Ranking All of David Bowie’s Songs From ‘Labyrinth’!

Labyrinth (1986) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and with that comes a theatrical re-release for what would have been David Bowie’s 79th birthday weekend! The film, directed by the legendary Jim Henson, follows a young girl named Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) who must reach the center of a labyrinth in order to rescue her baby brother Toby after her wish for the goblins to take him away gets granted. The creator of the labyrinth and king of the goblins, Jareth, is played by none other than Bowie himself! In addition to playing the mischievous king, Bowie also wrote 5 of the 12 songs on the film’s iconic soundtrack. Here’s our ranking of all of his songs from the cult classic film!

5. "Within You"

This ballad has a very haunting quality to it, which is only emphasized by the trippy M.C. Escher-inspired stairs used throughout the scene! That being said, the song is much more interesting to watch than to listen to on its own. Additionally, the song’s powerful lyrics become quite disturbing when put into the context of the film, as they involve the presumably ancient and immortal Jareth professing his love for Sarah… who’s only 16 years old. She thankfully rejects his advances, but there are definitely moments that get a little too close for comfort!

4. "Chilly Down"

This energetic song is the only one on the soundtrack that David Bowie did not sing the lead vocals for! They are instead performed by the actors voicing The Fire Gang, one of which was voiced and puppeteered by Kevin Clash, who famously played Elmo on "Sesame Street" from 1985-2012. The catchy tune follows the group of creatures as they try to get Sarah to join their chaotic dismemberment game, not realizing that she isn’t able to reattach her limbs like they can. 

3. "Underground"

A slower, more stripped-down version of this song was composed by Trevor Jones and is first heard in the film’s opening titles. However, Bowie’s full original version of the song isn’t played until the film’s end credits. The song’s gospel influence, along with Bowie’s growling vocals, make it distinct from the others on the soundtrack. The song also includes an impressively star-studded lineup of backup singers, including but not limited to Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Daphne Rubin-Vega!

2. "Magic Dance"

This upbeat song definitely lives up to its title, as it’s almost impossible to not want to dance along! The song is performed during one of the most amusingly bizarre scenes in the film where Jareth and his goblins try to entertain a crying Toby… and it works! With its insanely catchy chorus, this song is sure to stick in your head for a while!

1. "As The World Falls Down"

This bittersweet ballad is heard during a dream sequence where Sarah and Jareth dance with one another at a magical masquerade ball. The scene really highlights Jareth’s manipulative charm and marks his first attempt to seduce Sarah. It’s easily the most beautiful song in the film, making it our top pick! 

Labyrinth is currently playing in select North American theaters through January 11 and is also available to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, Philo, PLEX, and Xumo Play!