The Top 25 Tarzan Film Adaptations Countdown
Tarzan—King of the Jungle, vine-swinging hero, and perpetual heartthrob. From his silent film debut in 1918 to animated romps and modern epics, Tarzan has been swinging onto screens for over a century. But not all Tarzans are created equal. In this countdown, we’ll start with the films that make us want to take the next vine out of here and work our way to the true lord of Tarzan adaptations.
Here’s the top 25 Tarzan films, ranked from "meh" to magnificent, based on discussions from Reddit, Quora, YouTube, and other corners of the internet jungle.
25. Tarzan and the Jungle Boy (1968)
This one swings low, literally and figuratively. The plot revolves around Tarzan rescuing a feral boy, but the pacing leaves you wondering if the jungle vines got tangled. A film for completionists only.
24. Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (1946)
Leopard cults? Sure. This campy entry is so ridiculous it’s almost good—but ultimately lands more in the "swing and miss" category.
23. Tarzan and the Great River (1967)
Tarzan battles poachers in the Amazon. While the lush scenery is impressive, the plot is as shallow as the great river itself.
22. Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)
Tarzan in a suit? Yes, really. While the premise of Tarzan searching for Boy in New York sounds intriguing, the execution feels like Tarzan was as lost as he looked.
21. Tarzan and the Slave Girl (1950)
A slave girl, Tarzan, and a lukewarm adventure. While it tries to deliver thrills, this one feels as dated as its title.
20. The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
Starring Alexander Skarsgård, this modern take had potential but got bogged down by heavy CGI and an uneven plot. Still, it’s worth a watch for Skarsgård’s abs—I mean, acting.
19. Tarzan the Fearless (1933)
One of the earliest sound adaptations, this film is as stiff as its dialogue. Yet, Johnny Weissmuller’s charisma keeps it from falling completely off the vine.
18. Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941)
This one sees Tarzan protecting his jungle from treasure hunters. Decent action, but it feels like a retread of earlier, better films.
17. Tarzan and the She-Devil (1953)
The She-Devil isn’t quite as devilish as the title suggests, but it’s still a passable jungle adventure.
16. Tarzan Goes to India (1962)
A bizarre change of scenery, this one has Tarzan helping elephants in India. The cultural shift is refreshing, but the film lacks the energy of its predecessors.
15. Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
One of the steamiest Tarzan films of its era. The chemistry between Weissmuller and Maureen O’Sullivan elevates this otherwise straightforward sequel.
14. Tarzan Finds a Son! (1939)
Tarzan and Jane become adoptive parents in this touching tale. While heartwarming, it leans a little too much on family drama for some viewers’ tastes.
13. Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure (1959)
This darker, grittier Tarzan film is well-loved by fans for its suspense and serious tone. It’s the noir of the jungle.
12. Tarzan’s Magic Fountain (1949)
Fountain of youth? Count us in! This one combines adventure with a mystical twist, making it one of the more unique entries.
11. Tarzan and the Lost City (1998)
Casper Van Dien stars in this nostalgic, action-packed film. While not a classic, it delivers on the jungle escapades you expect from a Tarzan tale.
10. Tarzan, the Ape Man (1959)
A loose remake of the 1932 original, this version delivers on action but falls a bit flat in the storytelling department.
9. Tarzan’s Three Challenges (1963)
A standout for its exotic setting and engaging plot, this film showcases Tarzan’s physical and mental prowess in equal measure.
8. Tarzan the Magnificent (1960)
As the title suggests, this one is a step above the usual Tarzan fare, with strong performances and a compelling story.
7. Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966)
This James Bond-esque Tarzan film is a thrilling ride, complete with gadgets and explosions. Who knew Tarzan could go full 007?
6. Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984)
A dramatic retelling of Tarzan’s origin story, this critically acclaimed film delivers depth and stunning cinematography. Christopher Lambert shines as the titular hero.
5. Tarzan and the Amazons (1945)
This is one of the more imaginative films in the franchise, showcasing a hidden Amazonian society. It’s pulpy fun with a touch of intrigue.
4. Tarzan the Tiger (1929)
One of the last silent Tarzan films, this serial is praised for its thrilling action and historical importance.
3. Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
The first sound Tarzan film, featuring Johnny Weissmuller. It’s iconic for a reason, setting the standard for decades of jungle adventures.
2. Tarzan and the Golden Lion (1927)
This silent gem is beloved for its faithfulness to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original novel. A classic that holds up remarkably well.
1. Tarzan (1999)
The Disney animated classic takes the top spot! With stunning animation, a moving story, and Phil Collins’ unforgettable soundtrack, it’s the ultimate Tarzan adaptation.
What’s your favorite Tarzan film? Drop your pick in the comments—and remember, the jungle always has room for more fans! 🌿
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