The Legend of Tarzan continues the story of the jungle hero who walks between two worlds: the wild and the civilized.
It explores themes of identity, nature versus nurture, respect for ecosystems, and the tension between instinct and intellect.
At its core, it’s a tale of loyalty, self-discovery, and protecting one’s home—even if that home doesn’t quite fit the world’s definition of “normal.”
For fans of this series, there are anime that reflect similar character arcs, emotional tension, and environmental storytelling.
Here’s a curated list of 15 underrated anime series that share The Legend of Tarzan‘s adventurous heart, moral grounding, and powerful character journeys.
1. Kemono no Souja Erin (Erin) (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 50
Studio: Production I.G, Trans Arts
MAL Rating: 8.4
A girl named Erin forms a deep bond with mystical beasts known as “Touda,” challenging militaristic norms and ancient beliefs.
Similarities: Nature-based worldbuilding, strong human-animal connection, and a protagonist torn between power and peace.
2. Seirei no Moribito (Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit) (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Episodes: 26
Studio: Production I.G
MAL Rating: 8.1
A spear-wielding warrior protects a prince targeted by the emperor while navigating myth, politics, and spirit lore.
Similarities: Deep character development, forest settings, protector themes, and beautifully animated cultural lore.
3. Beast Player (Shin Shinka no Mi) (2023 reboot)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: Ongoing
Studio: Studio Gokumi
MAL Rating: 7.2
A continuation of Erin, this reboot retells and expands the original story with updated animation and pacing.
Similarities: Animal empathy, wilderness wisdom, and a female protagonist who respects nature’s rules.
4. Ginga Densetsu Weed (2005)
Streaming: YouTube (fan-subbed)
Episodes: 26
Studio: Studio DEEN
MAL Rating: 7.5
A young Akita dog sets out to lead a pack and protect the wild from invading forces.
Similarities: Loyalty-driven leadership, jungle law, and underdog rebellion with primal instincts and survival themes.
5. Jungle Emperor Leo (1997)
Streaming: RetroCrush
Episodes: Film
Studio: Tezuka Productions
MAL Rating: 7.3
Leo, a white lion, leads animals of the jungle while struggling to find peace between man and beast.
Similarities: Direct spiritual predecessor to Tarzan, with strong anti-colonial and environmental themes.
6. Garo: Vanishing Line (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
Studio: MAPPA
MAL Rating: 7.3
A mysterious protector named Sword defends humanity against otherworldly Horrors using ancient armor and relentless determination.
Similarities: Heroic outsider defending society while battling internal identity struggles and dangerous technological encroachment.
7. Golden Kamuy (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 48+
Studio: Geno Studio
MAL Rating: 8.3
A war veteran teams up with an Ainu girl to track hidden gold across Hokkaido’s wilderness.
Similarities: Wilderness survival, tribal knowledge vs. modernization, and cultural preservation with a unique mentor dynamic.
8. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 45
Studio: Studio Pierrot
MAL Rating: 8.0
A high schooler is transported to a mythical realm where she must lead and protect an empire while battling inner doubt.
Similarities: Identity evolution, throne-worthiness, and navigating foreign customs as an outsider-turned-leader.
9. Michiko & Hatchin (2008)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 22
Studio: Manglobe
MAL Rating: 7.7
An escaped convict and a runaway girl journey through a Brazil-inspired setting to find family and freedom.
Similarities: Jungle-adjacent landscapes, rebellion, surrogate family dynamics, and survivalist themes in an untamed world.
10. Origin: Spirits of the Past (2006)
Streaming: Tubi
Episodes: Film
Studio: Gonzo
MAL Rating: 7.1
In a future where forests control the Earth, a boy becomes a bridge between humanity and nature’s spirit guardians.
Similarities: Human vs. nature conflict, green message, and a chosen hero defending balance.
11. Kiba (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 51
Studio: Madhouse
MAL Rating: 7.2
Zed is pulled into a magical war between civilizations while bonding with a spirit beast.
Similarities: Jungle-like aesthetics, a hero discovering strength, and a deeply spiritual connection with natural forces.
12. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 30
Studio: Bones
MAL Rating: 7.9
A group of wolves disguised as humans journey to find paradise in a world that denies their existence.
Similarities: Nature as sanctuary, existential identity, and outcast species misunderstood by humans.
13. Sword of the Stranger (2007)
Streaming: Prime Video
Episodes: Film
Studio: Bones
MAL Rating: 8.2
A wandering ronin protects a hunted child through sweeping natural landscapes and brutal battles.
Similarities: Protector story, wilderness refuge, and redemption through action over words.
14. Beastars (2019)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 24
Studio: Orange
MAL Rating: 8.0
In a world of anthropomorphic animals, a shy wolf must navigate society, instinct, and prejudice.
Similarities: Duality of man/beast identity, civilization vs. instinct, and power rooted in restraint.
15. Mushishi (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 26
Studio: Artland
MAL Rating: 8.7
Ginko travels across rural Japan studying invisible lifeforms called mushi and helping those affected by them.
Similarities: Nature as both teacher and threat, episodic meditations on life, and quiet strength through empathy.
Why These Anime Work for The Legend of Tarzan Fans
These anime dive into the primal and philosophical questions that The Legend of Tarzan raises—what does it mean to belong?
What defines leadership, strength, and morality when standing between worlds?
Whether through spirit beasts, sacred forests, tribal legacies, or protectors of ancient realms, each series blends adventure with introspection. If you’re drawn to stories about wildness versus civilization, honor over hierarchy, and characters who live between two
