Labyrinth Returns to Theaters for 40th Anniversary: All You Need to Know About the 4K Rerelease

Get ready to dance magic dance! Jim Henson's beloved fantasy musical, Labyrinth, is heading back to the big screen in a stunning 4K remaster to celebrate its 40th anniversary, bringing David Bowie's iconic Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly's determined Sarah back to cinemas.

TL;DR

• Labyrinth is rereleasing in theaters for its 40th anniversary from January 8-11, 2026.
• The special screenings will feature a 4K remaster and an exclusive fan celebration featurette.
• Tickets are on sale now via Fathom Entertainment, offering fans a chance to relive the cult classic.

Stepping Back into a Twisted Maze of Enchantment and Danger

Imagine being a frustrated teenager, wishing your baby sibling away, only for it to actually happen. That's Sarah's (Jennifer Connelly) predicament in Jim Henson's 1986 classic, Labyrinth. When her baby stepbrother, Toby, is snatched by the charismatic, yet menacing, Goblin King Jareth (David Bowie), Sarah must venture into a fantastical, puppet-filled labyrinth to rescue him before he becomes a goblin forever.

This isn't just a simple journey, though. It's a twisted maze of deception, populated by outrageous characters and unknown dangers that challenge Sarah's wit and courage. Now, almost four decades after its debut, this landmark fantasy film is making a triumphant return to theaters, giving fans old and new a chance to experience its unique magic on the big screen.

The Return of a Cult Classic: Labyrinth's 40th Anniversary Celebration

To honor its 40th anniversary, a newly remastered 4K version of Labyrinth will be shown in North American theaters for four days, from January 8 through January 11, 2026. Fathom Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company are teaming up to bring this "epic" back, complete with a special featurette. This bonus content includes footage from the "Labyrinth Experience & Masked Ball," a fan event held in the UK in October, which is a neat nod to the film's dedicated following. Source: [Fathom Entertainment, "Fathom Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company Bring Back Jim Henson’s 1986 Epic Fantasy Adventure Labyrinth...", November 14, 2025].

Tickets for these limited screenings are already available for purchase through the Fathom Entertainment website and participating theater box offices. It’s a rare chance to see this visually stunning movie, known for its groundbreaking practical effects and puppetry from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, as it was meant to be seen.

The Creative Minds Behind the Unforgettable Fantasy

Labyrinth was truly a meeting of creative titans. The film was directed by the legendary Jim Henson, with George Lucas, of Star Wars fame, serving as executive producer. The story was conceived by Henson and Dennis Lee, and the screenplay was penned by Terry Jones, a member of Monty Python. The conceptual design, which gave the film its distinct, whimsical-yet-eerie aesthetic, came from Brian Froud.

Beyond its human stars, the film is famous for its hundreds of extraordinary puppets and creatures brought to life by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Performers like David Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Kevin Clash, and Frank Oz contributed their talents to these memorable characters. Source: [Variety, "'Labyrinth' Returning to Theaters in January: Fathom Entertainment Sets 40th Anniversary Re-Release (EXCLUSIVE)", November 14, 2025]. David Bowie didn't just act in the film; he also contributed and performed several original songs, creating a unique musical landscape for Sarah's journey.

"The magical combination of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, and hundreds of extraordinary creatures and puppets from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop made Labyrinth a landmark fantasy classic, one that is beloved by Fathom Entertainment audiences over the years," said Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment. "We are honored to bring this 1986 epic back to theaters from Sony Pictures for its 40th anniversary in this special presentation and provide a brilliant night at the movies for audiences of all ages."

From Box Office Disappointment to Enduring Cult Status

When Labyrinth first hit theaters in June 1986, it was perceived as a box office disappointment, grossing only $34 million globally against a $25 million production budget. Source: [Bloody Disgusting, "Labyrinth Will Receive a 40th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release From Fathom Events", November 14, 2025]. However, like many visionary films ahead of their time, it found its true audience years later, growing into a cherished cult classic.

Its Certified Fresh score of 77% from critics and an even more impressive 86% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes today reflects its enduring appeal. Fans, especially "Henson and Bowie acolytes," have championed the film, celebrating its intricate world-building, catchy songs, and unique blend of fantasy and practical effects. This rerelease is a testament to its vibrant second life and its continued relevance to multiple generations.

The Lingering Question of a Labyrinth Sequel and Its Complex Path

While the excitement for the 40th-anniversary rerelease is palpable, discussions around a long-rumored Labyrinth sequel have been, well, a labyrinth in themselves. For years, fans have hoped for a continuation of Sarah's story, but the path to production has been fraught with challenges. Director Scott Derrickson, who was attached to the project, expressed the difficulty in creating a commercially viable film while maintaining its imaginative and surreal core. "It's a hard, hard project to turn into something commercially viable, because it's so imaginative and surreal that there's no way that it can be done cheaply," Derrickson stated. Source: [ComicBook.com, "Nosferatu Director Weighs in on Reports of Developing a New Labyrinth", November 14, 2025].

Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, further clarified the situation, explaining that they've struggled to get the script right and are essentially starting over with a new script and director. As of now, acclaimed director Robert Eggers (known for films like The Witch and The Northman) is reportedly attached to direct, but his focus remains on other original projects for the foreseeable future. So, while the original film enchants audiences once more, a sequel remains a distant, albeit intriguing, possibility.

Example: Picture Maria, a fan since childhood, who remembers watching Labyrinth on VHS, mesmerized by Jareth's magnetic presence and Sarah's daring journey. Now, she's bought tickets for the 4K rerelease, eager to share the magic with her own daughter, seeing it through fresh eyes on the big screen, a crisp new perspective on a beloved memory.

Practical Takeaways for Your Theatrical Return

• Mark your calendars: Labyrinth will be in theaters from January 8-11, 2026.
• Secure your seats early: Tickets are available now via Fathom Entertainment.
• Expect a visual treat: The film is presented in a stunning 4K remaster.
• Enjoy exclusive content: Each screening includes a special featurette celebrating the film's dedicated fanbase.
• Consider a rewatch before you go: The film is currently streaming on Netflix and Hulu, perfect for a refresher!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Labyrinth's Rerelease Answered When exactly is Labyrinth returning to theaters? The 40th-anniversary rerelease of Labyrinth will play in theaters from Thursday, January 8, 2026, to Sunday, January 11, 2026. Where can I buy tickets? Tickets are available now through the Fathom Entertainment website and at participating theater box offices. What's special about this rerelease? It's a 4K remastered version of the film and includes a special featurette showcasing footage from the "Labyrinth Experience & Masked Ball" fan event. Is a Labyrinth sequel still happening? While a sequel is in development with Robert Eggers reportedly attached, it's still in the early stages, facing script challenges, and is not expected anytime soon.

Sources

• Fathom Entertainment: Fathom Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company Bring Back Jim Henson’s 1986 Epic Fantasy Adventure Labyrinth, from Sony Pictures to Theatres January 8-11 for its 40th Anniversary, Starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly; Remastered in 4K (Nov 14, 2025)
• Variety: 'Labyrinth' Returning to Theaters in January: Fathom Entertainment Sets 40th Anniversary Re-Release (EXCLUSIVE) (Nov 14, 2025)
• Bloody Disgusting: Labyrinth Will Receive a 40th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release From Fathom Events (Nov 14, 2025)
• ComicBook.com: Nosferatu Director Weighs in on Reports of Developing a New Labyrinth (Jan 2025)
• Collider: Jennifer Connelly’s 'Labyrinth' Finds New Home on Netflix (Nov 7, 2025)