Although it has been nearly two decades since David Lynch’s last feature film, many viewers remain hopeful that the legendary filmmaker will one day direct another movie. Given the experimental, mystifying, absurd, and surreal nature of many of his works, he is often considered one of Hollywood's most intriguing and important contemporary directors. Although it’s unknown if he will ever direct another feature film, there are plenty of existing Lynch masterpieces to delve into. This guide will rank all of David Lynch’s feature films as well as reveal where to watch them using popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Max and more!
One of David Lynch’s most notable films is the one that kickstarted his career: Eraserhead. The low-budget surrealist body horror movie follows Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), a young man who finds himself raising a baby with deformities. Its experimental nature, sexual undertones, and body horror initially horrified and disturbed viewers. However, the film picked up popularity as a midnight film and is now considered a masterpiece, given its surrealist nature, highlighting of human anxiety, and the numerous ways it can be interpreted.
Lynch’s next movie, The Elephant Man, was less experimental and, thus, less divisive than his feature film debut. Starring John Hurt and Sir Anthony Hopkins, the film is inspired by the true story of Joseph Merrick, a man with deformities who lived in London in the late 19th century. It received high critical acclaim for its beautiful black-and-white cinematography and heartbreaking, moving exploration of humanity.
Although his biographical film The Elephant Man was a hit, David Lynch returned to his surrealist and experimental films many times in his career. Blue Velvet and Inland Empire are among his best works in these areas. Blue Velvet achieved cult status and is considered one of the best mystery movies ever for spinning a dark, ambiguous tale from a severed ear. Although Inland Empire earned less fanfare than most Lynch movies, the Laura Dern-led psychological thriller is notable for being one of his most abstract, surreal, and dream-like films yet.
David Lynch has also proven his versatility as a filmmaker, surprising viewers with his family-friendly The Straight Story, a hyperrealistic but beautifully crafted movie that couldn’t be further from surrealism. Meanwhile, even his less successful films, including his take on the Dune franchise and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, have stirred lively debates among viewers and earned re-evaluations.
Where can I watch the best David Lynch movies online?
For those interested in exploring David Lynch’s filmography further, we have ranked all of his feature films from best to worst based on their critical reception, groundbreaking nature, and legacy. Read on to find out where to stream every title in the United States!
