🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Reinhard Klooss
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Family, Science Fiction
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 4.8/10 (13k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 20%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A vine-swinging, meteor-powered CEO baby must stop another evil CEO from mining space rocks, with the help of a lady who really likes plants.
🍿 Tarzan: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Origins in the Jungle
John Greystoke, a wealthy industrialist, his wife Alice, and their young son, JJ (John Jr.), venture into the African jungle in search of a mysterious meteorite believed to hold immense energy. A helicopter crash caused by the meteorite’s strange energy leaves JJ orphaned after his parents perish. He is then adopted by a female gorilla named Kala, who lost her own child.

Tarzan’s Teenage Years
Years pass, and JJ, now known as Tarzan, grows into a strong and agile teenager, mastering the art of survival in the jungle. He encounters Jane Porter, the daughter of an environmentalist, who is documenting the local flora and fauna. Their meeting sparks an immediate connection and mutual fascination.

Greystoke Energies Returns
William Clayton, the ruthless new CEO of Greystoke Energies, arrives in Africa with a mercenary army. He aims to exploit the meteorite’s energy, disregarding the devastating environmental consequences. Tarzan and Jane reunite and must work together to stop Clayton’s destructive plans and protect the jungle and its inhabitants.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Tarzan (Kellan Lutz): An orphaned boy raised by apes in the African jungle who becomes a protector of his home.
- Jane (Spencer Locke): The adventurous daughter of an explorer who joins Tarzan in fighting against corporate greed.
- Clayton (Joe Cappelletti): The unscrupulous CEO of Greystoke Energies who seeks to exploit a meteor’s power, threatening the jungle.
- Jim Porter (Les Bubb): Jane’s father and an explorer who advocates for environmental conservation.
- John Greystoke (Mark Deklin): Tarzan’s father and the former CEO of Greystoke Energies, who dies in a helicopter crash.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Narrator: “The legend starts here.” – This tagline sets the stage for a new telling of the classic Tarzan story.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $2,143,885
- Worldwide Gross: $44,095,996
💥 Tarzan Reviews
Personal Review
I grew up with Tarzan, and this movie felt like a strange remix of familiar themes. The animation, while technically impressive at times, often felt ‘off,’ especially with the human characters. I appreciated the attempt to modernize the story, but the whole meteorite plot felt out of place. It had some exciting moments, but overall, it didn’t capture the heart of the Tarzan stories I love. It felt like a generic action movie dressed up as Tarzan.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of adventure movies.”
- “Viewers interested in a modern take on the Tarzan story.”
- “Those who enjoy CGI animation, despite its limitations.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild peril and action violence.”
- “Brief scenes of character death (helicopter crash).”
- “Themes of corporate greed and environmental exploitation.”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “This Tarzan tries to be ‘Avatar’ with its environmental message but falls flat. The animation is decent, but the updated origin story with a space comet is too incredible and familiarly derivative. Not essential viewing; kids will probably still remember the Disney version more.
- Common Sense Media: “Dated animation, clunky dialogue, and an uninspired plot make this Tarzan forgettable. The story adds sci-fi elements but fails to capture the magic of earlier adaptations. Best for undemanding viewers seeking a simple adventure.
Audience Reactions
The jungle animation and some of the action sequences are visually impressive.: Viewers who aren’t overly attached to previous versions may find it a passable family film.
Many found the integration of science fiction elements to be jarring and unnecessary.: Those expecting a traditional Tarzan story were disappointed.
Overall Consensus: While some viewers appreciated the updated visuals and action, the majority felt the plot was convoluted and the animation subpar, making it a forgettable addition to the Tarzan legacy.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This version of Tarzan updates the origin story with a sci-fi element, incorporating a meteor from outer space as a key plot point.”
- “The film uses motion capture technology for animation, aiming for a more realistic portrayal of character movements.”
- “Unlike some previous Tarzan adaptations, this version does not feature talking animals.”
🖥️ How to Watch Tarzan?
As of October 2024, ‘Tarzan’ (2013) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for streaming availability as options may change.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Tarzan, you might like these similar films:
- Avatar (2009): Features a similar theme of protecting a natural environment from corporate greed and exploitation.
- The Legend of Tarzan (2016): Another recent adaptation of Tarzan, offering a different take on the classic story.
- FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992): An animated film centered on saving the forest from destruction.
🛒 Tarzan Related Products
- Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle – The Complete Series [DVD]: Relive the classic animated series that sparked the Tarzan adventure in the hearts of viewers. This complete collection brings back the golden age of jungle adventures.
- Tarzan (Edgar Rice Burroughs Illustrated Edition): Experience the original Tarzan novel in this beautifully illustrated edition. Delve into the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs and discover the adventure that started it all.
- Disney’s Tarzan Soundtrack: Download the soundtrack of the beloved Disney’s Tarzan. This Soundtrack features Phil Collins music.
- Tarzan In 3D! (Kindle Edition): Read about Tarzan’s adventures on the Amazon kindle store. This 3D story is a remake about the classic Tarzan adventure.
🎧 Soundtrack
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
No, while both are based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ character, the 2013 ‘Tarzan’ features a different storyline involving a meteorite and a modern-day corporation, unlike the more traditional narrative of the Disney film.
The 2013 ‘Tarzan’ is a computer-animated film, so it wasn’t filmed in a traditional sense. The jungle environments and characters were created using motion capture and CGI technology.
The meteorite serves as a source of immense energy that the villainous Clayton seeks to exploit, driving the main conflict of the movie. It also connects to Tarzan’s origin story and the events leading to his parents’ death.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Messed Up Origins of Tarzan | Disney Explained – Jon Solo
Ever wondered how different the Disney’s ‘Tarzan’ is from the original book? This video dives into the darker origins of the story, and honestly, it’s wild to see what they changed for the movie!
Why Phil Collins Went So Hard For Tarzan
The music in ‘Tarzan’ is iconic, right? This video explains why Phil Collins poured his heart and soul into the soundtrack, and you’ll never hear those songs the same way again. Seriously, give it a listen!
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