David Lynch’s Favorite Films: 10 Movies the Director Wants You to See

David Lynch, who recently passed away, was an eclectic filmmaker, thus, it’s no surprise his favorite films reflect that sensibility.

A 2023 IndieWire article aggregated 10 films which Lynch cited in public appearances and interviews as personal favorites. Here they are:

• “The Wizard of Oz” (dir. Victor Fleming, 1939)
• “8 ½” (dir. Federico Fellini, 1963)
• “Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday” (dir. Jacques Tati, 1953)
• “Rear Window” (dir. Alfred Hitchcock, 1954)
• “Sunset Boulevard” (dir. Billy Wilder, 1950)
• “Stroszek” (dir. Werner Herzog, 1977)
• “Lolita” (dir. Stanley Kubrick, 1962)
• “It’s a Gift” (dir. Norman McLeod, 1934)
• “The Apartment” (dir. Billy Wilder, 1960)
• “Mon Oncle” (dir. Jacques Tati, 1968)

Here’s a short clip of Lynch describing some of the above films.

I’ve not watched either of the Tati films. Here are the trailers:

Here is an video essay on how Tati found visual humor.

Of course, I am delighted Lynch cites two Billy Wilder films: Sunset Blvd. and The Apartment. Wilder is my favorite filmmaker and The Apartment is my all-time favorite movie. I shouldn’t be surprised this film made Lynch’s list. The delicate balance between humor and drama Wilder managed in The Apartment is remarkable. Lynch did the same thing in several of his movies including Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and of course Twin Peaks.

Godspeed, David Lynch.

For the rest of the IndieWire article, go here.