Lara Croft Movies in Chronological Order
The Lara Croft movies list in order begins with the 2001 action blockbuster Tomb Raider and continues through multiple reboots and continuations. This guide walks through every feature-length film featuring the iconic British archaeologist, placing each entry in release sequence. You will find the cast, director, and year for every installment, along with how each film fits into the broader franchise timeline. Below is the complete list in strict chronological order.
Complete Filmography
- Tomb Raider (2001)
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2003)
- Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
- Lara Croft (2018 short)
- Tomb Raider (2018)
- Tomb Raider 2 (in development)
1) Tomb Raider (2001)
Released in 2001, this feature marks the first big-screen adaptation of the Tomb Raider games. Directed by Simon West and starring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, the film follows a young aristocrat turned adventurer on a quest to find the mysterious Pandora’s Box. The movie introduces key traits of the character: intelligence, physical prowess, and independence. It balances action sequences with puzzle-driven exploration, setting the template for future Lara Croft adaptations.
2) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2003)
In 2003, the franchise expanded with a sequel that leaned into science fiction elements. Directed by Jan de Bont, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider blends time travel, ancient artifacts, and high-stakes missions. Angelina Jolie reprises her role, navigating a world where secret societies control powerful technology. The film emphasizes style and global intrigue, further establishing Lara as a cross-genre icon. While divisive among fans, it remains a notable chapter in the cinematic history of the character.
3) Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Released later in 2003, The Cradle of Life serves as a direct follow-up to the second film, offering a more globetrotting adventure. Directed by Jan de Bont, it focuses on an ancient energy source and features Lara teaming up with new allies. The movie is noted for its exotic locations and increased action pacing. Though it underperformed at the box office, it completes the original trilogy narrative started with the 2003 sequel and rounds out the early 2000s Lara Croft movies list in order.
4) Lara Croft (2018 Short)
A short promotional film released in 2018, Lara Croft (2018 short) acts as a bridge between earlier adaptations and the modern reboot. Directed by Tavington Burrell, it features Alicia Vikander in a brief role and explores Lara’s background prior to the events of the 2018 feature. The short was used for marketing and character reintroduction, emphasizing agility, precision, and the adventurous spirit synonymous with the brand.
5) Tomb Raider (2018)
The 2018 reboot, directed by Roar Uthaug, offers a grounded origin story for Lara Croft. Alicia Vikander stars as a determined young woman uncovering the disappearance of her father. This film rebooted the timeline of the Lara Croft movies list in order, focusing on realism and survival elements. It performed solidly at the box office and was praised for its tone and performance, marking a new beginning for the franchise on screen.
6) Tomb Raider 2 (Upcoming)
Announced after the success of the 2018 reboot, Tomb Raider 2 is currently in development. While not yet released, it is expected to continue the story from the 2018 film. Production details remain limited, but the project signals ongoing interest in the character. When completed, it will become the latest entry in the Lara Croft movies list in order.
Box Office and Release Timeline at a Glance
| Title | Year | Director | Box Office (estimated) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | 2001 | Simon West | $274M | Feature film debut of Lara on screen |
| Lara Croft: Tomb Raider | 2003 | Jan de Bont | $163M | Introduced science fiction elements |
| Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life | 2003 | Jan de Bont | $72M | Third film in early 2000s series |
| Lara Croft (2018 short) | 2018 | Tavington Burrell | N/A | Promotional short bridging eras |
| Tomb Raider | 2018 | Roar Uthaug | $274M | Reboot with grounded origin story |
| Tomb Raider 2 | TBA | TBA | TBA | In development |
How to Choose Where to Start
New viewers entering the Lara Croft movies list in order often ask where to begin. If you prefer character-driven origins, start with the 2018 Tomb Raider reboot for a modern, grounded take. If you enjoy high-concept action with sci-fi twists, the 2003 duo of films may appeal more. The short 2018 film is ideal for quick lore refreshers, while the original 2001 movie remains the definitive adaptation for many long-time fans.
Key Takeaways
- Six theatrical releases and shorts currently exist in the Lara Croft movies list in order.
- Angelina Jolie defined the early 2000s era, while Alicia Vikander leads the modern timeline.
- Box office performance varies, with the 2001 and 2018 films being the highest-grossing entries.
- The franchise has shifted from large-scale adventures to grounded survival narratives.
- Future installments, such as Tomb Raider 2, may expand the cinematic universe further.