🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Yates
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 50min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (192K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Tarzan, now a British Lord, must return to the jungle to stop a Belgian dude from stealing diamonds and ruining everything, all while dealing with daddy issues and an angry ape.
🍿 The Legend of Tarzan: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Lord Returns
John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, formerly known as Tarzan, lives a civilized life in London with his wife, Jane. He is invited by King Leopold of Belgium to visit the Congo, but declines. American envoy George Washington Williams persuades him to accept, suspecting Leopold of enslaving the Congolese. Jane, missing her childhood home, insists on accompanying him.

Betrayal in the Congo
Upon arriving in the Congo, the trio encounters a tribal village familiar to John and Jane. Their visit is cut short when Léon Rom, an agent of Leopold, attacks, kidnapping Jane and killing the village leader. Williams rescues John, and they set out to rescue Jane, uncovering Rom’s scheme to exploit the Congo’s resources using slave labor.

Jungle Pursuit
John and Williams pursue Rom, encountering a Belgian military train carrying captured slaves, providing evidence of Leopold’s atrocities. They learn that Rom plans to use diamonds to pay for an army to subdue the Congo. John faces Akut, leader of his former ape tribe, and reconciles after a fierce battle.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- John Clayton/Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård): Having been raised in the jungle by apes, John Clayton, now Lord Greystoke, is drawn back to Africa to confront a threat to his former home.
- Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz): A ruthless Belgian captain, Leon Rom schemes to exploit the Congo’s resources and capture Tarzan for personal gain.
- Jane Clayton (Margot Robbie): Jane, Tarzan’s courageous wife, is a strong and independent woman who insists on accompanying him to Africa, facing dangers alongside him.
- George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson): An American envoy, George Washington Williams, seeks Tarzan’s help to expose the atrocities committed in the Congo by King Leopold’s men.
- Chief Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou): Chief Mbonga is a tribal leader seeking vengeance against Tarzan for a past grievance, setting a dangerous conflict in motion.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- John Clayton: “They have my wife, and their families.” – Tarzan says this with intense determination when explaining why he must return to Africa, emphasizing his connection to both Jane and the African people.
- John Clayton: “I am not the man you knew in London.” – Tarzan warns Rom, signaling his transformation back into the primal jungle protector and foreshadowing Rom’s doom.
- Jane Clayton: “Promise me, you won’t hurt the animals.” – Jane says this while in danger, highlighting her deep empathy and love for the wildlife, even in a perilous situation.
- Chief Mbonga: “Where was your honor?” – Chief Mbonga confronts Tarzan, questioning the ethics of Tarzan’s past actions.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $180,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $126,643,061
- Worldwide Gross: $357,243,061
💥 The Legend of Tarzan Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this movie with fairly low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. The action sequences were exciting, and the scenery was beautiful. It’s cool seeing Tarzan in his Lord of Greystoke attire at first, but then he gets to be Tarzan that we expect. The flashbacks gave enough context without being overbearing. I enjoyed the relationship between Tarzan and Jane, and Christoph Waltz was great as the villain, as always! Overall a fun summer adventure movie.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action-adventure movies”
- “Viewers interested in historical dramas with a fictional twist”
- “Those who enjoy visually stunning films with CGI animals”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence and action sequences”
- “Depiction of historical exploitation and slavery”
- “Some scenes may be intense for younger viewers”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “I was definitely invested in the story they were telling. Alexander Skarsgård and Margot Robbie portray Tarzan and Jane respectively. Both give solid performances but neither brought anything new to the characters.
- IMDb: “The Legend of Tarzan sadly disappoints with clunky scripting and a story that lacks emotional connection. Christoph Waltz gives the best performance, but Samuel L. Jackson feels out of place. Beautiful visuals are undermined by variable special effects and choppy editing.
