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Labyrinth (film)

Labyrinth is a 1986 musical fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and written by Terry Jones from a story by Henson and Dennis Lee.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Labyrinth is a 1986 musical fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and written by Terry Jones from a story by Henson and Dennis Lee. Starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie, it follows a teenager who must travel through a magical maze to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King. The film was a co-production of Henson Associates and Lucasfilm, with George Lucas as executive producer.

Plot

The story follows Sarah as she tries to reach the centre of a labyrinth within a time limit after her wish leads to her brother being taken by the Goblin King. The journey includes encounters with fantastical creatures and obstacles.

Production

Labyrinth was made as a collaboration between Henson Associates and Lucasfilm. Jim Henson directed the film, Terry Jones wrote the screenplay, and George Lucas served as executive producer.

Cast and characters

Jennifer Connelly stars as Sarah, and David Bowie plays Jareth, the Goblin King. The film also features numerous puppet characters and fantasy creatures.

Reception and legacy

Labyrinth became a cult favourite and is widely remembered for its visual design, puppetry, and musical elements. It is often discussed as one of Jim Henson's best-known feature films.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 1986 and is directed by Jim Henson.
  • Jennifer Connelly plays Sarah, a teenager who enters a magical maze to rescue her baby brother.
  • David Bowie plays Jareth, the Goblin King.
  • Terry Jones wrote the screenplay based on a story conceived by Jim Henson and Dennis Lee.
  • The film was produced by Henson Associates and Lucasfilm, with George Lucas as executive producer.

Frequently asked questions

What is Labyrinth about?
It follows a teenager named Sarah who must navigate a magical maze to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King.
Who directed Labyrinth?
Jim Henson directed the film.
Who stars in Labyrinth?
The film stars Jennifer Connelly as Sarah and David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King.
When was Labyrinth released?
It was released in 1986.
What genre is Labyrinth?
It is a musical fantasy film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth_(1986_film)
    Supports: Directed by Jim Henson; screenplay by Terry Jones; story by Jim Henson and Dennis Lee; stars Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie; plot synopsis; production credits.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Labyrinth-1986-film
    Supports: Identifies Labyrinth as a 1986 film by Henson.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/labyrinth
    Supports: Synopsis; director; genre; release year; principal cast; production companies.