Lara Croft Tomb Raider Movies List: Every Live-Action Film in Order
This evergreen guide covers every major live-action Tomb Raider movie featuring Lara Croft, ordered by release date. It includes the 2001 original starring Angelina Jolie, the 2003 sequel, the 2018 reboot with Alicia Vikander, and key streaming or direct-to-video releases related to the character. Each entry notes the leading actress, year, and principal studio so you can quickly compare films and find viewing options.
2001: Lara Croft Tomb Raider
The first live-action Tomb Raider film launched the franchise on the big screen, starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic archaeologist-adventurer. Directed by Simon West and produced by Paramount Pictures and Eidos Interactive, the film adapted the premise of the games while emphasizing action set pieces and globe-trotting adventure. It introduced Lara Croft to mainstream cinema and established the tone for future installments.
Cast and Key Details
- Actor: Angelina Jolie
- Director: Simon West
- Studio: Paramount Pictures / Eidos Interactive
- Release Year: 2001
2003: Lara Croft Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life
The sequel to the 2001 film continued Lara’s adventures with a larger scope and more exotic locations. Also directed by Simon West and led by Angelina Jolie, the movie followed a mythical cradle of life artifact and incorporated stronger elements of fantasy. Despite solid action sequences, the film underperformed at the box office compared to its predecessor.
Cast and Key Details
- Actor: Angelina Jolie
- Director: Simon West
- Studio: Paramount Pictures / Eidos Interactive
- Release Year: 2003
2018: Tomb Raider
A grounded reboot that returned to Lara Croft’s origin story, focusing on her first survival expedition and transition into the seasoned explorer. Directed by Roar Uthaug and produced by Warner Bros. and MGM, the 2018 film featured Alicia Vikander in the role. It emphasized character development, practical stunts, and a slower build to action, aligning more closely with modern blockbuster pacing.
Cast and Key Details
- Actor: Alicia Vikander
- Director: Roar Uthaug
- Studios: Warner Bros. Pictures / MGM / Square Enix
- Release Year: 2018
Direct-to-Video and Streaming Releases
Beyond theatrical features, several Lara Croft projects reached audiences via home video and streaming platforms. These include animated productions, short-form content, and video game tie-ins that expanded the character’s presence beyond traditional movies. Availability varies by region and changes with streaming licensing agreements.
Notable Non-Theatrical Titles
- Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2021) – Netflix animated series
- Tomb Raider: Reflections (2022) – Short-form digital content
- Various mobile and console-linked promotional films
Lara Croft Movies at a Glance
The table below summarizes key live-action Lara Croft movie releases, including year, leading actor, and studio. Note that this list focuses on wide theatrical features and major streaming-origins; minor or region-specific releases are not included.
| Year | Title | Actor | Studio | Box Office (Global, approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Lara Croft: Tomb Raider | Angelina Jolie | Paramount Pictures | $274 million |
| 2003 | Lara Croft Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life | Angelina Jolie | Paramount Pictures | $163 million |
| 2018 | Tomb Raider | Alicia Vikander | Warner Bros. Pictures | $237 million |
Key Takeaways and Context
The live-action movie history of Lara Croft spans three major theatrical releases across two decades, led by two actresses and backed by different studios. Box office results show strong openings for the early 2000s films, with the 2018 reboot earning the highest global total among the trio when adjusted for scale and market conditions. Digital and animated extensions keep the character present between big-screen cycles, though no new live-action theatrical Lara Croft movie has been announced as of this writing.
Summary
The Lara Croft Tomb Raider movies list includes three primary live-action features—2001, 2003, and 2018—each representing a distinct approach to adapting the game character for film. Supporting animated and digital projects extend the franchise on streaming platforms, while the legacy of these films continues to shape how Lara Croft appears in popular culture.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many live-action Lara Croft Tomb Raider movies are there?
There are three widely released live-action theatrical films featuring Lara Croft: one in 2001, one in 2003, and a reboot in 2018.
Who played Lara Croft in each movie?
Angelina Jolie played Lara Croft in the 2001 and 2003 films. Alicia Vikander portrayed the character in the 2018 reboot.
Which Lara Croft movie made the most money?
The 2001 film earned the highest nominal global box office among the live-action features at approximately $274 million, followed by the 2018 reboot at about $237 million.
Are there animated or streaming Tomb Raider movies?
Yes. There is a Netflix animated series titled Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (2021) and various short-form digital pieces, but no new theatrical animated feature centered on Lara Croft has been released. As of now, there are no confirmed plans for additional live-action theatrical Lara Croft movies. Production activity and announcements would determine any future entries.