has left a long standing legacy that has inspired countless directors, musicians and artists worldwide. Lynch also remains to be my favourite director of all time, despite having not released a theatrical project for almost twenty years.

Lynch became widely known for his surrealist storytelling methods, nightmarish visuals, and uncanny blends of various genres. His most notable work is acclaimed, mystery-drama series “Twin Peaks”, which ran for two seasons in the early 90’s, which was followed by a spin-off film and a return season in 2017. Co-created with Mark Frost, “Twin Peaks” followed Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), who investigates the murder of high schooler Laura Palmer, while various dramas unfold in the seemingly idyllic town that boasts a wide range of increasingly colourful, and occasionally bizarre characters.

To celebrate Lynch’s legacy, I have ranked all ten of the theatrical releases he directed in his life time, dating from 1977 to 2006.

10. Dune (1984)

Cast: Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, Jose Ferrer, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Richard Jordan, Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Silvana Mangano, Everett McGill, Kenneth McMillan, Jack Nance, Sian Phillips, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Smith, Patrick Stewart, Sting, Dean Stockwll, Max von Sydow, Alicia Roanne Witt, Sean Young

Synopsis: The original adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel. Like Denis Villeneuve‘s more acclaimed adaptation, “Dune” follows Paul Atreides, a duke’s son, leads an army of the indigenous population called the Fremen on the desert planet of Arrakis as they get ready to defend their land from the evil Harkonnens.

9. The Straight Story (1999)

Cast: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton

Synopsis: A rare foray into family friendly territory for Lynch. The film follows Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old, who learns that his estranged brother, Lyle is critically ill. Unable to drive, Alvin embarks on a journey from Iowa to Mt. Zion, by riding a lawn mower. Will he succeed?

8. Inland Empire (2006)

Cast: Laura Dern, Jeremy irons, Justin Theroux, Harry Dean Stanton, Karolina Gruszka, Peter J. Lucas, Krzysztof Majchrzak, Julia Ormond

Synopsis: What turns out to be Lynch’s final theatrical release, almost 20 years ago. Laura Dern stars as an actress who begins working in a remake of an unfinished Polish film that was believed to be cursed, the lines between reality and fiction become blurred for her.

7. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)

Cast: Sheryl Lee, Moira Kelly, David Bowie, Chris Isaak, Harry Dean Stanton, Ray Wise, Kyle MacLachlan

Synopsis: Fire Walk with Me is the theatrical spin-off of “Twin Peaks”, the surreal television series, which arguably remains Lynch’s most recognised and acclaimed work. The film follows FBI agents Sam and Chet set out to investigate the murder of Teresa, a waitress. However, Chet mysteriously disappears when he finds a clue to the case

6. The Lost Highway (1997)

Cast: Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty, Robert Blake, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Gary Busey, Robert Loggia

Synopsis: Fred Madison, a jazz saxophonist, shares an affectionate relationship with his wife, Renee. However, his life changes when he receives a threatening message from a mysterious man.

5. Wild at Heart (1990)

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Diane Ladd, Isabella Rossellini, Harry Dean Stanton

Synopsis: After breaking parole for self defensive manslaughter, Sailor Ripley and his girlfriend Lula, head down the highway to California while discovering hidden secrets about one another.

4. Eraserhead (1977)

Cast: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne Bates, Judith Roberts

Synopsis: Lynch’s debut feature, the surrealist body horror, “Eraserhead”, set the tone as to how Lynch would impact the industry over the next few decades. The absurdist independent horror follows Jack Nance as Henry, who’s trying to survive the gloomy industrial landscape, discovers that he has become a father. His baby turns out to be a mutant lizard-like creature whose endless wailing drives him insane.

3. The Elephant Man (1980)

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, Freddie Jones, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller

Synopsis: “The Elephant Man” is widely considered to be Lynch’s most accessible film, having earned 8 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, the only of Lynch’s films to do so. It follows Dr. Frederic Treves discovers Joseph Merrick in a sideshow. Born with a congenital disorder, Merrick uses his disfigurement to earn a living as the “Elephant Man.” Treves brings Merrick into his home, discovering that his rough exterior hides a refined soul, and that Merrick can teach the stodgy British upper class of the time a lesson about dignity. 

2. Blue Velvet (1986)

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis hopper, Laura Dern, Hope Langer, George Dickerson, Dean Stockwell

Synopsis: Jeffrey finds a severed human ear near his family home. Sandy tells him that the ear has something to do with a nightclub singer named Dorothy. Jeffrey decides to find out more about Dorothy.

1. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Cast: Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Ann Miller, Robert Forster

Synopsis: My all-time favourite film by Lynch, and also one of my favourite films of all time. The film started off as a pilot conceived by Lynch for a potential TV series, but he ultimately scrapped the idea, opting to produce a film instead. The nightmarish fever dream follows Rita, a dark-haired amnesiac, and Betty, a perky blonde actress, as team up to find clues related to Rita’s accident and ascertain her true identity.

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