David Lynch's Filmography Ranked: From Eraserhead to Twin Peaks and Beyond

David Lynch’s filmography, a remarkable collection that spans his 78 years, is considered among the most unique and outstanding in the global cinema landscape.

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David Lynch, who sadly passed away at 78, leaves behind an exceptional, one-of-a-kind body of work within the realm of international filmmaking.

From his remarkably unusual first work, Eraserhead in 1977, up until his groundbreaking series Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017, one could argue that almost everything he created – barring Dune – can be considered a true masterpiece, setting expectations aside.

Attempting to rank his work may seem nearly impossible due to its depth and complexity, yet in recognition of the remarkable legacy he has left us, here is our comprehensive ranking of David Lynch’s body of work – delve into it further below.

David Lynch movies and TV shows ranked

13. Dune (1984)

Prior to Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, David Lynch was initially tasked with creating his own interpretation of the material, a role he later acknowledged wasn’t suitable for him. Despite being his worst film, it still possesses some impressive aspects – the visual design is remarkable and it marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan, who later starred in Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks.

Read our full Dune review

12. Twin Peaks season 2 (1990-1991)

It’s somewhat inaccurate to list Season 2 among David Lynch’s projects because he was largely absent during its production. This was due in part to the studio’s demand that the Laura Palmer murder mystery be resolved early on, leaving fewer episodes for Lynch’s involvement. While the episodes he did work on, such as the iconic finale, were exceptional, it’s fair to say that overall, Season 2 lacks the strength of the initial season.

11. Inland Empire (2006)

In the final project of his career, David Lynch’s Inland Empire stands out as one of his most uninhibited and avant-garde works. This film often appears high on critics’ lists due to its remarkable aspects, especially Laura Dern’s outstanding central performance. However, the film doesn’t quite coalesce as effectively as those at the top of the list. Yet, a second viewing might propel it higher up the ranks, and its lower position is more a testament to the strength of his other films than a criticism of this one.

Read our full Inland Empire review

10. Lost Highway (1997)

Among the three films David Lynch created in the period from 1997 to 2006, “Lost Highway” was the first. This film, set in Los Angeles, delves into a nightmarish world of noir, showcasing many elements that would later become hallmarks of his masterpiece, Mulholland Drive. The performances by Bill Pullman and Patricia Arquette are exceptional. While the plot may initially appear confusing, similar to much of Lynch’s work, the narrative’s hypnotic, eerie progression with a dreamlike quality is undeniably unsettling.

Read our full Lost Highway review

9. The Straight Story (1999)

Despite being renowned for his surreal creations, David Lynch demonstrated with The Straight Story that he could handle traditional drama with equal intensity. This heartfelt story follows Richard Farnsworth as 73-year-old Alvin Straight, a widower on a journey across the country on a lawnmower to visit his ailing brother. The film is subtly emotional, and Lynch’s distinctive style remains evident throughout the trip.

Read our full The Straight Story review

8. Wild at Heart (1990)

Following his departure from Twin Peaks in its second season, this was the movie that earned David Lynch the prestigious Palme D’Or. It’s delightfully extravagant and occasionally camp, with elements of this due to Nicholas Cage’s outstanding central role. The film also pays tribute to Elvis Presley, The Wizard of Oz, and a host of other pulp inspirations that significantly shaped Lynch’s creative endeavors. However, like many of his works, there is an underlying current of darkness throughout the movie, with violence often lurking nearby.

Read our full Wild at Heart review

7. The Elephant Man (1980)

Following the significant acclaim earned from his first film Eraserhead, this was the movie that significantly boosted David Lynch’s reputation and garnered him widespread recognition, particularly in mainstream award circles. Inspired by the true tale of Joseph Merrick, who was referred to as John in the movie, this film is not a traditional biography. Instead, it presents a classic Lynchian narrative about an understanding outcast grappling with a harsh world. John Hurt’s portrayal in the lead role is truly unforgettable.

Read our full The Elephant Man review

6. Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)

Initially, there was uncertainty about what to anticipate when it became known that David Lynch would revive Twin Peaks after a gap of 25 years. Yet, few could have predicted such an innovative work, largely untouched by nostalgia and fan service. This masterpiece, highly praised by film critics who ranked it among the best of 2017 despite being an 18-episode series, is a haunting, occasionally bewildering, yet captivating swan song from Lynch.

5. Eraserhead (1977)

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at how David Lynch’s debut film set the stage for his extraordinary cinematic journey: an enigmatic, distorted voyage brimming with bizarre, dreamlike scenes – from eerie infant apparitions to ethereal women rising from radiators. The striking black-and-white visuals and meticulously crafted soundscape were but two elements that immediately distinguished Lynch as a visionary artist, constructing a realm unlike any previously experienced.

Read our full Eraserhead review

4. Twin Peaks season 1 (1990)

maybe the TV series jointly created by Lynch and Mark Frost is one of the most outstanding small screen productions ever made; it significantly boosted Lynch’s popularity and continues to captivate audiences today, given its raw, unaltered Lynchian essence. This haunting murder mystery doubled as a quirky portrayal of small-town America, introducing an extensive roster of iconic characters such as Dale Cooper and Audrey Horne.

3. Blue Velvet (1986)

Following the disappointing critical and financial reception of Dune, Lynch rebounded spectacularly with this captivating narrative exploring voyeurism and the sinister aspects of suburban existence. Despite being more straightforward in its narrative compared to some of his later projects, it showcases some of his most striking dream-like visuals and features many of his most memorable characters – such as Isabella Rossellini’s enigmatic nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens and the chilling portrayal of villain Frank Booth by Dennis Hopper.

Read our full Blue Velvet review

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

Initially met with skepticism upon its premiere, Fire Walk with Me might have been criticized due to its departure from the cozy charm and quirkiness of the original series. However, this film undeniably ranks among David Lynch’s masterpieces. It offers a chilling, poignant portrayal of Laura Palmer’s life in the time leading up to her death, delivered with genuine compassion and brought to vivid reality by an exceptional performance from Sheryl Lee.

Read our full Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me review

1. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Among the films listed earlier, it’s challenging not to consider this 2001 production as David Lynch’s most significant opus. The narrative unfolds in a manner similar to many of his films, using dream logic, and revolves around an aspiring actress, skillfully portrayed by Naomi Watts, who moves to LA and meets a young amnesiac (Laura Harring) who survived a car crash. As events progress, they spiral into a growing surreal landscape filled with doppelgängers, peculiar nightclub performers, ominous monsters lurking behind diners, and numerous other intriguing elements. Mulholland Drive is an exceptional masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Lynch’s career achievements at its best.

Read our full Mulholland Drive review

2025-01-17 18:04

David Lynch’s Filmography Ranked: From Eraserhead to Twin Peaks and Beyond