Tarzan, the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, has been a staple of popular culture for over a century. There have been many different versions of the Tarzan saga in film, each offering a unique interpretation of this timeless character. Here are some of the best:
1. Tarzan (1999)
This Disney animated film is perhaps one of the most beloved Tarzan movies. The animation is beautiful, Phil Collins’ music is memorable, and the film features one of the most complex and emotionally charged narratives in the Tarzan mythology.
2. Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
The first of the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan films remains one of the most iconic. Weissmuller’s physical performance and natural charisma make him a convincing Tarzan, and the film itself is a thrilling adventure full of action.
3. Tarzan’s New York Adventure (1942)
This unique installment in the Weissmuller series brings Tarzan and his family to New York City, leading to numerous memorable moments and amusing culture shocks.
4. Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
One of the highest-rated films in the original series, this movie is notable for its progressive attitude towards sexuality (for the 1930s) and for the return of Maureen O’Sullivan as Jane.
5. The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
This recent live-action film, starring Alexander Skarsgård in the title role, offers a more modern and politically aware perspective on the Tarzan story. It is also a visually stunning film, with some of the best special effects of any Tarzan movie.
6. Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984)
This film attempts to provide a more realistic and dramatic take on the Tarzan story, with Christopher Lambert in the title role. It is a fascinating, albeit sometimes uneven, interpretation of the myth.
7. Tarzan and the Leopard Woman (1946)
One of the most entertaining films from the Weissmuller series, this movie is especially memorable for its exciting action and for the performance of Acquanetta as the seductive Leopard Queen.
