The ten best lines from Labyrinth | Show and Tell | Denver | Denver Westword | The Leading Independent News Source in Denver, Colorado
Navigation

The ten best lines from Labyrinth

Let's get one thing straight from the start: I am a woman over thirty, and Labyrinth is one of my all-time favorite movies. In honor of the upcoming Labyrinth Quote-Along on Thursday, November 15, and Friday, November 16 (it's part of the International Film Series at the University of Colorado...
Share this:
Let's get one thing straight from the start: I am a woman over thirty, and Labyrinth is one of my all-time favorite movies. In honor of the upcoming Labyrinth Quote-Along on Thursday, November 15, and Friday, November 16 (it's part of the International Film Series at the University of Colorado at Boulder), here are my ten favorite lines that I would love to hear everyone nail at this epic film event.

See also: - Ten best movie scenes where the undercover cop gets made - Cowboys, aliens and the five worst "vs." movies of all time - Eight things every horror movie needs, according to Bruce Kawin

10. "Dance, Magic, Dance"

Since this is the one you were all waiting for, let's get it out of the way first -- as well as the video clip that everyone wants to see.

Favorite quote: "You remind me of the babe." "What babe?" "Babe with the power." "What power?" "Power of voodoo." "Who do?" "You do." "Do what?" "Remind me of the babe."

(You didn't need me to tell you that, either.)

9. Worm in the corridor

The worm's entire speech is worthy of quotation here, but the best line is the one that could have ended the movie an entire hour sooner.

Favorite quote: "If she'd have kept on going down that way, she'd have gone straight to the castle!"

(Second best: "Things aren't always what they seem in this place, so you can't take anything for granted.")

8. Goblins under the bed

As with all of Jim Henson's creations, the goblins are eminently quotable in this scene. "Where did she learn that rubbish? It doesn't even start with 'I wish!'"

(Second best, not seen in this video: "I wish the goblins would come and take you away. Right now.")

7. Wise man with his hat

Many of the movie's best moments come in small interactions like this, which you just have to love -- and are partly why the movie gets more entertaining the more you see it.

Favorite quote: "It's so stimulating being your hat."

(Second best: "How's that for brainpower, huh?")

6. The riddle at the door to Certain Death

This is another section of the movie that's all quote-worthy. The reprise of a famous old riddle shows better than anything how tricky things are in the depths of the Labyrinth.

Favorite quote: "Is that right?" "I don't know! I've never understood it!"

5. Jareth disguised as the beggar

Jareth is such a badass, and half the fun in this quote-along is going to be pretending for a few minutes that you're as a big a badass as he is. This is one of the scenes that will help you do it. (I love the talking rock corners, too.)

Favorite quote: "So the Labyrinth's a piece of cake, is it? Well, let's see how you deal with this little slice."

(Second best: "Nothing, tra la la!")

4. Jareth threatens Hoggle

Then you have David Bowie threatening Hoggle. Between his continued mangling of the poor Muppet's name and his Bog-of-Eternal-Stench-related threats, he's truly intimidating.

Favorite quote: "I just noticed your lovely jewels are missing."

(Second best: "Oh, come, come, come, Hogbrain. I'm surprised at you, losing your head over a girl!")

3. "Within You"

Some people list "Chilly Down" as their second-favorite Labyrinth song, others the title sequence "Underground," still others the ballroom ballad "As the World Falls Down." But for me, this song encapsulates all the movie's teen angst, in M.C. Escher surroundings -- and holy shit, is David Bowie not messing around about being a weirdo stalker fantasy figure in love with a teenage Jennifer Connelly.

Favorite quote: "Your eyes can be so cruel Just as I can be so cruel Though I do believe in you Yes I do"

(Second best: "I move the stars for no one!")

2. Sarah's speech

We don't need to say more than what is said here:

Favorite quote: "Through dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City to take back what you have stolen. For my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom as great... YOU HAVE NO POWER OVER ME!"

(Second best:"Just fear me, love me, do as I say, and I will be your slave."

1. The love of friends wrapping things up

This is my favorite part of the movie.

Favorite quote: "I need you, Hoggle. I don't know why, but every now and again, for no reason at all, I need you, all of you."


KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.