All Tomb Raider Movies & TV Shows, Ranked from Worst to Best

Lara Croft, the fearless archaeologist and adventurer, has been a gaming icon since her debut in 1996. Her thrilling escapades have leapt from video games to the big and small screens, captivating audiences with action-packed stories and exotic locales.

Not every adaptation captures the magic of the games equally well. Some shine with strong performances and faithful storytelling, while others stumble with weak plots or dated execution. Here’s my ranking of all Tomb Raider movies and TV shows, from the least impressive to the best.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003)

Angelina Jolie returns as Lara, this time hunting for Pandora’s Box to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. The sequel aims to improve on the first film with bigger action and a touch more mythology.

Jolie’s charisma carries the movie, and the action sequences are a step up, feeling more polished. Yet, the story still lacks focus, and it struggles to rise above being a generic action flick. It performed poorly at the box office, ending Jolie’s run as Lara.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2024)

This Netflix animated series picks up after the Survivor trilogy, following Lara as she navigates personal loss and new adventures. It blends action with emotional depth, exploring her past and present.

The animation is vibrant, and the voice acting, led by Hayley Atwell, adds heart to Lara’s journey. While it only scratches the surface of her complex backstory, it sets a strong foundation for future seasons, making it a promising addition.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

This film kicked off Lara Croft’s cinematic journey with Angelina Jolie in the lead. It follows Lara as she races against a secret society to secure a powerful artifact tied to time control.

The action is bold, and Jolie embodies the confident, larger-than-life Lara from the classic games. However, the story feels chaotic, with a thin plot that leans heavily on flashy set pieces. Critics panned it for lacking depth, and it feels more like a product of its early 2000s era than a timeless adventure.

Revisioned: Tomb Raider (2007)

This animated series, running for one season, explores Lara Croft’s adventures through short, episodic tales. It draws heavily from the classic games, with Lara tackling tombs and villains.

The animation style is simple but captures the adventurous spirit of the games. However, the short episodes limit character growth, and the stories feel repetitive. It’s a nostalgic watch for fans but doesn’t leave a lasting mark.

Tomb Raider (2018)

Alicia Vikander stars as a younger Lara Croft in this reboot, inspired by the 2013 game. She embarks on a dangerous quest to a mysterious island to uncover her father’s fate.

Vikander’s grounded performance brings a relatable, human side to Lara, moving away from the exaggerated action-hero vibe of earlier films. The movie stays true to the games’ puzzle-solving and survival elements, earning praise for its fidelity despite a somewhat predictable story.

Which Tomb Raider movie or show is your favorite, or did I overlook a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!