The very first Tarzan film predizes Mickey Mouse. These are public domain treasures, though they are dated.
Best for: Completionists.
This is a notorious chapter. Starring Bo Derek (as Jane) and Miles O'Keeffe (as Tarzan), the film was directed by John Derek. It was less an adventure movie and more a soft-focus, soft-core fantasy focused almost entirely on Jane. Critics savaged it, and the "Razzie" awards (awards for the worst films) were invented largely because of this movie. tarzan movies in order
Best for: Film historians and purists.
Often considered the best of the series, this film pushed boundaries. It featured a famous (and controversial for the time) nude swimming scene with a body double for O'Sullivan. It portrayed Tarzan and Jane living in a quasi-marital bliss in the jungle, battling poachers. The elephants stampeding and the ruthless villains set the standard for adventure cinema. The very first Tarzan film predizes Mickey Mouse
The history of Tarzan on film is as sprawling and wild as the jungle itself. It is a story that spans over a century, moving from the silent era to high-tech CGI, and reflects the changing attitudes of society toward nature, race, and heroism. This is a notorious chapter
The Tarzan film franchise is one of the most prolific in cinema history, spanning over a century from the silent era to modern blockbusters. Below are the primary films and eras of the franchise, organized by release order and lead actor. The Silent Era (1918–1929)