Category - Movies
David Lynch RIP: Where to Stream His Best Movies, from 'Twin Peaks' to 'Dune'
One of the greatest American artists of all time has died. David Lynch was the effortless creative and visionary director of provocative films like Eraserhead (1977), Blue Velvet (1986), the beloved cult series Twin Peaks (1990), Mulholland Drive (2001), and so many more. Lynch was such a unique force in film that we even created a word —"Lynchian"—to describe his particular brand of insight into the human experience.
As his family said in a statement on Facebook, "There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us." For millions of his fans, the best way to remember Lynch will be to celebrate his great and utterly singular work. And, assuming you don't have a Blu-ray player handy, complete with 4K versions of all his films, here's a quick guide to streaming David Lynch's best movies online right now.
Eraserhead (1977)
Lynch's first distributing film, is for some, still his best. Don't ask us what this movie means. We still don't know.
Eraserhead is streaming on HBO Max.
The Elephant Man (1980)
Based on a true story, Lynch's take on The Elephant Man put him on the map with more mainstream movie studios. This is the moment Lynch launches from a totally experimental filmmaker to an experimental filmmaker that Hollywood loves.
The academic streaming service, Kanopy, does appear to have The Elephant Man. Otherwise, you'll have to track down a DVD.
Dune (1984)
After turning down a chance to direct Return of the Jedi, David Lynch tackled Frank Herbert's epic sci-fi novel. This film resulted in him discovering young actor Kyle MacLachlan, and the pair collaborated on several projects after that. Lynch often disowned Dune, but the film's fantastic aesthetics and surreal writing do the spirit of the book justice, even if the plot is highly condensed.
Dune (1984) is streaming on HBO Max.
Blue Velvet (1986)
Lynch's most potent and perhaps, original of all his films. Full of bizarre imagery, but a somewhat straightforward story, Blue Velvet is disturbing and brilliant simultaneously. Also, it will make you think differently about ordering Pabst Blue Ribbon versus Heineken. If you know, you know.
Blue Velvet is streaming on HBO Max.
Wild at Heart (1990)
Put your snakeskin jacket on! Possibly the greatest film to star either Nicolas Cage or Laura Dern, Wild at Heart is a road trip movie filled with blood, sex, tears, and a lot of references to Elvis Presley and The Wizard of Oz. Based on Barry Gifford's novel Sailor & Lula, you're not really ready for how nuts this one is. If you can find it, see it. Maybe Lynch's secret best movie ever.
Wild at Heart is not currently streaming anywhere. You have to get the Blu-ray.
Twin Peaks (1990, 1992, 2017)
The original prestige TV show, Twin Peaks defied all genres when it was released in 1990. At turns horrifying, at other turns, hilarious, we'll be talking about Twin Peaks until the sun burns out. The 1992 film Fire Walk With Me is part of the overall story, but was made later, and is a prequel. The 2017 series Twin Peaks: The Return is way better than it has any right to be.
Twin Peaks and Twin Peaks: The Return both stream on Paramount+. Fire Walk With Me is streaming on HBO Max.
Lost Highway (1997)
Does a movie about a saxophone player played by Bill Pullman freak you out? It should! Lost Highway is easily one of Lynch's most underrated films, and probably his trippiest, which is saying something, considering the other films on this list. The Lost Highway soundtrack featured David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, and The Smashing Pumpkins, and was produced by Trent Reznor. This was the first of Lynch's films firmly set in Los Angeles and it set the tone for the rest of his work that followed.
Lost Highway is available to rent on Apple, Amazon, and elsewhere.
The Straight Story (1999)
The only David Lynch film to ever get "G" rating, this sweet story about a guy riding on his lawnmower is one of the best things you'll ever see. If you want a feel-good movie to remember Lynch, this is the one.
The Straight Story is streaming on Disney+
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
For those of us who got into "serious" movies in the early 2000s, Mulholland Dr. was, in some ways, a reintroduction of David Lynch to a new generation. Starring Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, you've never seen a movie quite like this. The various layers of what's real and what's not cannot be fully explained, only experienced. Reportedly, when Mulholland Dr. was first released on DVD, Lynch refused to let the movie have any chapter selections, for fear that it would ruin the way the story unfolded. He was probably right.
Mulholland Dr. is available to rent on Amazon, Google Play, and elsewhere.
Inland Empire (2006)
Of all the films on this list, it's tempting to call many "underrated" or "under-loved." But Inland Empire is probably best described as "misunderstood." There are talking rabbits in this movie, and you will probably be a bit depressed watching it. But, you'll also be changed. And that's something David Lynch did best, change us, subtly, slowly, and without seemingly trying that hard.
As he put it: "Be regular and ordinary in your life, so that you be violent and original in your work." The world of art and creativity was full of darkness and violence for Lynch. But he, himself, was a beacon of light.