David Lynch, a singular force in cinema, known for crafting surreal, unsettling worlds that blur the boundaries between reality, dreams, and nightmares, has died at 78. From the industrial horrors of Eraserhead to the suburban darkness of Blue Velvet and the dreamlike disorientation of Mulholland Drive, his works explored themes of identity, fear and the hidden rot beneath everyday life. Here’s where to stream his work.
Eraserhead (1977)
- Stream it on: Max and the Criterion Channel
- Actors: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Jeanne Bates
- Synopsis: In Lynch’s surreal debut, Jack Nance stars as Henry, a man navigating an industrial nightmare and the responsibilities of fatherhood when faced with a grotesque, otherworldly baby. The film, hauntingly atmospheric and visually arresting, is a masterclass in creating unease and cemented Lynch’s place as a visionary filmmaker.
Dune (1984)
- Stream it on: Max
- Actors: Kyle MacLachlan, Francesca Annis, Sting
- Synopsis: Lynch’s ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic Dune is a sprawling tale of politics, prophecy, and power, centering on young Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan). While visually stunning, the film’s studio-imposed compromises left it narratively disjointed, a frustration Lynch himself openly acknowledged.
Blue Velvet (1986)
- Stream it on: Max
- Actors: Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, Laura Dern
- Synopsis: A college student’s discovery of a severed ear leads him into a dark underworld of violence and obsession beneath suburban life. Lynch’s exploration of innocence and corruption, anchored by Dennis Hopper’s chilling performance, is one of his most critically acclaimed works.
Twin Peaks (1990-91)
UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 10: TWIN PEAKS – Gallery – Season One – 11/10/1989, Homecoming queen Laura … [+]
- Stream it on: Paramount+
- Actors: Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, Michael Ontkean, Ray Wise
- Synopsis: This groundbreaking TV series begins with the murder of Laura Palmer, but it soon delves into supernatural and psychological horrors lurking in a small town. Lynch’s eccentric storytelling captivated audiences and redefined television, though its second season faltered before a memorable cliffhanger ending.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)
- Stream it on: Max and the Criterion Channel
- Actors: Sheryl Lee, Ray Wise, Moira Kelly
- Synopsis: A prequel to Twin Peaks, the film examines Laura Palmer’s harrowing final days. Initially dismissed by critics, its raw emotional intensity and deeper exploration of Twin Peaks mythology have since earned it a devoted following.
Lost Highway (1997)
- Stream it on: The Criterion Channel
- Actors: Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Robert Blake
- Synopsis: Lynch’s noir-inspired thriller follows a saxophonist entangled in a mysterious fugue state that reshapes his identity. This dark, enigmatic film is a chilling meditation on memory, identity, and guilt, wrapped in Lynch’s trademark unsettling style.
The Straight Story (1999)
- Stream it on: Disney+
- Actors: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton
- Synopsis: A warm departure from Lynch’s usual fare, this film tells the true story of Alvin Straight’s journey on a lawnmower to reconnect with his estranged brother. Lynch’s subtle direction turns a simple premise into a poignant tale of redemption and humanity.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
Mulholland Drive
- Stream it on: The Criterion Channel; rent or buy on major platforms
- Actors: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux
- Synopsis: In this dreamlike Hollywood mystery, aspiring actress Betty helps amnesiac Rita uncover her identity, spiraling into a disorienting blend of reality and illusion. Widely regarded as Lynch’s magnum opus, the film’s haunting beauty and psychological depth make it endlessly rewatchable.
Inland Empire (2006)
- Stream it on: Max and the Criterion Channel
- Actors: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons, Justin Theroux
- Synopsis: An actress’s identity blurs with the role she’s playing in this abstract, sprawling experiment shot on digital video. Though divisive, its surreal intensity and Laura Dern’s fearless performance solidify its place in Lynch’s daring oeuvre.
Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)
- Stream it on: Paramount+
- Actors: Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, Naomi Watts
- Synopsis: This 18-hour follow-up to Twin Peaks defies expectations with its bold, unsettling storytelling. Lynch crafts a haunting meditation on time, identity, and loss, delivering a conclusion as enigmatic as it is unforgettable.
What Did Jack Do? (2020)
- Stream it on: Netflix
- Actors: David Lynch, a talking monkey
- Synopsis: In this 17-minute short, Lynch interrogates a monkey accused of murder in a noir-inspired setting. Both absurd and eerie, it’s a delightful example of Lynch’s ability to blend humor and unease.
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