Labyrinth: 40 Years Later, the Cult Classic Fantasy Movie 1980s Kids Love Is Officially Streaming Free

A fantasy adventure returns

Labyrinth begins when Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly, is babysitting her brother Toby and wishes the Goblin King would take him away. The wish comes true, and Sarah must enter a labyrinth to reach the castle where he is held.

Inside the maze, Sarah faces strange creatures and unexpected challenges. She also finds allies in Hoggle and Ludo, a large creature with a kind nature. David Bowie plays the Goblin King and performs songs in the film, including “Magic Dance” and “Underground.” Labyrinth is available on Hulu and Peacock, and viewers can watch it free with ads on Tubi, PlutoTV and YouTube.

A gentler Henson film

Released in 1986, Labyrinth was directed by Jim Henson and was his final movie. Its whimsical tone is less frightening than The Dark Crystal, another Henson fantasy that premiered in 1982.

The two films take different approaches to their worlds. Labyrinth starts in the real world and centers on Sarah, while The Dark Crystal has no human characters and follows Jen, a Gelfling who believes he is the last of his kind.

Labyrinth’s puppetry and practical effects contribute to its lasting appeal. Though some scenes may frighten young viewers, the movie is described as less scary than several other children’s films of the era.

Sequel plans remain unclear

A sequel to Labyrinth is reportedly in development and has been confirmed as a follow-up to the 1986 film, rather than a prequel. Robert Eggers is writing and directing the project.

Production updates have been scarce since January 2025. It remains unclear whether the story will continue Sarah’s journey, whether Connelly will return, or whether the film will follow a new character.

Henson’s other projects included The Great Muppet Caper, which he directed in 1981, and The Muppets Take Manhattan, released in 1984, on which he was executive producer. The Dark Crystal later inspired the Netflix prequel series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, released in 2019.