Every David Lynch Film Ranked

The great David Lynch once said, “Life is very, very complicated, and so films should be allowed to be, too.” We may never understand what some of his genius films mean, but that is what he always wanted. We must form our own opinions, and we will all have different interpretations. No Lynch ranking looks the same, and no ranking is correct because each film can mean something different to each viewer. Read our list of Every David Lynch Film Ranked below.

10. ‘Dune’ (1984)

Lynch knew this movie was not as good as it could have been. He did not have the final cut, and he did not have the technology nor time to give this the care it needed. In theory, this could have been perfect because Dune’s themes are themes that Lynch has tackled in a lot of his work, so it is too bad he wasn’t given the chance to make this good. The film is rushed, convoluted, and falls into all the traps that make ‘Dune’ such a hard book to adapt. 

The film does have some highlights for me, them being Kyle MacLachlin’s turn as Paul Atraideis, many so bad it’s good CGI moments, and the pure perfection that is Sting as Fyed Rautha sporting nothing but a metal speedo. With Denis Venilluves soon to be ‘Dune Trilogy,’ Lynch’s ‘Dune’ turned into more of a fun novelty you watch with your friends. 

9. ‘The Straight Story’ (1999) 

What is there to say about a sweet little Disney film directed by the one and only David Lynch?  The film is a lovely tale of brotherhood and captures the Midwest simply yet timelessly. Other than its quaint charm, the film does not really have anything else to make it stick out in his filmography. It looks fine, the story is fine, and the acting is fine… fine, fine, fine. It all just comes together in a normal way, which is disappointing when Lynch is at the helm. In some ways, ‘The Straight Story’ is one of his most confusing projects, especially when you are trying to understand why he made it. 

8. ‘Inland Empire’ (2006)

One of my favorite aspects of Lynch’s movies is that they give you a very specific feeling, so even when you do not completely understand what happened, you still feel something, whether it be good or bad. The feeling ‘Inland Empire’ gave me was one of the worst feelings of all time, and that is probably why it is one of my least favorite Lynch films. Not only was I on the brink of going insane, but I also felt claustrophobic with a dark cloud over myself during the three-hour run time. There are things about this that I like, and there are also things that I wish I had never experienced. It’s a give-and-take.

On reflection, the film holds up better, but having to sit through it was a very unique form of torture. The film came out at a time when directors reacted to the rise of the digital camera, like Spike Lee with ‘Bamboozled.’ So, with this, you get Lynch’s unique reaction to the new media. It is gritty and grainy and has close-up shots of Laura Dern that will be burned into your memory. Overall, even though I did not enjoy this particular Lynchian masterpiece, I have to put it above the deeply uninteresting ‘The Straight Story’ and the mess that is ‘Dune’ for being an experience like no other. 

7. ‘Lost Highway’ (1997)

‘Lost Highway’ was the David Lynch movie that puzzled me the most. For all of his other films, I had sort of a clear understanding of what I thought the film was about around two days after watching, but I watched this movie a year ago, and I am still at a loss. I do think it is one of Lynch’s scariest films. It has some characters and images that are burned into my eyes. ‘Lost Highway’ was kind of just ‘Mulholland Drive’ before it was conceptualized. I will give it to the film. Patrica Arquette is giving her best performance in this movie, and it is dazzling to watch. 

6. Eraserhead

This movie means a lot to not only me but young filmmakers everywhere. The first film of Lynch’s illustrious career is a surreal nightmare about Lynch’s own fears of parenthood. ‘Eraserhead’ is many different things; it is a dream, it is a satirical take on the family unit, and it is an exploration of the responsibility of fatherhood. Unlike Lynch’s other films, ‘Eraserhead’ never places its feet on the ground. Every moment is otherworldly, and this makes it one of his most experimental. It can be alienating at times. Even if you do not understand ‘Eraserhead’ on the first go, its visuals will stick with you forever. When asked about the film, Lynch said it is his most spiritual film, which I do not understand and probably never will because he chose not to elaborate. 

