Top 5 Moments in Labyrinth
Image: The Jim Henson Company / Lucasfilm Ltd. / TriStar Pictures – Labyrinth (1986)
Jim Henson’s 1986 fantasy classic Labyrinth has enchanted audiences for decades. Blending puppetry, elaborate sets, and a mesmerizing performance by David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, the movie is equal parts magical and mysterious. Starring a young Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, the story takes us on a surreal journey through a world of goblins, riddles, and strange creatures.
Whether you grew up watching it on VHS or discovered it later, the Labyrinth movie remains a cult favorite. Let’s dive into the Top 5 moments in Labyrinth that showcase why this film is so beloved.
Image: The Jim Henson Company / Lucasfilm Ltd. / TriStar Pictures – Labyrinth (1986)
1. “Dance Magic Dance”
Few movie scenes capture the chaotic fun of Labyrinth like Bowie belting out “Dance Magic Dance” while tossing baby Toby in the air surrounded by goblins. It’s catchy, it’s bizarre, and it perfectly showcases the film’s blend of music, humor, and surrealism. This scene alone helped cement Bowie’s Jareth as one of the most iconic fantasy villains ever.
Image: The Jim Henson Company / Lucasfilm Ltd. / TriStar Pictures – Labyrinth (1986)
2. The Helping Hands
When Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) falls into a shaft of disembodied hands, they grab her in eerie yet playful ways. But instead of just being creepy, the hands talk, forming faces out of palms and fingers. It’s one of the best examples of Jim Henson’s puppetry creativity, and it remains one of the film’s most visually striking sequences.
Image: The Jim Henson Company / Lucasfilm Ltd. / TriStar Pictures – Labyrinth (1986)
3. The Ballroom Masquerade
In one of the most dreamlike and unsettling sequences, Sarah finds herself at a masquerade ball, surrounded by masked dancers and illusions. The costumes are elaborate, Bowie’s song “As the World Falls Down” plays in the background, and the tension between Sarah and Jareth reaches its peak. It’s a moment of beauty and unease, perfectly capturing the movie’s fairy-tale darkness.
Image: The Jim Henson Company / Lucasfilm Ltd. / TriStar Pictures – Labyrinth (1986)
4. Meeting Ludo
Sarah’s encounter with the gentle giant Ludo is one of the warmest moments in the film. Despite his intimidating size and growls, Ludo is a soft-hearted creature who becomes one of Sarah’s most loyal companions. His ability to summon rocks later in the story makes him both endearing and awesome.
Image: The Jim Henson Company / Lucasfilm Ltd. / TriStar Pictures – Labyrinth (1986)
5. The Final Staircase Showdown
The movie’s climax, where Sarah confronts Jareth in an Escher-like maze of shifting staircases, is unforgettable. The disorienting visuals, Bowie’s commanding presence, and the emotional weight of Sarah’s declaration “You have no power over me” bring the entire story to a powerful close. It’s both a coming-of-age moment and one of the coolest fantasy visuals ever put on screen.
Why Labyrinth is Still Fun to Watch
Nearly 40 years later, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth continues to inspire fans with its creativity, artistry, and timeless performances. David Bowie’s Goblin King, Jennifer Connelly’s journey as Sarah, and the unforgettable cast of creatures all combine to make it one of the most unique fantasy movies ever made.
For fans of retro fantasy films, practical effects, or Bowie’s music, Labyrinth remains a must-watch. These five moments are just a glimpse of why the movie still resonates with audiences today and why it will continue to be discovered by new generations for years to come.
