Introduction
The Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider series brought the iconic video game character Lara Croft to life on the big screen, captivating audiences with high-octane action, exotic locations, and a fearless female lead. Starring Angelina Jolie as the adventurous archaeologist, these films adapted the popular Tomb Raider video game franchise, which debuted in 1996 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft, a British heiress turned globe-trotting treasure hunter, helped solidify her status as a Hollywood action star. The series consists of two films released in the early 2000s, blending elements of adventure, mythology, and intense fight sequences. This complete watch guide explores the Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider in detail, providing everything you need to dive into this thrilling duology. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the games or new to the franchise, these movies offer a mix of spectacle and storytelling that defined early 21st-century action cinema.
The Iconic Role of Lara Croft
Angelina Jolie was cast as Lara Croft after a lengthy search that included names like Jennifer Love Hewitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Despite initial backlash from fans over an American actress playing a British character, Jolie’s commitment to the role won over critics and audiences. She underwent rigorous training in gymnastics, kickboxing, and weapons handling to embody Croft’s athleticism. In the Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider, Lara is depicted as intelligent, resourceful, and unapologetically bold—a departure from typical female roles at the time. Jolie’s real-life adventurous spirit, including her humanitarian work and piloting skills, mirrored Croft’s persona, adding authenticity. The films emphasized Croft’s independence, with Jolie performing many stunts herself, which contributed to the series’ appeal. This role not only boosted Jolie’s career but also influenced how female action heroes were portrayed in subsequent films.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
The first entry in the Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider series introduces viewers to Lara Croft’s world of ancient artifacts and secret societies. Directed by Simon West, known for action-packed films like Con Air, this movie set the tone for the franchise with its blend of puzzle-solving and high-stakes chases.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Lara Croft discovering a mysterious clock hidden in her family estate during a planetary alignment. This artifact is key to unlocking the Triangle of Light, a relic capable of controlling time. A secret society called the Illuminati, led by Manfred Powell, seeks the triangle for their own nefarious purposes. Lara embarks on a global quest, traveling from her English manor to Cambodian temples and Siberian ruins. Along the way, she teams up with tech expert Bryce and rival adventurer Alex West. The plot culminates in a race against time to prevent the Illuminati from reassembling the triangle. Filled with booby-trapped tombs, gunfights, and supernatural elements, the film captures the essence of the video games while adding cinematic flair. The narrative explores themes of legacy, as Lara grapples with her late father’s influence, adding emotional depth amid the action.
Cast and Crew
Angelina Jolie stars as Lara Croft, delivering a performance that’s both physically demanding and charismatic. Jon Voight, Jolie’s real-life father, plays Lord Richard Croft, Lara’s deceased dad who appears in flashbacks. Daniel Craig, pre-James Bond fame, portrays Alex West, a charming but untrustworthy ally. Iain Glen is the villainous Manfred Powell, with Noah Taylor as the quirky tech guru Bryce and Chris Barrie as the loyal butler Hillary. The screenplay was written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman, with cinematography by Peter Menzies Jr., who captured stunning visuals in locations like Angkor Wat. Graeme Revell composed the score, incorporating electronic and orchestral elements to heighten the adventure.
Reception and Box Office
Upon release on June 15, 2001, the film received mixed reviews, with a 20% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised Jolie’s embodiment of Croft but criticized the plot as convoluted and action sequences as lacking emotional weight. Roger Ebert gave it three stars, calling it “monumentally silly” yet visually wondrous. Despite the critiques, it was a commercial success, grossing $274.7 million worldwide against a $115 million budget, making it one of the highest-grossing video game adaptations at the time. The movie’s popularity stemmed from its faithful adaptation of game elements, like Croft’s dual pistols and acrobatics, appealing to fans.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
The sequel builds on the first film’s foundation, offering improved action and a more focused story. Directed by Jan de Bont, famous for Speed, this installment ramps up the global stakes and introduces new allies and foes.
