One ofDavid Lynch’s best movies climbs the streaming chart following his death on January 15. The legendary filmmaker behindMulholland DriveandTwin Peakshas died at the age of 78, announced by his family on January 16 in a Facebook post. Lynch was diagnosed with chronic lung disease last year, caused by a lifetime of smoking.
Despite his health condition, Lynch wasn’t planning on retiring. He was working onaNetflix limited series before his passing, which could’ve been his last project. As Netflix CEO recalled in his Instagram tribute post, it was “a David Lynch production” filled with “mystery and risks,” which was quickly granted a green light from the streamer, but the project was indefinitely delayed due to a series of setbacks, including COVID and Lynch’s declining health.
Blue Velvet Climbs Streaming Chart Following Lynch’s Death
The Neo-Noir Thriller Is Undeniably In Lynch’s Style
Released in 1986,Blue Velvetis an iconic neo-noir thriller that explores a similar dark tone as inLost HighwayandWild at Heart. The brutally beautiful and bizarre film follows Jeffrey Beaumont’s (Kyle MacLachlan) return to his hometown. His discovery of a severed human ear then leads to a drug-fueled nightmare with a nightclub singer and a gangster. The film, along withEraserhead,Dune,Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, andInland Empireareavailable to stream on Max.
Every David Lynch Movie Ranked Worst To Best
David Lynch is a unique director whose filmography effectively captures what dreams feel like, with movies such as Eraserhead and Mulholland Drive.
Blue Velvethas been on theMax Top 10 in the U.S. chartfor two days and is currently occupying the No. 7 spot, according toFlix Patrol. The film is right behindThe Accountant, which has been on the chart for 23 days. Currently,A Different Manis at No. 1, having been in the top 10 list for two days after its streaming release on Max on January 17. The film is followed byDen of Thieves, which has been in the race for 34 days with the recent release of a sequel.
What This Means for Lynch’s Legacy
The Late Director’s Death Is Leading Many To Revisit His Best Works
Lynch’s cinematic footprint traces back to 1977 when the visionary filmmaker made his feature film debut with the nightmarish dark comedy,Eraserhead, which has since become a cult classic. Hisunconventional style and distinct approachthen led to his hiring onThe Elephant Man, which earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Director. Since then, Lynch has brought many cult favorites to life, including the1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic,Dune, and the revolutionary television series,Twin Peaks.
The director’s final creative project after a seven-year hiatus was an experimental album released on July 08, 2025 with singer and actor Chrystabell, who portrayed FBI agent Tammy Preston in2017’sTwin Peaks: The Return. Though it’s sad that fans will never be able to see Lynch’s limited Netflix series, the late director’s legacy is preserved in his creative projects.Blue Velvet’s streaming success after 39 years speaks volumes toLynch’s impact on culture and generations of movie lovers, with many going back and paying tribute by visiting the late director’s best works.
Blue Velvet
Cast
Written and directed by David Lynch, Blue Velvet is a 1986 Thriller and Mystery film. Starring Kyle MacLachlan and Isabella Rossellini, the film follows a young man that becomes embroiled in a crime.
