David Lynch, the undisputed master of surrealism and the uncanny, has left an indelible mark on the world of film and television. His works are characterized by haunting visuals, enigmatic narratives, and an unparalleled ability to explore the darker corners of human nature. Upon his passing, we hope to commemorate his lasting impact on the art of cinema with a closer look at seven of his most iconic projects, with my personal favorite, Twin Peaks, reigning supreme.
7. Dune (1984)
While Dune remains one of Lynch’s most polarizing works, it deserves recognition for its ambition and scale. Adapting Frank Herbert’s sprawling sci-fi epic was no small feat, and Lynch brought his unique visual style and atmospheric world-building to the project. Starring actor Kyle MacLachlan in his first collaboration with Lynch, the film immerses viewers in the desolate beauty of Arrakis.
Although Lynch famously disowned the final cut due to studio interference, Dune retains moments of brilliance. Its dreamlike sequences, surreal production design, and haunting score by Toto and Brian Eno give it a distinctive edge. Over the years, Lynch's Dune has gained a cult following. It's a fascinating glimpse into what Lynch might have achieved with full creative control.
6. Lost Highway (1997)
A deeply unsettling journey into the unknown, Lost Highway blurs the lines between reality, identity, and hallucination. This neo-noir psychological thriller follows a man accused of murder as he embarks on a strange and fragmented odyssey. With its eerie soundtrack and haunting visuals, Lost Highway stands as one of Lynch's most enigmatic works, rewarding those who choose to embrace its cryptic nature.
5. Inland Empire (2006)
Lynch's most experimental work, Inland Empire is a three-hour descent into a hallucinatory nightmare. Laura Dern stars as an actress whose identity unravels while working on a cursed film project. Shot on digital video with a deliberately raw aesthetic, this abstract masterpiece challenges viewers with its non-linear structure and surreal imagery. Inland Empire is Lynch at his most unfiltered and daring.
4. Blue Velvet (1986)
With Blue Velvet, another personal favorite of mine, Lynch peels back the veneer of suburban America to reveal a seedy underworld of violence and depravity. Kyle MacLachlan, here in his prime, Laura Dern, and Dennis Hopper deliver unforgettable performances in this neo-noir masterpiece. For me, it was the juxtaposition of idyllic small-town life with grotesque darkness that made Blue Velvet one of Lynch’s defining works, cementing his reputation as a visionary filmmaker and auteur.
3. Mulholland Drive (2001)
A hypnotic puzzle of love, betrayal, and identity, Mulholland Drive is possibly Lynch’s crowning cinematic achievement. Naomi Watts delivers a tour-de-force performance in multiple roles (or maybe the same role, that's part of the mystery) in this surreal exploration of Hollywood’s dark underbelly. The film’s dreamlike narrative and haunting imagery have made it a modern classic, sparking endless analysis and interpretation.
2. Eraserhead (1977)
Lynch’s feature debut is a nightmarish meditation on fear, alienation, and parenthood. Shot over several years on a shoestring budget, Eraserhead established Lynch as a singular voice in cinema. Its industrial soundscape, grotesque visuals, and fragmented storytelling make it a cult classic that continues to captivate audiences with its intensity.
1. Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
At the pinnacle of Lynch’s career is Twin Peaks, a groundbreaking television series that redefined storytelling on the small screen. Co-created with Mark Frost, the show begins as a murder mystery but quickly descends into the supernatural and psychological.
The original series introduced iconic characters like Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) and the enigmatic Laura Palmer, blending mystery, humor, and horror. The 2017 revival, Twin Peaks: The Return, pushed the boundaries of television with its experimental narrative and haunting visuals, solidifying the show’s status as Lynch’s undisputed magnum opus. I have plenty of things to say about Twin Peaks and its lasting impact on me as a fan, all these years later. I could wax poetic for hours about my love for this undeniably incredible piece of art, but I'll let countless positive reviews and the fan community's reactions speak for themselves. It looks like it's time for my annual rewatch.
Honorable Mentions
While this list highlights Lynch’s most iconic works, other projects like Wild at Heart (1990) and The Straight Story (1999) showcase his versatility as a storyteller. Whether he was crafting surreal dreamscapes or exploring the art of tender, honest human connection, David Lynch's body of work remains unparalleled, captivating audiences and set to inspire filmmakers for generations.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter and check out our YouTube channel.