5. The Elephant Man (1980)

The sweetest film in Lynch’s filmography. ‘The Elephant Man’ stands out to me as the most by the books Lynch film. It is a period piece based on the real-life figure Joseph Merrick. What I discovered as I watched all of Lynch’s work is that he is not only the “weird guy,” he is the “human guy.” Films like ‘The Elephant Man’ and ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me’ show how much compassion and understanding Lynch gives to his characters. If I had to choose a movie for everyone to start with his filmography, it would be this. It has the same Lynch-isms but is also sweet and not confusing at all. And if you watch this without crying, you will have no heart. 

4. Blue Velvet (1986)

One thing that Lynch does in most of his work is show the underbelly of darkness that can be in seemingly good places. ‘Blue Velvet’ is his most obvious example of this trend. There are so many frames that I’ve not been able to get out of my mind: the ear, the white picket fence, or the scene of Isabella Rossellini performing the song ‘Blue Velvet.’ This movie also has some of Lynch’s weirdest characters and moments and is a step ahead of the rest because of the cast, visuals, and story beats that just make you fall in love with the movie. 

I would also say that this would be an easy introduction to David Lynch’s work. There are some “what is this” moments, but the film also is very clear in its messaging. The film has a story we have seen covered in many films, but what Lynch brings to the table makes it a completely new experience. ‘Blue Velvet’ also features my favorite performance by Kyle MacLachlin in a Lynch film, and any film for that matter. 

3.  Wild at Heart (1990)

I would argue that ‘Wild of Heart’ is not only Lynch’s sexiest movie but also his funniest. The film stars Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, who is oozing with charisma and chemistry throughout the entire film. ‘Wild at Heart’ is truly insane. It will go from a fun road trip movie to some of the darkest scenes of Lynch’s career. I have a personal bias for this movie, and I find it extremely romantic, beautifully surprising, and an irresistible good time. Even with this bias, I can recognize that every viewer will at least have a lot to talk about when they go into this movie. 

2. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Consider by many to be David Lynch’s best film, ‘Mulholland Drive’ is truly a site to be seen. I have seen the film about three times now, and I can truly say it is a perfect film. It tackles the themes of identity and obsession in such a complex, aggressive, and sympathetic manner. I also think ‘Mulholland Drive’s’ portrayal of Hollywood and the darkness that lies beneath the surface is a portrayal we have seen before but never this expertly. 

‘Mulholland Drive’ is a blend of everything that makes Lynch the director he is. It is mindblowing, full of twists and turns, and has a deeply human emotion at the center of it. I also think the film is Lynch’s best use of dreams. The entire film is packed with a lingering sense of dread and unease. ‘Mulholland Drive’ is hard to beat, but nothing can surpass my love for this next film. 

1. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)

Almost a year after the final episode of ‘Twin Peaks’ aired, ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me’ hit theaters. With its release, many fans of ‘Twin Peaks’ were hoping Lynch would explain all the open-ended questions they got from the show. What Lynch chose to do instead is what makes this one of his best films. Instead of explaining, Lynch opted to dive deeper into the life and death of Laura Palmer, his best character. What we get from this is a tragic, complex look into the life of a deeply troubled girl. 

The film is much darker than the actual show, which is probably why it was so jarring to a casual viewer. However, Lynch wanted to show the town of Twin Peaks through Laura’s eyes, not the eyes of the happy-go-lucky Dale Cooper. With a truly powerful performance by Sheryl Lee and the signature Lynchian imagery, ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me’ makes for one of the most impactful films in his filmography. What sets the film apart from the show is that we are given a raw account of what happened to Palmer, all the trauma and abuse firsthand. 

David Lynch’s exquisite, decade-spanning career has left an indelible mark on film history. Every film gives such a singular feeling that the viewer might not understand, but that is the point. These films are meant to be understood on a personal level. That’s why Lynch was so strict with his own interpretation of his work. That is exactly what makes these films so special. Lynch will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever do it, with his fierce originality, attention to detail, and subtle humanistic touch. 

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