Parents' Guide to

Labyrinth

By Charles Cassady Jr., Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Muppets.

Movie PG 1986 101 minutes
Labyrinth Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 8+

Based on 22 parent reviews

Mal Halsey
Mal Halsey Adult
June 23, 2021
age 5+

There's a huge fandom for a reason...

...and that is BECAUSE of the open endedness in the ending, especially with regards to where Sarah and Jareth's relationship stands. Despite the little screen time they had together, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Other than that, I really love the line "You have no power over me." Great comeback for anyone who's ever had to put up with bullying/harassment. I loved the transformation that both Sarah and Hoggle went through. And finally, Jareth is just fantastic and so charismatic. Even if you don't become infatuated with him, he's definitely got your attention. ;) I love the songs and the soundtrack, and though there is some frightening imagery, it was really interesting to see all the hard work behind the scenes. The ballroom scene is purposely made to be a bit creepy but it is still visually beautiful. I saw somewhere that this movie is an acquired taste, and I would wholeheartedly agree. Both my mom and sister agree that it's kind of boring, and even I have to agree that it drags in certain parts. Still, I love the movie, and I love much of what the fandom has created!

This title has:

Great messages
4 people found this helpful.
Mummaof2
Mummaof2 Adult
December 21, 2020
age 11+

A little creepy

I felt like this was a little to creepy for before bed. I wish we held off on showing our 9 yo this movie.
2 people found this helpful.
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What's the Story?

Sarah (Jennifer Connelly, A Beautiful Mind) is a modern teenager steeped in medieval fantasy lore, who doesn't like babysitting her tiny stepbrother Toby. One day she wishes that goblins would take him away. Jareth (David Bowie), the Goblin King, hears this and does exactly that, kidnapping the tyke into his otherworldly realm. Sarah immediately regrets her wish, but Jareth says she can regain Toby only by finding his castle, perched in the center of an immense labyrinth. While exploring the labyrinth, Sarah meets an assortment of puzzles, perils, and semi-comical creatures. Some monsters, like an apelike giant called Ludo, are friendly, while others are under Jareth's control, ordered to thwart Sarah.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (22):
Kids say (58):

If it sounds like a funky version of Alice in Wonderland, it is -- and that's where its fun lies. Labyrinth bursts with imagination and playful weirdness in a way that's both delightful and a little too far-out. LABYRINTH showcases the artistry of Jim Henson, and features some of his most complex Muppets. Beyond Muppets, director Henson turns a simple collection of human hands into a lively and expressive wall of faces when Sarah stumbles across their lair.

This is puppetry at its finest, and the filmmakers ensure that none of the monsters are too monstrous, but always impressive. One massive, sword-wielding creature turns out to be just a robot with a silly little goblin perched in its cockpit helmet. The plot isn't quite up to the visuals. It meanders as much as Sarah does, and leads up to a final face-off with the Goblin King that's a confused fizzle.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about other far-out fantasy tales, such as Alice in Wonderland.

  • What do fantasy stories offer us? Is it possible to become too wrapped up in fantasy?

Movie Details

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