Labyrinth Returns: How Henson’s Classic Still Helps Kids Face Fears

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth has been charming and spooking audiences for four decades, mixing the whimsy of a family fairy tale with a good dose of the uncanny. The story follows Sarah, a teenager played by Jennifer Connelly, who’s thrown into a bizarre and unsettling world after her baby brother is whisked away by goblins. To get him back, she’s got to outsmart the Goblin King, brought to life by David Bowie, and navigate a maze full of oddball creatures and tricky challenges.

What sets this film apart is its willingness to get a bit creepy. The puppetry and practical effects are both inventive and a little unnerving, with creatures that are as likely to give you the shivers as they are to make you laugh. There’s a memorable scene where Sarah finds herself in a tunnel lined with hands that move and talk, creating a sense of unease that’s rare in family films. These moments don’t just serve to scare—they help build a world where the stakes feel real, even if the danger is more psychological than physical.

Facing the Unknown

Labyrinth isn’t just about goblins and puzzles; it’s a story about tackling what scares you. The film uses its strange setting and oddball characters to mirror the kinds of fears kids face in real life—whether it’s feeling lost, being responsible for someone else, or just dealing with the unknown. The scares are there, but they’re never overwhelming. Instead, they’re the sort that let you breathe a sigh of relief when it’s all over, making the journey feel worthwhile.

For many, the film has become a rite of passage. It’s the sort of thing you watch as a kid, get a bit rattled by, and then look back on fondly as you get older. The mix of tension and relief, along with the film’s offbeat humour and visual flair, has helped it stick around as a cult favourite. It’s not just nostalgia that brings people back—it’s the way the story encourages viewers to face up to their own worries and come out the other side stronger.

Legacy on the Big Screen

Now, with its 40th anniversary, Labyrinth is heading back to cinemas, giving a new generation the chance to experience its unique blend of fantasy and fright. The film’s influence can be seen in heaps of later works, especially those that aren’t afraid to mix a bit of darkness into their tales for younger punters. Its legacy is built on more than just memorable characters and catchy tunes—it’s about showing that a little bit of fear, handled the right way, can be a good thing.

Labyrinth’s return is a reminder of how stories can help us deal with the things that unsettle us. By wrapping up its lessons in a world of goblins and magic, it’s managed to stay relevant, teaching kids (and plenty of adults) that facing your fears is all part of growing up.