Since its inception, the Tarzan film franchise has been a captivating journey through adventure, embodying the essence of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic character. The legacy of Tarzan movies spans across decades, beginning with the silent film era and evolving through the sound film era, reflecting the changing times and filmmaking techniques. Here is an overview of the Tarzan movies, marking the evolution of this enduring character.

The Early Years: Silent Films to the 1930s

1. “Tarzan of the Apes” (1918): This silent film marks the very first appearance of Tarzan on the big screen, with Elmo Lincoln as the first actor to portray the iconic role.
2. “The Romance of Tarzan” (1918): A direct sequel to the first film, this movie continues the story of Tarzan and Jane.
3. “The Revenge of Tarzan” (1920): Tarzan faces new challenges and adventures in this film.
4. “The Son of Tarzan” (1920): Focusing on Tarzan’s son, this film explores themes of legacy and identity.
5. “The Adventures of Tarzan” (1921): This film sees Tarzan embarking on a daring rescue mission.
6. “Tarzan and the Golden Lion” (1927): Tarzan’s relationship with animals is highlighted in this adventure.
7. “Tarzan the Mighty” (1928): A film showcasing Tarzan’s strength and heroism.
8. “Tarzan the Tiger” (1929): This movie illustrates Tarzan’s dominance over the jungle.
9. “Tarzan the Ape Man” (1932): The first sound film of the franchise, introducing Johnny Weissmuller, who became synonymous with Tarzan.

The Johnny Weissmuller Era: 1930s to 1940s Johnny Weissmuller’s portrayal of Tarzan is perhaps the most iconic. His films include:

1. “Tarzan the Fearless” (1933)
2. “Tarzan and His Mate” (1934)
3. “The New Adventures of Tarzan” (1935)
4. “Tarzan Escapes” (1936)
5. “Tarzan’s Revenge” (1938)
6. “Tarzan Finds a Son!” (1939)
7. “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure” (1941)
8. “Tarzan’s New York Adventure” (1942)
9. “Tarzan Triumphs” (1943)
10. “Tarzan’s Desert Mystery” (1943)
11. “Tarzan and the Amazons” (1945)
12. “Tarzan and the Leopard Woman” (1946)
13. “Tarzan and the Huntress” (1947)
14. “Tarzan and the Mermaids” (1948)

Post-Weissmuller Era: 1950s to 1960s After Weissmuller, several actors took on the Tarzan role, including Lex Barker and Gordon Scott. Their films include:

1. “Tarzan’s Magic Fountain” (1949)
2. “Tarzan and the Slave Girl” (1950)
3. “Tarzan’s Peril” (1951)
4. “Tarzan’s Savage Fury” (1952)
5. “Tarzan and the She-Devil” (1953)
6. “Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle” (1955)
7. “Tarzan and the Lost Safari” (1957)
8. “Tarzan and the Trappers” (1958)
9. “Tarzan’s Fight for Life” (1958)
10. “Tarzan’s Greatest Adventure” (1959)
11. “Tarzan, the Ape Man” (1959)
12. “Tarzan the Magnificent” (1960)
13. “Tarzan Goes to India” (1962)
14. “Tarzan’s Three Challenges” (1963)
15. “Tarzan and the Valley of Gold” (1966)
16. “Tarzan and the Great River” (1967)

Modern Interpretations and Adaptations The Tarzan franchise continued to evolve with modern interpretations and adaptations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including:

1. “Tarzan” (1999): A critically acclaimed animated film by Disney, notable for its music by Phil Collins.
2. “Tarzan II” (2005): A direct-to-video midquel to the 1999 Disney film.
3. “The Legend of Tarzan” (2016): A modern live-action film that explores Tarzan’s life after he leaves the jungle.

The Tarzan film series is a testament to the character’s enduring appeal, with each era bringing its unique flavor and interpretation while retaining the essence of Burroughs’ creation. From Elmo Lincoln to Johnny Weissmuller and beyond, Tarzan remains an iconic figure in cinema history, a symbol of adventure and the eternal call of the wild.