David Bowie’s Labyrinth is available to stream for free, giving Australian viewers another chance to revisit Jim Henson’s imaginative 1986 fantasy film and its unforgettable Goblin King.
Bowie had already established himself as a screen performer before Labyrinth. His film work included the 1976 science-fiction drama The Man Who Fell to Earth, while later appearances ranged from unusual supporting roles to a memorable turn as engineer and futurist Nikola Tesla in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. His involvement in film was part of a broader career that regularly moved between music, acting and theatre.
Labyrinth remains his most iconic fantasy role. Directed by Jim Henson, best known for creating The Muppet Show and performing characters including Kermit the Frog, the film combines live actors with an extensive cast of puppets and a richly designed fantasy world.
Jareth’s challenge
Bowie plays Jareth, the Goblin King, who appears after Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly, wishes that goblins would take away her baby brother Toby. Jareth gives Sarah a dangerous bargain: she must cross the labyrinth and reach his castle before time runs out. If she fails, Toby will remain in the Goblin King’s world and become one of his goblins.
Sarah’s journey introduces a group of unusual allies, including Hoggle, Didymus and Ludo. Their help gradually gives her the confidence to confront Jareth, her family circumstances and the power he claims to hold over her.
The film’s practical puppetry, strange creatures and maze-like setting make it a distinctive piece of 1980s fantasy cinema. Its visual style and imaginative character designs still give it a strong identity, much as carefully crafted arcade design and gaming history continue to shape retro culture.
David Bowie’s Labyrinth soundtrack
Bowie’s music is central to the film’s personality. The story opens with “Underground”, while the sequence featuring Jareth and Sarah uses “As the World Falls Down”. The Fire Gang also gets its own musical moment with “Chilly Down”.
The best-known song is “Magic Dance”, performed by Jareth while Toby is crying. The number arrives as Sarah begins making progress through the maze with Hoggle, and its instantly recognisable refrain has become closely associated with the film.
A fantasy film built to last
Labyrinth’s lasting appeal comes from more than Bowie’s performance or the soundtrack. Henson’s puppetry gives the film a tactile, handmade quality, while the maze creates a world that feels both playful and unsettling. The balance between human performers and puppets makes the journey feel unlike a conventional fantasy adventure.
Jareth’s appearance is equally memorable: a pale-haired, theatrical Goblin King dressed in flowing shirts, a waistcoat and tight trousers. It is an extravagant look, but Bowie’s presence makes the character convincing rather than merely comical.
For anyone considering a home entertainment setup, the film’s maze imagery and practical creature work also make it a natural companion to a dedicated arcade machine collection or a compact bartop arcade.
At the emotional centre of the story is Sarah’s realisation that Jareth does not control her. Her declaration that he has “no power over me” marks the point where she claims responsibility for her choices and finds the courage to bring Toby home.
Forty years after its release, Labyrinth still works as a visually inventive fantasy, a showcase for Henson’s puppetry and a memorable showcase for Bowie’s music and performance. Its mixture of music, practical effects and surreal humour continues to make it a film worth sharing across generations.
You can also explore more background through this Labyrinth reference, then browse RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide for advice on choosing a cabinet for your space.
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