# Naomi Watts in Mulholland Drive: 25 Years of Mind-Bending Cinema

> Naomi Watts' role in David Lynch's 2001 film Mulholland Drive remains one of cinema's most enigmatic masterpieces after 25 years.
- Title: Naomi Watts in Mulholland Drive: 25 Years of Mind-Bending…
- Summary: Naomi Watts' role in David Lynch's 2001 film Mulholland Drive remains one of cinema's most enigmatic masterpieces after 25 years. Naomi Watts starred in…
- Keywords: naomi watts, mulholland drive, david lynch, 2001 film, hollywood, cinema, 21st century, critical darlings, entertainment, culture, Naomi, Watts
- Source: SlashFilm — https://slashfilm.com/2274749/naomi-watts-movie-mulholland-drive-25-year-anniversary
- Author: Witney Seibold
- Published: 2026-10-12T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: naomi watts, mulholland drive, david lynch, 2001 film, hollywood, cinema, 21st century, critical darlings, entertainment, culture
## Mulholland Drive's 25th anniversary
Naomi Watts starred in David Lynch's 2001 film Mulholland Drive, now celebrated as one of the 21st century's best movies.
## The film's mysterious premise
In Mulholland Drive, Naomi Watts' character Betty and Laura Elena Harring's Rita explore a dreamlike Hollywood night with a tape-recorded performance.
## Rebekah Del Rio's performance
Rebekah Del Rio sang 'Llorando' a cappella in the film, a performance described as one of the saddest and most beautiful in history.
## Lynch's TV pilot origins
Lynch originally created Mulholland Drive as a TV pilot for ABC, which was later expanded into a film by StudioCanal.
## Critical acclaim over time
Mulholland Drive ranked #2 on the New York Times' 2025 list of the 100 best 21st century films, ahead of There Will Be Blood.
## Lynch's later work
Lynch directed Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017, his final major project after Mulholland Drive.
## Key takeaway

Naomi Watts starred in David Lynch's 2001 film Mulholland Drive, which is now considered one of the best movies of the 21st century.