The fantasy classic returns to theaters for a milestone celebration
A Cult Favorite Steps Back Into the Spotlight
January 7, 2026: The beloved fantasy film Labyrinth is heading back to the big screen as part of special 40th anniversary screenings opening January 8. Decades after its original release, the film continues to captivate audiences with its surreal world, practical effects, and enduring charm.
What was once a box-office underperformer has since become a defining cult classic.
Image Credit: Getty Images
A Film That Grew With Its Audience
Directed by Jim Henson and blending fantasy, puppetry, and musical elements, Labyrinth found its lasting audience over time rather than on opening weekend. Generations of viewers discovered the film through home video, television reruns, and midnight screenings.
Its afterlife proved far more powerful than its initial run.
Image Credit: The Jim Henson Company
The Legacy of David Bowie’s Goblin King
Central to the film’s staying power is David Bowie’s performance as Jareth the Goblin King. Equal parts menacing and magnetic, Bowie’s turn became one of his most iconic screen roles, helping cement the film’s cultural relevance long after its release.
His music and presence remain inseparable from the film’s identity.
Image Credit: The Jim Henson Company
Why the Anniversary Matters
The 40th anniversary screenings offer fans a rare chance to experience Labyrinth as it was meant to be seen—on the big screen, with full sound and communal energy. For longtime fans, it’s a return to a cherished world; for newcomers, it’s an introduction to a fantasy untouched by modern CGI excess.
The timing taps directly into nostalgia-driven theatrical revivals.
Image Credit: The Jim Henson Company
A Renewed Appreciation
In recent years, Labyrinth has been reexamined as a landmark in practical filmmaking and imaginative storytelling. Its handcrafted aesthetic and dreamlike pacing stand in contrast to today’s digital-heavy blockbusters.
That contrast may be exactly why it still resonates.
Final Thoughts
As Labyrinth celebrates 40 years, its return to theaters underscores the film’s unlikely journey from modest release to cultural touchstone. The anniversary screenings aren’t just about nostalgia—they’re about recognizing a film that refused to fade away.
Some worlds only grow stronger with time.
Published by HOLR Magazine