According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display panel including a display surface, which displays an image by selectively reflecting light entering the display surface, and an illuminating device including an optical modulator provided on a display surface side of the display panel and including a plurality of portions in a major surface thereof and a light source provided on a side surface of the optical modulator, and the illuminating device illuminates the display panel at a predetermined brightness specific for each respective portion with the light entering the optical modulator from the light source.