What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedTarzan and the City of Gold
Edgar Rice Burroughs · Book · 1975
If you loved Tarzan and the City of Gold, start with The Legend of Tarzan (David Yates, 2016) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Tarzan and the City of Gold across media.
What hooked you in Tarzan and the City of Gold was the exhilarating tension of navigating brutal power struggles within isolated, ancient civilizations.
Films on the same thread
The Gold Rush
Charlie Chaplin · Film · 1925
Explores: Survival, Pursuit of Wealth, Social Class.
Just as Tarzan and the City of Gold features a hero surviving savage environments, this film captures the gritty determination required to endure harsh landscapes and high-stakes social challenges.
The Legend of Tarzan
David Yates · Film · 2016
Shares a thread with Tarzan and the City of Gold: Jungle Adventure.
This film provides a direct return to the jungle atmosphere found in Tarzan and the City of Gold, emphasizing the visceral conflict between man and his untamed ancestral home.
The Man Who Would Be King
John Huston · Film · 1975
Explores: hubris, the white savior narrative (deconstructed), cultural misunderstanding.
Like Tarzan and the City of Gold, this story explores the dangerous consequences of outsiders becoming entangled in the complex power dynamics and hubristic traditions of an isolated kingdom.
Star Wars
George Lucas · Film · 1977
Explores: Good vs Evil, Rebellion, The Force.
The high-stakes hostage rescue mission mirrors the central conflict of Tarzan and the City of Gold, where a heroic figure must intervene against a powerful force to save another.
Series on the same thread
ThunderCats
Theodore Walter Wolf · Series · 1985
Explores: Hero's Journey, Survival, Loss of Homeworld.
Fans of the survival elements in Tarzan and the City of Gold will recognize the desperate struggle of a displaced group fighting for their future against relentless, hostile pursuers.
Game of Thrones
David Benioff · Series · 2011
Explores: Power Struggles, Moral Ambiguity, War and Politics.
This series expands the political warfare and ancient threats encountered in Tarzan and the City of Gold, showcasing how noble houses clash for control over a crumbling, vast landscape.
Berserk
Series · 1997
Explores: Betrayal, Sacrifice, The Cost of Ambition.
This dark saga mirrors the brutal heroism and intense combat found in Tarzan and the City of Gold, focusing on the heavy moral toll of living as a relentless warrior.
Battlestar Galactica
Glen A. Larson · Series · 2004
Explores: Survival, Existential Threat, Humanity's Resilience.
Similar to the survival-driven narrative of Tarzan and the City of Gold, this show follows a desperate group protecting the last remnants of their civilization against an existential threat.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2026
Explores: civilizational collapse, human nature, moral ambiguity.
If the historical warfare and civilizational collapse in Tarzan and the City of Gold intrigued you, this deep dive into human nature and power provides a fascinating, analytical perspective.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This podcast captures the spirit of high-adventure quests found in Tarzan and the City of Gold, translating the thrill of exploration and group dynamics into a modern, improvised format.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Tarzan and the City of Gold a standalone story?
Tarzan and the City of Gold functions as a self-contained narrative within the Tarzan series. While it features the familiar character of Tarzan, the plot focuses specifically on his rescue of Valthor and the conflict between the cities of Cathne and Athne.
What is the main conflict in Tarzan and the City of Gold?
The primary conflict in Tarzan and the City of Gold involves a long-standing war between the cities of Cathne and Athne. These civilizations utilize armies of trained lions and elephants, and the tension escalates when Tarzan becomes a captive of the mad Queen of Cathne.
Does Tarzan and the City of Gold feature animal combat?
Yes, Tarzan and the City of Gold prominently features animal combat. The warring cities of Cathne and Athne maintain armies consisting of trained lions and elephants, which are central to the military engagements and the savage games conducted by the Queen of Cathne.
What happens to Tarzan in Tarzan and the City of Gold?
In Tarzan and the City of Gold, Tarzan rescues an Athnean named Valthor. Following this event, he is captured by the mad Queen of Cathne. She intends to use Tarzan as a pawn within the savage games she hosts for her own amusement.