Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Surreal coming-of-age fantasy -- with Jim Henson puppets.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Labyrinth
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Parents say this film has garnered mixed reactions, with many praising its nostalgic value and creative puppetry, while others find elements within it unsettling for younger viewers, particularly the interactions between the main characters and some creepy scenes. While it offers valuable themes of responsibility and personal growth, its outdated portrayals and some crude humor may make it less suitable for very young children, encouraging caregivers to know their kids' sensitivities.
- creepy elements
- mixed reactions
- nostalgia value
- important themes
- viewer discretion
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 66 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a nostalgic blend of whimsy and darker themes, with standout performances and music from David Bowie, but some puppet designs may be terrifying for younger audiences. While many praise its creative storytelling and strong messages about family and growth, others find parts of it confusing or unsettling; overall, it's considered suitable for older children who won't be easily frightened.
- nostalgic blend
- whimsical themes
- strong performances
- suitable for older kids
- some scary elements
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) is a modern 1980s teen steeped in LABYRINTH's medieval fantasy lore who doesn't like babysitting her young stepbrother, Toby (Toby Froud). One day, Sarah 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 get Toby back only by finding Jareth's castle, which is 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 are friendly, while others are under Jareth's control and ordered to thwart Sarah.
Is It Any Good?
If this movie sounds like a funky version of Alice in Wonderland, it is -- and that's where its fun lies. Labyrinth is bursting with imagination and playful weirdness in a way that's both delightful and a little too far-out. It showcases the artistry of Jim Henson and features some of his most complex puppets. He also turns a simple collection of human hands into a lively and expressive wall of faces that Sarah has to stumble across. This is puppetry at its finest, and the filmmakers ensure that none of the monsters are too monstrous, but still always impressive. One massive, sword-wielding creature turns out to be just a robot with a silly little goblin perched in its cockpit helmet. Unfortunately, the plot isn't quite on par with the visuals. It meanders as much as Sarah does, leading up to a final face-off with the Goblin King that's a confused fizzle. Through it all, the uncomfortable obsession of an adult villain with a teen girl -- and his manipulations of her -- may mar your enjoyment of an otherwise entertaining fantasy film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about other far-out fantasy tales similar to Labyrinth, such as Alice in Wonderland. What do these stories offer us? What makes fantasy such an enduring genre?
Do you relate to Sarah in her journey of self-discovery and growth? How does she demonstrate character strengths such as courage, perseverance, and teamwork as she searches for a way out of the labyrinth?
What do you think of Jareth's obsession with Sarah? Where's the line between taking an interest in someone and using toxic behavior to express that interest?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 27, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : February 3, 2004
- Cast : Brian Henson , David Bowie , Jennifer Connelly
- Director : Jim Henson
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Magic , Monsters ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Royalty ( Princesses ) , Puppets
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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