A Journey Through Every Tarzan Movie In Order Of Release

The legendary tale of Tarzan, a boy raised by apes in the heart of the African jungle, has captivated audiences for over a century. From the silent era to modern blockbusters, Tarzan has swung through the cinematic vines, leaving an indelible mark on film history. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into every Tarzan movie, tracing the evolution of this iconic character on the silver screen.

Table of Contents

The Birth of Tarzan: From Page to Silent Screen (1918 – 1929)

The Tarzan saga began in 1914 when writer Edgar Rice Burroughs introduced the world to a feral child raised by apes in the jungles of Africa. Just four years later, in 1918, the first Tarzan movie, aptly titled Tarzan of the Apes, emerged as a silent film. Actor Elmo Lincoln became the inaugural adult Tarzan, paving the way for a string of silent adaptations.

The silent Tarzan movies continued until 1929, featuring various actors donning the loincloth. Despite the absence of spoken words, these films brought the wild man to life, captivating audiences with the primal allure of Tarzan’s jungle adventures.

Silent Tarzan Movies:

Tarzan of the Apes (1918)
The Revenge of Tarzan (1920)
The Son of Tarzan (1920)
Adventures of Tarzan (1921)
Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1927)
Tarzan the Mighty (1928)
Tarzan the Tiger (1929)

The Golden Age of Tarzan: Franchise Flourishes (1932 – 1970)

The 1932 release of Tarzan the Ape Man marked a new era for the iconic character. This sound-equipped film not only restarted Tarzan’s story but initiated a franchise that thrived for nearly four decades. With Johnny Weissmuller, Lex Barker, Gordon Scott, Jock Mahoney, Mike Henry, and Ron Ely taking turns as the jungle lord, Tarzan swung from one adventure to another, enchanting audiences year after year.

The franchise spanned over 30 films, each providing a fresh take on Tarzan’s exploits. Whether it was the iconic dialogue between Tarzan and Jane or the thrilling encounters with wildlife, these films became a cinematic institution, solidifying Tarzan’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

Tarzan Franchise Films:

Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
Tarzan the Fearless (1933)
Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
The New Adventures of Tarzan (1935)
Tarzan Escapes (1936)
… (and many more)

Tarzan Swings into the ’80s: New Beginnings (1981 – 1984)

After a temporary hiatus, Tarzan returned to the big screen in 1981 with Tarzan the Ape Man. Directed by John Derek and starring Miles O’Keeffe as Tarzan, the film garnered mixed reviews but managed a successful stint at the box office. This kickstarted a new era for the character, leading to the critically acclaimed GreyStone: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes in 1984.

Christopher Lambert and Andie MacDowell breathed new life into Tarzan and Jane, earning the film nominations at the Academy Awards. Despite the accolades, GreyStone fell short of box office expectations, highlighting the challenges of revitalizing classic tales for a modern audience.

Tarzan in the ’80s:

Tarzan the Ape Man (1981)
GreyStone: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984)

Tarzan in the ’90s: A Mixed Bag of Success and Obscurity (1998 – 1999)

The late ’90s saw a diverse range of Tarzan interpretations, from an animated feature to live-action endeavors. In 1998, Tarzan and the Lost City hit theaters, starring Casper Van Dien as Tarzan. Despite its unique premise as a quasi-sequel to the original story, the film received lukewarm reviews and struggled at the box office.

In 1999, an animated film titled Tarzan of the Apes quietly made its way to audiences. As a direct-to-video release, it didn’t garner the attention of its Disney counterpart released the same year. Disney’s animated Tarzan became a classic, winning an Academy Award and spawning two sequels, Tarzan & Jane (2002) and Tarzan II (2005).

Tarzan in the Late ’90s:

Tarzan and the Lost City (1998)
Tarzan of the Apes (1999)
Tarzan (1999)
Tarzan & Jane (2002)
Tarzan II (2005)

Disney’s Tarzan: An Animated Masterpiece (1999 – 2005)

Disney’s Tarzan stands out as one of the most memorable adaptations, bringing the jungle hero to life through stunning animation and a captivating soundtrack by Phil Collins. Released in 1999, the film follows Tarzan’s journey of self-discovery, featuring a star-studded voice cast and a compelling narrative.

The success of Disney’s Tarzan led to two direct-to-video sequels. While Tarzan & Jane explored the couple’s life after the events of the first film, Tarzan II delved into Tarzan’s childhood. Despite the critical failure of the sequels, the original animated masterpiece remains a cherished classic in the House of Mouse lineup.

Disney’s Tarzan Trilogy:

Tarzan (1999)
Tarzan & Jane (2002)
Tarzan II (2005)

The Legend Lives On: Tarzan Returns in 2016

In 2016, The Legend of Tarzan swung into theaters, directed by David Yates and starring Alexander Skarsgård as Tarzan and Margot Robbie as Jane. This modern take on the classic character explores Tarzan’s life after leaving Africa, revealing new dimensions to the wild man’s journey.

While The Legend of Tarzan faced challenges at the box office, earning the label of a “bomb,” it found a second life on streaming platforms. The film’s popularity on Netflix showcased the enduring appeal of Tarzan, proving that even in the digital age, the jungle hero continues to captivate audiences.

Modern Tarzan Adventures:

The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

Conclusion: The Eternal Allure of Tarzan Movies

From the silent era to the digital age, Tarzan movies have swung through cinematic history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. Despite varying degrees of critical reception and financial success, the primal allure of the boy raised by apes remains timeless.

As we journey through the vast landscape of Tarzan adaptations, from the classic franchise films to Disney’s animated masterpiece and modern retellings, it becomes clear that Tarzan’s legacy is as enduring as the jungle itself. With each swing from vine to vine, Tarzan continues to be a symbol of adventure, survival, and the untamed spirit that resides within us all. So, whether you’re revisiting the classics or discovering the jungle hero for the first time, the wild world of Tarzan awaits, ready to enchant and inspire new generations of moviegoers.