Plot Summary
Lara Croft dives into an underwater temple off Greece’s coast, discovering an orb that maps the location of Pandora’s Box—a mythical artifact containing deadly plagues. Evil scientist Jonathan Reiss plans to weaponize it for bioterrorism. MI6 recruits Lara to retrieve the box, pairing her with ex-Marine Terry Sheridan. Their journey takes them to China, Kenya, and Tanzania, facing mercenaries, mythical creatures, and treacherous terrain. The plot delves deeper into ancient lore, with high-adrenaline scenes like motorcycle chases and skydiving. Lara must decide whether to destroy or preserve the box, testing her morals. This film refines the formula, emphasizing exploration and combat while tying back to Croft’s adventurous spirit.
Cast and Crew
Angelina Jolie reprises her role, bringing more nuance to Lara’s character. Gerard Butler plays Terry Sheridan, adding romantic tension. Ciarán Hinds is the antagonist Jonathan Reiss, with returning cast members Noah Taylor as Bryce and Chris Barrie as Hillary. Djimon Hounsou, Til Schweiger, and Simon Yam round out the ensemble. The screenplay by Dean Georgaris improves on the original’s pacing. Cinematographer David Tattersall captures vibrant locales, and Alan Silvestri’s score enhances the epic feel.
Reception and Box Office
Released on July 25, 2003, the sequel earned a 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, seen as an improvement due to better action and less reliance on CGI. Jolie’s performance was again highlighted, with critics noting the film’s fun, if formulaic, adventure. It grossed $160.1 million on a $95 million budget, underperforming compared to the first but still profitable. Fans appreciated the closer ties to game mythology, like the Cradle of Life referencing African origins.
Recommended Watching Order
For the Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider, the viewing order is chronological: start with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) to establish the character and world, then follow with Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003). The sequel references events from the first, like Lara’s team, making sequential watching ideal. No prequels or spin-offs exist in this era, unlike the 2018 reboot. Binge both in one sitting for a compact adventure marathon, totaling about 3.5 hours.
Where to Watch in 2026
As of February 2026, both Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider are available on various platforms. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) can be streamed for free on Pluto TV, Hoopla, and Kanopy (with library access), or rented/bought on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. The Cradle of Life (2003) is free on Pluto TV and Plex, with rent/buy options on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Availability may vary by region; check local services like Netflix or regional streamers for updates. Physical copies are available on DVD/Blu-ray via Amazon.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes
Jolie trained for months, learning bungee ballet for a memorable fight scene in the first film. The movies filmed in real locations, including Cambodia’s temples, facing challenges like monsoons. Daniel Craig’s role predated his Bond fame, and Gerard Butler’s performance boosted his career. Jolie adopted her first child during Cradle of Life’s production, influencing her humanitarian focus. The films grossed over $434 million combined, paving the way for more video game adaptations. Fun fact: Jolie’s braid was a wig, and she kept her costumes post-filming.
Legacy and Influence
The Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider revolutionized video game movies, proving female-led action could succeed commercially. They inspired the 2018 reboot and upcoming Prime series with Sophie Turner. Lara Croft became a pop culture icon, influencing cosplay and empowering representations in media. Despite flaws, the series highlighted diversity in action heroes, impacting films like Wonder Woman. Today, they remain nostalgic favorites for their unapologetic fun and groundbreaking lead.
FAQ
How many Angelina Jolie movies Tomb Raider are there?
There are two: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003).
Is the 2018 Tomb Raider connected to the Jolie films?
No, it’s a reboot with Alicia Vikander, starting a new continuity.
Why did Angelina Jolie stop playing Lara Croft?
Plans for a third film fell through due to scheduling and Jolie’s shift toward dramatic roles and directing.
Are the movies faithful to the games?
They capture the spirit of exploration and combat but alter plots for cinematic appeal.
Where can I find more Tomb Raider content?
Explore the video games, animated series like Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft on Netflix, or the upcoming live-action show.