- IMDb: “The Legend of Tarzan is unique in that it’s not an origin story. While the origins of Tarzan are explored in a few flashback scenes, the movie is really about John Clayton, Lord of Greystoke. Alexander Skarsgard and Margot Robbie portray Tarzan and Jane in this movie, and they actually make you care about these two characters.
Audience Reactions
Alexander Skarsgård’s performance as a noble and savage Tarzan was captivating.: Viewers loved the modern take on the classic Tarzan story and well choreographed action scenes
Beautiful visuals and amazing scenery transported me to a lost world: Stunning visuals and a nostalgic journey made this a highly enjoyable cinematic experience.
Overall Consensus: The Legend of Tarzan offers a visually stunning and action-packed adventure, with praise for Skarsgård and Robbie, but some found the plot lacking depth.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Alexander Skarsgård underwent a strict diet and training regime for four months to achieve the physique of Tarzan. His trainer focused on building a lean and functional physique rather than bulky muscles.”
- “The film incorporates real historical events, such as King Leopold II’s exploitation of the Congo, adding a layer of historical context to the Tarzan story.”
- “The Mangani apes in the film are designed to be distinct from gorillas or chimpanzees, more closely resembling the descriptions in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Legend of Tarzan?
The Legend of Tarzan is available to stream on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV where you may need to purchase or rent the movie. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Legend of Tarzan, you might like these similar films:
- Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984): Another adaptation of the original Tarzan story with a focus on the transition from jungle to civilization, offering a direct comparison in storytelling and character development.
- The Jungle Book (2016): Shares thematic similarities with The Legend of Tarzan, exploring the relationship between a human raised in the wild and the animal kingdom.
- Apocalypto (2006): Presents a similar theme of survival and adventure in a lush jungle setting with a focus on preserving one’s family.
- The Ghost and the Darkness (1996): Another film set in Africa during the colonial era which presents realistic dangers of untamed wilderness with the theme of survival
🛒 The Legend of Tarzan Related Products
- The Legend of Tarzan (Blu-ray): Own the adventure with stunning visual and audio quality. Experience the jungle like never before in the comfort of your home.
- Funko Pop! Movies: The Legend of Tarzan – Tarzan: Add this stylized collectible figure to your collection. Stands 3 3/4 inches tall, perfect for display.
- The Return of Tarzan (Illustrated): Experience the second novel in the Tarzan series with this illustrated edition. Dive deeper into the jungle and Tarzan’s complex world.
- Tarzan Costume: Become Tarzan and rule the jungle
🎧 Soundtrack
The Legend of Tarzan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While the story is set in the Congo, much of The Legend of Tarzan was filmed on sound stages and sets in England, with some aerial footage captured in Gabon for the jungle scenes. This allowed for greater control over the environment and the complex visual effects.
While the character of Tarzan is fictional, The Legend of Tarzan incorporates historical elements, such as King Leopold II’s exploitation of the Congo. The film uses this historical backdrop to add depth and context to Tarzan’s story.
The primary antagonist is Léon Rom, played by Christoph Waltz. Rom is an envoy of King Leopold II of Belgium, tasked with exploiting the Congo for its resources, leading to conflict with Tarzan.
🔥 Bonus Content
Alexander Skarsgard’s Insane Diet To Get Jacked As Tarzan | CONAN on TBS
Ever wondered what it takes to get shredded for a movie role? Watch Alexander Skarsgard share his wild diet and workout secrets for his role as Tarzan. Get ready to be inspired and amazed!
Chimpanzees go the the Legend of Tarzan Movie Premiere | MYRTLE BEACH SAFARI
Get ready for a delightful experience! Watch as real chimpanzees attend the premiere of ‘The Legend of Tarzan.’ Their reactions and the overall atmosphere are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Everything Alexander Skarsgård Ate To Get Shredded for Tarzan | Eat Like a Celebrity | Men’s Health
Curious about the secrets behind Alexander Skarsgard’s ripped physique in ‘The Legend of Tarzan’? This video breaks down his exact diet and exercise plan, offering valuable insights for your own fitness journey.
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