2001: A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner. I can't really say which one of those I prefer. I think they're both amazing. I'd also like to mention The Machinist and A Scanner Darkly, which are probably next in line.
It's neck-and-neck between The Fellowship Of The Ring and The Return Of The King for me, although The Two Towers is also a wonderful accomplishment (and has some of the best use of special effects in any movie, in my opinion). Maybe Fellowsdhip because it works so well as a self-contained movie.
Rent "The Straight Story" That's a Lynch film that will likely be more to your tastes. Everyone I recommend it to, enjoys it, on some level, including the Lynch haters, who can't stand his movies like "Wild At Heart" or "Blue Velvet"
The Straight Story is great. I didn't like it much the first time, but it grew on me. It's a great film for the family, but it doesn't skimp on the Lynch quirks either. The scene with the grabber comes to mind. The biggest revelation on second viewing was discovering the darker subtext, which made the rest of the film really come together in my mind. It's a heartwarming story.
Agreed fully on The Straight Story, which I really need to see again. I recently read an article on the hidden subtext and symbolism of the film - it really isn't the simple, heartwarming story that it seems on the surface. Mulholland Drive is probably my favourite Lynch film, I watch it at least once a year because it's a great film to dip into and explore. I loved Blue Velvet, The Elephant Man and Eraserhead too. Lost Highway had some great scenes but meandered around too long on a character I didn't like. As for favourite film, maybe Jacob's Ladder,Dead Man or 12 Angry Men. Sorry I can't decide on just one.
I would say it's still heartwarming with the subtext, but it shifts the focus of Alvin's journey. It becomes not as much about making amends with his brother as it is about redeeming himself. His trip is a sort of pennace for his past.
It'll always be my favorite if his. It's got everything a Lynch film should have, & everything people always say that Lynch films don't have. Plus it has the added benefit of being powerfully touching, & patiently mesmerizing
Transformers The Movie (1986)- Nothing I've seen since (and I originally saw the movie when I was 10 years old) can beat the first powerful 30 minutes of THAT film for me although Return of the Jedi and Revenge of the Sith come VERY close.
Ok, ok...Encino Man is my favorite film on a basic level. Another would be Brother Bear. I love that movie so much. But my FAVORITE of all time... Covergirl Starring Rita Hayworth & Gene Kelly...it is a classic.