David Lynch Movies: Release Order
David Lynch is one of cinema's most distinctive auteurs, creating a unique blend of surrealism, noir, and Americana that has influenced generations of filmmakers. His feature films span nearly three decades, from the industrial nightmare of Eraserhead to the experimental digital labyrinth of Inland Empire. Lynch's filmography showcases remarkable range, be it period drama like The Elephant Man or big-budget science fiction like Dune.
Note that Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is a prequel to Lynch's acclaimed TV series Twin Peaks, so viewers unfamiliar with the show may find it challenging to follow without that context. For those who have seen or plan to watch the series, the recommended viewing order is to watch Fire Walk with Me between seasons 2 and 3.
There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.
Eraserhead
A surreal black-and-white nightmare follows Henry Spencer, a new father struggling to cope with his bizarre industrial surroundings and a severely deformed baby that won't stop crying.
The Elephant Man
A Victorian surgeon rescues a severely disfigured man from a traveling freak show and discovers beneath his shocking appearance lies a gentle soul of remarkable intelligence and sensitivity.
Dune
On the desert planet Arrakis in the year 10,191, the universe's most precious substance - the spice Melange - is essential for space travel and extends human consciousness. When young Paul Atreides arrives on this harsh world, he may fulfill an ancient Fremen prophecy about a messiah who will lead them to freedom.
Blue Velvet
A young man's discovery of a severed ear in a field leads him into a dark underworld involving a mysterious nightclub singer and dangerous criminals in this surreal neo-noir thriller.
Wild at Heart
Young lovers Sailor and Lula flee across the country to escape Lula's psychotic mother and the dangerous criminals pursuing them in this surreal road movie.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
FBI Agent Dale Cooper investigates supernatural mysteries in the Pacific Northwest while troubled teenager Laura Palmer becomes entangled with dangerous elements in the seemingly idyllic town of Twin Peaks.
Lost Highway
A tormented jazz musician becomes entangled in a surreal and enigmatic nightmare involving murder, surveillance, and gangsters in this mind-bending psychological thriller from David Lynch.
The Straight Story
A 70-year-old retired farmer embarks on an unlikely journey across the Midwest on his riding lawnmower to reconcile with his estranged brother who has suffered a stroke. This heartwarming road movie follows his picturesque and spiritual odyssey as he travels from Iowa to Wisconsin to make peace before it's too late.
Mulholland Drive
A naive aspiring actress arrives in Hollywood and befriends a mysterious woman with amnesia, while a filmmaker faces sinister interference with his latest project. David Lynch's surreal neo-noir explores the dark underbelly of Hollywood dreams and identity.
Inland Empire
An actress's grip on reality begins to unravel as she becomes involved in a remake of a cursed Polish film, blurring the lines between her life and the mysterious production.
Other Film Series
Candyman
A horror franchise centered on the vengeful spirit of Candyman, exploring urban legends and supernatural terror across different timelines and locations.
Hercule Poirot
Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective has been adapted across multiple eras, from early talkies to modern star-studded ensembles.
Jason Bourne
An amnesiac CIA assassin discovers his deadly past while being hunted by his former agency.
Philip Marlowe
Film adaptations spanning eight decades featuring Raymond Chandler's iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, with different actors and interpretations across multiple eras.
Unbreakable
M. Night Shyamalan's grounded superhero trilogy following ordinary people who discover extraordinary abilities, culminating in an unexpected crossover.
Vengeance
Park Chan-wook's acclaimed thematic trilogy exploring the moral complexities and devastating consequences of revenge through three standalone Korean films, plus an American remake.