One of David Lynch‘s best movies climbs the streaming chart following his death on January 15. The legendary filmmaker behind Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks has 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 on a Netflix limited series before his pᴀssing, 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 Velvet is an iconic neo-noir thriller that explores a similar dark tone as in Lost Highway and Wild 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 with Eraserhead, Dune, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, and Inland Empire are available to stream on Max.

Blue Velvet has been on the Max Top 10 in the U.S. chart for two days and is currently occupying the No. 7 spot, according to Flix Patrol. The film is right behind The Accountant, which has been on the chart for 23 days. Currently, A Different Man is 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 by Den 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. His unconventional style and distinct approach then led to his hiring on The Elephant Man, which earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Director. Since then, Lynch has brought many cult favorites to life, including the 1984 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 August 2, 2024 with singer and actor Chrystabell, who portrayed FBI agent Tammy Preston in 2017’s Twin 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 to Lynch’s impact on culture and generations of movie lovers, with many going back and paying tribute by visiting the late director’s best works.

Source: Flixpatrol