Name: Tomb Raider (2018)
Director: Roar Uthaug
Genre: Comic Book, action, adventure
Released: 2018
Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Hannah John-Kamen, Walton Goggins

Overview

Tomb Raider (2018) Storyline

Tomb Raider (2018) is a reboot of the Tomb Raider film series, inspired by the modern video game reboot that began in 2013. Directed by Roar Uthaug, the film stars Alicia Vikander as a younger and more inexperienced version of the legendary adventurer Lara Croft.

The story follows Lara as a fiercely independent young woman trying to make her own way in London while refusing to accept the death of her father, Lord Richard Croft. When she discovers clues left behind by him, Lara travels to a mysterious island off the coast of Japan in search of the truth behind his disappearance.

The island hides the tomb of the ancient queen Himiko, a powerful and dangerous ruler whose myth has drawn the attention of a shadowy organisation searching for supernatural power. Determined to uncover the truth and stop the tomb from being exploited, Lara must survive deadly traps, mercenaries and the island itself.

With a grounded tone and survival-focused adventure, the film presents a more realistic origin story for Lara Croft as she evolves into the iconic explorer fans know from the games.

Comic Book action adventure

Tomb Raider (2018) Details Director, release, studio & more

Director: Roar Uthaug
Release: 14/03/2018
Runtime: 1 hr 58 min
Content rating: 12
Universe: Dark Horse Comics
Last Updated: 12 May 2026

Where to WatchPartners JustWatch

CMDB Review

6/10

Our editorial score

Fandom Score

—

Not rated yet

Have your sayReact to it.

One tap. No hate. Just tell the fandom how it made you feel.

Who's In It

Cast of Tomb Raider (2018)

Alicia Vikander

Dominic West

Hannah John-Kamen

Walton Goggins

Don’t miss the next update

Into Tomb Raider (2018)? Stay in the loop.

Follow CMDB for the latest Tomb Raider (2018) news, trailers, casting and updates.

Watch

Trailer & Media

CMDB Review

Tomb Raider (2018) Review 6/10

We have rated this 6 out of 10. The 2018 reboot of Tomb Raider takes a noticeably different approach from the earlier films starring Angelina Jolie. Rather than portraying Lara Croft as an already seasoned adventurer, the film focuses on her origins and the struggles that shape her into the hero she will eventually become.

Alicia Vikander delivers a strong and physical performance as Lara, portraying the character as determined, resourceful and vulnerable. Her version of Lara is less polished and more human, which aligns closely with the tone of the rebooted video game series.

The film shines in its action sequences and survival elements, particularly when Lara must navigate dangerous traps and hostile environments on the island. These moments capture the spirit of the games well and provide some of the movie’s most exciting scenes.

However, the story follows a fairly familiar adventure formula and the villain lacks the presence needed to elevate the narrative. Despite this, the film remains an entertaining reboot that successfully reintroduces Lara Croft for a new generation.

Did You Know?

The film is based on the 2013 reboot of the Tomb Raider video game series rather than the earlier games.
Alicia Vikander underwent intense physical training for the role, including martial arts and climbing.
The character Lara Croft was originally created for the video game series developed by Core Design.
The movie focuses on Lara’s early adventures, showing how she becomes the famous tomb raider.
The mysterious island featured in the film is inspired by the fictional location Yamatai from the video games.
Walton Goggins plays the film’s main antagonist, Mathias Vogel.
Many of the traps and puzzles seen in the movie were directly inspired by moments from the rebooted game series.
Filming took place in South Africa and at Warner Bros. Studios in the United Kingdom.
The movie intentionally aimed for a more grounded and realistic tone compared to the earlier Tomb Raider films.
The film helped introduce Lara Croft to a new generation of audiences while staying closer to the modern version of the character from the games.