Labyrinth
Performance & Direction: Labyrinth Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Labyrinth (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Adventure.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Adventure is often anchored by its ensemble, and Labyrinth features a noteworthy lineup led by David Bowie . Supported by the likes of Jennifer Connelly and Toby Froud , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Labyrinth
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1986, Labyrinth is a Adventure, Family, Fantasy film directed by Jim Henson. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving David Bowie.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah, a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King. Guarding his castle is the labyrinth itself, a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. David Bowie's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Labyrinth
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jim Henson, Labyrinth resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to adventure resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving David Bowie, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the adventure themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Labyrinth reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Labyrinth?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Adventure films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of David Bowie or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Labyrinth
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Labyrinth Budget
The estimated production budget for Labyrinth is $25.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Labyrinth
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Labyrinth Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoLabyrinth Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about Labyrinth age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Labyrinth is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Labyrinth is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labyrinth worth watching?
Labyrinth is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Labyrinth parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Labyrinth identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Labyrinth?
The total duration of Labyrinth is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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Critic Reviews for Labyrinth
"Sarah" (Jennifer Connelly) is having to babysit her baby brother "Toby" and she's not best pleased. Indeed, as he won't stop wailing, she implores the "Goblin King" of lore (David Bowie) to take him forever! As good as his word, the child is gone and "Jareth" expects some gratitude from the girl. Of course, she realises that she can't be without the little brat and so implores him to return him. Well maybe, but only if she can find the way through the labyrinth that guards his castle - and she has only twenty-four hours! Luckily (or not) she encounters the goblin "Hoggle" whom she bribes to take her through - but he's not exactly trustworthy and that's what leads to an enjoyable series of adventures as they both have to face the perils of a maze that is full of weird and wonderful creatures - some friendly, some not so - as she races the clock to find the boy. Jim Henson has had a field day here with multiple beasties of all shapes and sizes coming alive on the big screen and coupling with a storyline that shouts "Monty Python" at us on more than one occasion - especially with the derring knight "Sir Didymus" and his cowardly (or just intelligent) steed "Ambosius" - who's really just a sheepdog! Luckily, they also encounter the mighty "Ludo" who is on good terms with boulders large and small - especially useful as they find themselves uncomfortably close to the 'Bog of Eternal Stench" which bubbles and festers so you can almost smell it in the cinema. All the while, the manipulative "Jareth" is putting obstacles in her way as well as offering a couple of decent songs along the way. Bowie doesn't actually feature that often, here, but when he does he brings a mischievous charm to the proceedings (even if he doesn't look that comfortable in his hoes!). The visuals are great fun, mixing the costumed with the manufactured skilfully and energetically and though I don't suppose there's really any jeopardy at all, the film has something akin to the "Wizard of Oz" in it's storytelling. If you can see it on a big screen, then do - it looks so much better than on the telly, and is a good watch.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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