Dan Lin was born in Taipei, Taiwan, the son of an executive in the international food industry.

[2] Between his first and second year at Harvard Business School, Lin undertook a summer internship program with Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who was then an executive with Warner Bros. Pictures.

During his eight years at Warners, Lin oversaw the development and production of the Academy Award-winning film The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese.

"[4] Lin currently serves on the board of directors for Rideback Rise, Hawai’i International Film Festival and the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children.

[7][8] On February 28, 2024, it was announced that Lin would replace Scott Stuber as Netflix's head of film, reporting to Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria.