4 David Lynch Films Based In Los Angeles And Where You Can Watch Them

David Lynch, a visionary filmmaker renowned for his surreal and atmospheric storytelling, often used Los Angeles as a backdrop to explore the city’s alluring mix of glamour, grit, and mystery. Embracing L.A.’s complexities, Lynch masterfully captured our city’s dualities in his work. On January 16, 2025, news of his passing left fans and Angelenos mourning the loss of a cinematic legend. In honor of his life and legacy, we’ve put together a collection of Lynch’s most iconic L.A.-based films and where you can experience these masterpieces.

Note: Any announced film screenings in Los Angeles will be added here. It’s a safe bet that our local theaters will be honoring the great filmmaker.

1. Mulholland Drive (2001)

A young actress arrives in Los Angeles, only to find herself drawn into a mysterious and surreal journey of intrigue, deception, and fragmented dreams after crossing paths with an amnesiac woman. The film masterfully weaves L.A.’s iconic landscape into its narrative, delving into the stark contrasts of fame and identity while exposing the haunting shadows of Hollywood’s darker side.

📺 Where you can stream it: Currently available for purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Amazon Prime Video.

2. Lost Highway (1997)

Set against the moody backdrop of Los Angeles, this film follows a musician accused of murder who undergoes a chilling transformation, propelling him into a surreal, noir-inspired odyssey through the city. Lynch uses Los Angeles’ shadowy streets and enigmatic spaces to explore themes of identity and existential turmoil, painting a haunting portrait of the city’s darker, more menacing side.

📺 Where you can stream it: Available for purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

3. Inland Empire (2006)

An actress lands a role in a mysterious film, where the boundaries between reality and fiction dissolve, pulling her into Lynch’s enigmatic dreamscape. Filmed in and around Los Angeles, the movie showcases the city’s vast neighborhoods, juxtaposing the glittering allure of Hollywood with its dark, maze-like corners.

📺 Where you can stream it: Max Subscription, Hulu Premium subscription, Amazon Prime Video Premium subscription, YouTube TV
Premium subscription, Google Play Movies & TV with purchase, Apple TV with purchase, and Fandango at Home with purchase.

🎞️ Where to watch in person on the big screen:

• 🗓️ When: The American Cinematheque in Los Angeles is screening Inland Empire on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. This screening is a tribute to David Lynch.
• 🎟️ Tickets: Currently sold out online. Usually the Egyptian Theatre provides standby lines for sold-out shows. Standby lines are also available for American Cinematheque members-only events, but access is limited exclusively to members. Please check with American Cinematheque before attempting.
• 📍 Location: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

4. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)

While the film is primarily rooted in the misty landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, it briefly ventures into Los Angeles to delve into Laura Palmer’s ties to the broader Twin Peaks universe. These L.A. moments offer a striking contrast to the quaint small-town atmosphere of Twin Peaks, highlighting the city’s seductive allure alongside its shadowy, menacing undertones.

🎞️ Where to watch in person on the big screen:

📺 Where you can stream it: Max Subscription, Hulu Premium subscription, Sling TV, Premium subscription, The Roku Channel Premium subscription Amazon Prime Video Premium subscription, and YouTube TV Premium subscription. Available for purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.