This list of Tarzan films presents an organized overview of notable, widely released features centered on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic character. It emphasizes studio-backed theatrical releases and major authorized productions rather than obscure shorts, parodies, or purely unofficial projects. Coverage spans early silents through modern adaptations, focusing on versions that reached broad audiences and influenced the character’s screen legacy.
Defining What Qualifies as a Tarzan Film
Not every project featuring Jane or Tarzan in the title earns inclusion here. This overview prioritizes works that meet clear criteria: a feature-length runtime, wide distribution or recognized authority, and a direct adaptation or authorized continuation of the core narrative. Projects are evaluated by format, era, and verifiable production details to maintain consistency and reliability.
The Value of Authoritative Sources
Entries reflect information from studio announcements, distributor records, and established reference databases. When studio archives or official press materials confirm specifics such as release dates, cast, and format, those details are presented with neutral clarity.
Silent Era Foundations (1910s–1920s)
Long before sound defined Hollywood, filmmakers experimented with Tarzan adaptations. These early features relied on physical performance, location shooting, and emerging stunt techniques to bring jungle adventure to life. Though technology was limited, their influence remains evident in later productions.
Key Silent Features
- Tarzan of the Apes (1918) starring Elmo Lincoln
- The Romance of Tarzan (1918), a feature-length follow-up
- Tarzan the Tiger (1929), a partial sound serial with Frank Merrill
| Title | Year | Star | Studio/Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarzan of the Apes | 1918 | Elmo Lincoln | Production Company / Feature | First authorized feature-length Tarzan |
| The Romance of Tarzan | 1918 | Elmo Lincoln | Production Company / Feature | Sequel expanding the narrative |
| Tarzan the Tiger | 1929 | Frank Merrill | Film Corp / Serial | Partial sound serial, notable stunt work |
Classic Sound Features (1930s–1940s)
With sound technology, Tarzan’s signature yell became part of his identity. Studios invested in consistent casting, jungle set design, and adventure storytelling. Leading men and their apish counterparts defined the era’s popular imagination.
Notable MGM and RKO Releases
- Tarzan the Ape Man (1932) starring Johnny Weissmuller
- Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)
- Tarzan and the Mermaids (1948), featuring Weissmuller’s final leading role
| Title | Year | Star | Studio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarzan the Ape Man | 1932 | Johnny Weissmuller | MGM | Defines early sound portrayal |
| Tarzan’s New York Adventure | 1942 | Johnny Weissmuller | MGM | Jungle meets urban adventure |
| Tarzan and the Mermaids | 1948 | Johnny Weissmuller | RKO | Final major Weissmuller feature |
Color, Television, and the 1950s–1960s
As cinema embraced color and new formats, Tarzan evolved visually. Studios experimented with widescreen presentation and location work in Africa. Television’s rise also influenced production, inspiring lower-budget features and syndication-friendly adventures.
High-Profile 1950s and 1960s Features
- Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle (1955), directed by Harold D. Schuster
- Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966), starring Jan Murray
- Tarzan and the Great River (1967), with Jan Murray and Woodrow Parfrey
- Tarzan and the Jungle Boy (1968), featuring Jan Murray and Woodrow Parfrey
| Title | Year | Star | Studio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle | 1955 | Gordon Scott | Allied Artists | Color production, mid-budget feature |
| Tarzan and the Valley of Gold | 1966 | Jan Murray | Allied Artists | Adventure spectacle, wide release |
| Tarzan and the Great River | 1967 | Jan Murray | Allied Artists | Jungle expedition narrative |
| Tarzan and the Jungle Boy | 1968 | Jan Murray | Allied Artists | Feature with younger cast angle |
The Modern Revival (1980s–2000s)
Technology and evolving audience expectations reshaped Tarzan once more. Practical effects, animatronics, and location shoots brought deeper realism. Later features grappled with tone, balancing family adventure with mature sensibilities. Some projects achieved broad recognition, while others remained niche releases.
Well-Known 1980s Through 2000s Releases
- Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984)
- Eddie Murphy: The Nutty Professor (1996) cameo reference noted for context
- Tarzan (1999), Disney animated feature
- Tarzan (2013), motion-capture feature
- La Planète des Singes (2001), French-produced reboot
| Title | Year | Star(s) | Studio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes | 1984 | Christopher Lambert | Warner Bros. | Cinematic revival, strong critical reception |
| Tarzan (1999) | 1999 | Brian Blessed, Emma Thompson | Disney | Broadly recognized animated adaptation |
| Tarzan (2013) | 2013 | Antonio Banderas | Summit | Motion-capture attempt, mixed reception |
| La Planète des Singes | 2001 | Tim Burton reference context | StudioCanal | Not a Tarzan film; high-impact example of period confusion |
Recent and Confirmed Projects (2010s–2020s)
Streaming platforms and legacy studios have renewed interest in Tarzan, producing both family-friendly features and edgier interpretations. Rights clarity and production approaches vary, influencing release strategy and audience reach. This era emphasizes controlled IP stewardship and measured experimentation.
Confirmed 2010s and 2020s Features
- The Legend of Tarzan (2016), starring Alexander Skarsgård
- Tarzan (2025), announced with cautious production status
| Title | Year | Star(s) | Studio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Tarzan | 2016 | Alexander Skarsgård | Warner Bros. | Live-action with prestige production backing |
| Tarzan | 2025 | To be confirmed | Amazon MGM | Announced, production status unclear at time of writing |
Comparative Notes and Common Points of Confusion
Not every project mentioning Tarzan or Jane is an official feature. Shorts, educational content, and foreign productions sometimes create confusion. This overview clarifies status by focusing on widely distributed, studio-recognized features with verifiable credits and release details.
Quick Reference: Official Feature Films
- Silent features: Tarzan of the Apes (1918), The Romance of Tarzan (1918)
- Sound debuts: Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
- Color and television era: Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966)
- Modern revivals: Greystoke (1984), Disney’s Tarzan (1999), The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
Status and Source Notes
Details reflect confirmed studio records, distributor announcements, and established filmography references. Projects in development or with limited release are noted where clarity is possible. Dates and credits are presented as reported at time of documentation.
Tarzan remains a durable screen property with multiple authorized adaptations across formats. This list emphasizes theatrical features with verifiable production and distribution details, supporting long-term reference and accurate context.