The film Labyrinth is celebrating its 40th anniversary [1] through a new oral history and a global theatrical re-release.
The milestone highlights the enduring legacy of the 1986 [1] fantasy film, which transitioned from an initial box-office failure to a beloved cult classic. It also provides fresh insight into the professional discipline of David Bowie, who starred as the Goblin King, Jareth.
Production memories detailed in the anniversary celebrations emphasize Bowie's intense dedication to the project. Brian Henson, who produced the film, described the experience of the musician's involvement in specific terms. "Acting in Labyrinth was like going on vacation for a workaholic like David Bowie," Henson said [2].
The film's return to cinemas began on Jan. 8, 2026 [3], bringing the story back to audiences in the U.S., UK, and other international markets. These screenings have been accompanied by live music to enhance the viewing experience [3].
Critics have revisited the work during this anniversary window. A reviewer for UPI described the re-release as the "supreme creative thesis from a pioneering artist" [3]. This sentiment reflects the shifted perception of the film, which is now viewed as a landmark of puppetry and musical storytelling rather than the commercial disappointment it was upon its original release [1].
The oral history involves a wide array of participants, including Jim Henson, who directed the film, and various cast and crew members [1]. Their accounts detail the elaborate nature of the fantasy scenery, and the complex coordination required for the puppets and live action to coexist on screen [1].
Bowie's role as Jareth remains the centerpiece of the film's legacy. The anniversary reflections underscore how his work ethic and artistic curiosity helped define the visual and sonic identity of the movie [2].
“Acting in Labyrinth was like going on vacation for a workaholic like David Bowie.”
The 40th anniversary of Labyrinth demonstrates the 'long tail' of cult cinema, where a project's artistic value is recognized long after its initial commercial window. By pairing a theatrical re-release with an oral history, the production preserves the technical legacy of Jim Henson's puppetry and David Bowie's multidisciplinary influence on 1980s pop culture.
