Since its release in 1986, Labyrinth, directed by Jim Henson and starring Jennifer Connelly and the legendary David Bowie, has captured the imaginations of fantasy lovers around the world. Its dreamy sets, goblin mischief, and hauntingly poetic ending have cemented it as a cult classic. But what if the story had ended differently?

Let’s explore three alternate endings to Labyrinth that could have redefined the film’s legacy — and perhaps reshaped how we see Sarah, Jareth, and the very heart of the Labyrinth itself.

Alternate Ending #1: Sarah Becomes the Goblin Queen

In this version, Sarah succumbs to Jareth’s final offer: “Just fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave.” But instead of rejecting him, she sees an opportunity. Tired of a world that doesn’t understand her imagination, she chooses to stay in the Labyrinth and rule as Goblin Queen — not out of love, but to rewrite the rules.

She transforms the chaotic realm into a place of wonder for lost dreamers and misfits. Jareth, no longer in control, watches her evolve into something more powerful — and more dangerous — than he ever imagined.

Impact: This ending flips the power dynamic and turns Sarah into an anti-heroine, asking us: Is ruling fantasy better than surviving reality?

Alternate Ending #2: Time Rewinds… and Sarah Was the Baby All Along

What if Sarah’s journey wasn’t just a rescue mission, but a rediscovery of her own forgotten past? In this twist, just as she reaches Toby, time begins to rewind. Flashbacks reveal Sarah was once taken by the Goblin King as a baby. Her memories were wiped when she returned to the human world.

The Labyrinth, then, was never real — or maybe it was always real — a dreamlike loop meant to help her remember who she is. When she awakes, she’s no longer in her teenage bedroom, but in the Goblin City, with the Labyrinth stretching out before her. Round two begins.

Impact: This ending plays with memory, time, and identity, turning Labyrinth into a psychological fantasy-thriller.

Alternate Ending #3: Jareth Gives Up the Crown

In a surprising turn, Jareth sees Sarah’s bravery and selflessness as a mirror of something he once had. Rather than fight her, he abdicates his throne and dissolves the Labyrinth entirely.

Sarah finds herself back in her room — not by magic, but because she chose her reality and taught Jareth something about love that he had long forgotten. When she looks in the mirror, her friends are gone… but so is her loneliness.

Impact: It’s a bittersweet, Miyazaki-style ending — gentle, grounded, and filled with quiet wisdom about growing up and letting go.

Why These Endings Still Matter

The beauty of Labyrinth lies in its ambiguity and fairy-tale logic. It doesn’t offer easy answers — just like growing up doesn’t. But by imagining different endings, we tap into what the film has always invited us to do: question reality, challenge authority, and dream with open eyes.

Whether Sarah stays, rewinds, or walks away forever changed, Labyrinth remains a timeless reminder that the journey is more important than the destination — and sometimes, the real magic is in the “what if.”

“Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered…” the story never really ends.