All the Freaky, Fabulous Reasons Twin Peaks Is a Cult Classic

Updated on 4/8/2015 at 5:10 PM

While Showtime's revival of Twin Peaks may be in danger of losing creator David Lynch, we still remain hopeful for the TV classic to come back. This week actually marks its 25th anniversary (that means it debuted in 1990!), and the creepy, mysterious, enthralling series is a cult hit for a reason. Lynch and Mark Frost created a pop culture phenomenon, full of iconoclastic characters, quotable dialogue, and spellbinding mystery. It's hard to explain why Twin Peaks is such an eccentric masterpiece, so we thought we'd illustrate it instead with 30 insane and amazing GIFs.

You think Twin Peaks is just going to be a straightforward murder mystery.

But there's something delightfully off about the haunting intro.

Is it the theme song, the bird, the buzz saw? It's all of it.

Laura Palmer is the victim, who is "wrapped in plastic" when she's found dead in the water.

Those words will haunt you.

And then Agent Dale Cooper comes to town to investigate, and he's a whole lot of character.

That's the most solid thumbs-up you've ever gotten.

He's OBSESSED with coffee. No, really.

This is the role Kyle MacLachlan was born to play.

See?

And pie.

This guy's diet is not that healthy.

Then you start to meet the townspeople, like Pete, who finds the body.

Another ultraquotable line.

And Laura's best friend, who is deeply traumatized by her friend's death.

Played by a very young Lara Flynn Boyle.

There's also Audrey Horne.

A lonely, sweet teen (played by Sherilyn Fenn).

The daughter of local live-wire hotel owner Benjamin Horne.

He's played by Richard Beymer, who was also Tony in West Side Story. Crazy, right?

The sweet receptionist at the sheriff's office, Lucy.

Played by Kimmy Robertson, whose face you've seen dozens of times.

Some characters mystify you — and fascinate you.

Like Nadine Hurley, with her inexplicable strength and eye patch.

Sometimes characters just rock out and dance.

Like Leland Palmer, who's the father of murdered teen Laura.

This cast is truly fascinating.

With people like Russ Tamblyn (Amber Tamblyn's dad), who also starred in West Side Story as Riff.

And David Duchovny (yes, that's David Duchovny)!

He famously cross-dressed to play DEA Agent Dennis/Denise Bryson.

And Heather Graham!

Young Graham showed up as a guest star, playing a waitress, Annie.

David Lynch himself even cameos.

He played FBI regional bureau chief Gordon Cole.

And there are truly original characters, like the creamed-corn kid.

You have to watch to find out why he's called that.

And the Log Lady.

The Log Lady cares deeply about her log.

And the log is very important to the series.

Oh, and there's the little matter of how scary it is.

It kind of sneaks up on you amid all the quirky characters.

This is Bob.

He may not seem as scary in this GIF, but in context, he is terrifying.

Things get truly, wickedly bizarre.

Like when Cooper goes to the Black Lodge.

And Laura Palmer shows up there.

Actress Sheryl Lee got to do more than play a dead body.

And this guy.

Commence goose bumps.

Stuff starts going backwards.

It's kind of awesome.

And stuff like this happens.

It's hard to explain.

Then, there's The Man From Another Place.

His dance, also backwards, is epic.

And he's just one of the reasons why this show is so unforgettable.

And why so many people care enough for it to come back.