As of today, there have been three Tomb Raider movies released theatrically, all featuring the iconic adventurer, Lara Croft. This article explores the films in detail, delving into their reception, adaptations, and future possibilities, and answering your most pressing questions about this cinematic franchise.
The Tomb Raider Movie Trilogy: A Deep Dive
The Tomb Raider franchise on the big screen has had a complex history. While the video games achieved enormous success, the movies have been met with varying degrees of critical acclaim and box office performance. Understanding the individual movies is key to answering the question of how many there are.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
The first foray into adapting the beloved video game series starred Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. This film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, directed by Simon West, premiered in 2001 and followed Lara as she races against the Illuminati to find an ancient artifact. While the film was a box office success, it received mixed reviews. Many praised Jolie’s portrayal of the adventurous archaeologist, but criticism was levied at the script and overall plot. However, it undeniably cemented Lara Croft’s place in popular culture, bringing the character to a wider audience than ever before.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Following the success of the first film, a sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, directed by Jan de Bont, was released in 2003. This installment saw Lara embarking on another perilous journey, this time to prevent a deadly pandemic from being unleashed upon the world. While Jolie reprised her role, the film’s reception was even more lukewarm than its predecessor. Though the action sequences were generally well-received, the story and character development were once again points of criticism. Ultimately, its box office performance was less impressive than the first film.
Tomb Raider (2018)
A reboot of the film series arrived in 2018, with Alicia Vikander taking on the role of Lara Croft. This film, simply titled Tomb Raider, directed by Roar Uthaug, served as an origin story, depicting a younger and less experienced Lara searching for her missing father. It aimed for a more grounded and realistic portrayal of the character, drawing inspiration from the 2013 video game reboot. While Vikander’s performance was praised for its physicality and emotional depth, the film itself received mixed reviews. Some lauded its action and faithfulness to the source material, while others criticized its predictable plot and lack of originality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tomb Raider Movies
To further enhance your understanding of the Tomb Raider movie landscape, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.
FAQ 1: Who has played Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider movies?
The role of Lara Croft has been portrayed by two actresses: Angelina Jolie (in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life) and Alicia Vikander (in Tomb Raider (2018)).
FAQ 2: Which Tomb Raider movie is considered the best?
There is no consensus on which Tomb Raider movie is the best. Some prefer Angelina Jolie’s portrayal for its iconic status and campy action, while others appreciate Alicia Vikander’s more grounded and realistic take on the character. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. Reviews suggest the 2018 reboot is more in line with modern sensibilities.
FAQ 3: Are the Tomb Raider movies based on the video games?
Yes, all the Tomb Raider movies are based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The 2001 and 2003 films drew inspiration from the earlier Tomb Raider games, while the 2018 reboot was heavily influenced by the 2013 game, also titled Tomb Raider.
FAQ 4: Will there be any more Tomb Raider movies?
The future of the Tomb Raider movie franchise is currently uncertain. A sequel to the 2018 film, with Alicia Vikander reprising her role, was originally planned but was cancelled after MGM (the studio behind the film) was acquired by Amazon. Amazon Studios now controls the rights to the franchise and is reportedly developing a new Tomb Raider project, potentially a film or a television series.
FAQ 5: Is there a Tomb Raider animated series?
Yes, Netflix released Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, an animated series featuring Lara Croft, in 2024. This series is separate from the live-action films and features a new storyline.
FAQ 6: Which Tomb Raider movie made the most money at the box office?
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) was the highest-grossing film in the series, earning approximately $274.7 million worldwide.
FAQ 7: Are the Tomb Raider movies faithful to the video games?
The level of faithfulness to the video games varies between the films. The 2001 and 2003 movies took liberties with the source material, focusing more on action and spectacle. The 2018 reboot aimed for a more grounded and realistic approach, drawing more directly from the 2013 game’s storyline and character development.
FAQ 8: Where can I watch the Tomb Raider movies?
The Tomb Raider movies are typically available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and other on-demand services. They can also be purchased or rented digitally through platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
FAQ 9: Who directed the Tomb Raider movies?
The three Tomb Raider films were directed by:
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001): Simon West
- Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003): Jan de Bont
- Tomb Raider (2018): Roar Uthaug
FAQ 10: What is the plot of each Tomb Raider movie?
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001): Lara races against the Illuminati to find a powerful artifact divided into two parts of a triangle before a planetary alignment allows its full power to be harnessed.
- Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003): Lara must find Pandora’s Box before a scientist uses it to unleash a deadly plague upon the world.
- Tomb Raider (2018): Lara Croft embarks on a dangerous expedition to her father’s last-known destination, hoping to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
FAQ 11: What are the main differences between Angelina Jolie’s and Alicia Vikander’s portrayals of Lara Croft?
Angelina Jolie’s portrayal is often described as more overtly sexualized and reliant on classic action-hero tropes, capturing the spirit of the earlier, more fantastical games. Alicia Vikander’s Lara is more grounded, physically vulnerable, and emphasizes Lara’s intelligence and resourcefulness, aligning with the rebooted, survival-focused games.
FAQ 12: What is the best order to watch the Tomb Raider movies?
The Tomb Raider movies can be watched in the order of their release: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), and Tomb Raider (2018). However, as the 2018 film is a reboot, it can also be watched independently as an introduction to the franchise.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Lara Croft on Film
While only three Tomb Raider movies have graced the silver screen thus far, the character of Lara Croft has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The films, despite their mixed reception, have contributed to the enduring appeal of this iconic adventurer. As Amazon Studios develops new Tomb Raider projects, the future of the franchise remains bright, promising new adventures for Lara Croft in the years to come. Whether through film or television, the spirit of exploration, courage, and intellect that defines Lara Croft will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences worldwide.