If you loved
Tarzan
Film · 1999
If you loved Tarzan, you will be drawn to these stories that examine the struggle of finding where you truly belong.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Tarzan & Jane
Film · 2002
Adaptation
Tarzan II
Brian Smith · Film · 2005
Books on the same thread
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak · Book · 2009
Explores: Imagination, Anger Management, Adventure.
Much like Tarzan, Max navigates a complex journey of identity and belonging as he traverses an untamed world where he must define his place among the wild things.
Giraffes Can't Dance
Giles Andreae · Book · 2015
Explores: Self-Acceptance, Overcoming Obstacles, Individuality.
Gerald shares the same internal conflict as Tarzan, as both characters must overcome their perceived differences to find acceptance and harmony within their respective communities and natural environments.
Frozen (Little Golden Book)
RH Disney · Book · 2014
Explores: Sisterhood, Self-acceptance, Overcoming Fear.
Anna’s epic journey mirrors the emotional growth in Tarzan, focusing on the deep bonds of family loyalty and the courage required to embrace one’s true self and identity.
Tales from Earthsea
Ursula K. Le Guin · Book · 2002
Explores: Magic Systems, Dragons, Balance of Nature.
These stories resonate with the balance of nature theme found in Tarzan, offering a sophisticated exploration of how individuals define themselves within their larger historical and magical contexts.
Series on the same thread
Primal
Genndy Tartakovsky · Series · 2019
Explores: Survival, Unlikely friendship, Human-animal bond.
The bond between the caveman and the dinosaur echoes the human-animal connection in Tarzan, emphasizing survival and friendship within a brutal world that tests the limits of loyalty.
Spider-Man
Series · 1994
Shares a thread with Tarzan: Coming-of-Age.
Peter Parker’s struggle to balance his secret identity with his personal life mirrors the tension Tarzan feels when choosing between his two worlds and finding his true home.
Dragon Ball Z
Series · 1989
Explores: Good vs Evil, Protecting Earth, Transformations.
Goku’s dedication to protecting his family and home parallels Tarzan’s own journey, highlighting the weight of responsibility and the protective instinct that defines both of these powerful figures.
Batman: The Animated Series
Bruce Timm · Series · 1992
Explores: Vigilantism, Urban Decay, Moral Ambiguity.
Bruce Wayne’s isolation and commitment to his mission reflect the internal conflict seen in Tarzan, as both characters grapple with the duality of their lives and personal identities.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Existentialism, Individual Responsibility, Cultural Critique.
This podcast explores the same questions of identity and individual responsibility that Tarzan faces, providing a deeper philosophical look at what it means to belong to a culture.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
The collaborative spirit of this adventure mirrors the family dynamics in Tarzan, inviting you into a world where group loyalty and shared experiences define the path toward belonging.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is the 1999 Tarzan movie based on a book?
Yes, the 1999 movie is inspired by the original novel titled Tarzan, which was published in 1914. The film adapts the core narrative of an orphan raised by an ape named Kala who later discovers his human identity after meeting Jane Porter.
What order should I watch the Tarzan movies in?
You should begin with the 1999 Tarzan movie to understand the character's origin. Afterward, you can continue the story by watching the sequels Tarzan & Jane, released in 2002, and Tarzan II, which was released in 2005.
Does the 1999 Tarzan movie explain his childhood?
Yes, the movie details how Tarzan was raised from a small orphan by an ape named Kala. He grows up believing the apes are his only family until he encounters an expedition and rescues Jane Porter, which leads him to discover he is human.
Are there sequels to the 1999 Tarzan film?
Yes, there are two sequels that follow the 1999 Tarzan film. You can watch Tarzan & Jane, which was released in 2002, and Tarzan II, which was released in 2005, to see further developments in the life of the character.