Ranking Every Version of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider

The Tomb Raider franchise is experiencing an exciting renaissance with the introduction of two new video games and a forthcoming television series. Since her debut in 1996, Lara Croft has established herself as a legendary figure in the gaming world, evolving across various media formats, including video games, films, and comics, while maintaining her appeal through countless adaptations.

This exploration will take a closer look at the numerous reincarnations of Lara Croft, examining what elements resonate most with fans, especially in light of the upcoming release of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.

Fans are particularly curious about the new Tomb Raider TV series featuring Sophie Turner as Lara Croft. Although a specific release date has yet to be announced, the show is set to debut on Amazon Prime Video, with development tracing back to at least 2024. Currently, details about the storyline are sparse; however, it seems to draw inspiration from both the Original and Legend timelines, rather than the more recent Survivor trilogy. In this iteration, Lara appears to be a seasoned adventurer supported by characters like Winston and Zip.

Turner’s casting is intriguing given her prior role in Game of Thrones, which has garnered her significant recognition. While only one image of her as Lara has surfaced, it’s premature to evaluate her suitability for the role. It’s important to remember that Lara’s essence is defined not just by her appearance, but also by her strong personality and unwavering confidence.

9 Tomb Raider: The Prophecy

Though Lara Doesn’t Get Much Screentime, Her Cheeky Quips Shine Through

Lara complaining about not having a pilot

Tomb Raider: The Prophecy, released by Ubisoft Milan, serves as a brief spin-off while Core Design was occupied with the main series. Clocking in at approximately 3 to 4 hours, this game lacks extensive character development for Lara, and the absence of voice acting makes it somewhat forgettable. Nonetheless, Lara delivers a few memorable one-liners that pay homage to her character’s roots.

Despite battling magical wizards and undead foes, Lara maintains a rather unfazed demeanor, which can be jarring at times. Fortunately, her classic look and iconic dual pistols make a comeback, although her character is less fleshed out in this GBA title.

8 Alicia Vikander’s Tomb Raider (2018)

Lara in the 2018 Movie Was Too Subdued for Many Fans

The 2018 film adaptation of Tomb Raider followed the success of the 2013 video game reboot but received mixed reviews. While the movie was visually stunning and boasted exciting action sequences, Alicia Vikander’s portrayal of Lara felt somewhat muted, lacking the dynamic energy fans were hoping for. Much of this stems from the character development, as Lara’s father takes center stage, overshadowing her role in uncovering mysteries surrounding Yamatai.

The film’s focus on serious themes often detracted from the more adventurous and strategic aspects of Lara’s character, leading to a portrayal that felt disconnected from the vibrancy that defines her.

7 Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

A Survivor Trilogy Extension Featuring a Disjointed Lara

An animated series available on Netflix, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft offers a unique take on the franchise. While it follows the Survivor continuity, this rendition presents a more self-assured Lara compared to her video game counterpart. Although it is set after Shadow of the Tomb Raider, several backstory elements suggest a notable level of experience prior to the 2013 reboot.

However, diverging too much from the source material may be a disservice, as Lara’s relationships with secondary characters come off as lackluster. Coupled with an art style that may not resonate with all viewers, the series struggles to fully capture the essence of what fans adore about Lara Croft.

6 The Lara Croft Spin-Off Series

Lara’s Bravery and Charisma Shine in the Spin-Off Titles

After rebooting the main series, Crystal Dynamics introduced the Lara Croft spin-off series featuring two titles: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Temple of Osiris. These arcade-style cooperative games provide engaging narratives revolving around Lara’s battles against ancient gods threatening humanity.

Positioned between the original trilogy and the Survivor trilogy, these games showcase a blend of classic Lara’s characteristics with a more mature demeanor. Though her enthusiasm for archaeology is somewhat diminished, Keeley Hawes captures Lara’s wit and resourcefulness through her voice acting, reinforcing her image as a formidable hero.

5 Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider (2001)

Angelina Jolie Brought Depth and Emotion to Lara Croft

The inaugural Tomb Raider film starring Angelina Jolie set a benchmark for blockbuster adaptations in gaming. Jolie effectively balanced Lara’s strength with vulnerability, making her relatable and layered. The film featured thrilling action sequences, including a memorable fight involving robotic dummies, while also portraying Lara’s emotional struggle with her father’s death.

This conflict culminates in a poignant scene where Lara grapples with morally complex choices, showcasing her multifaceted character beyond the archeologist façade. However, suffice it to say that the sequel, The Cradle of Life, did not quite measure up to the original, despite maintaining Jolie’s magnetic on-screen presence.

4 Lara Croft in Tomb Raider Comics (Top Cow)

The Most Underrated Depiction of Lara Croft

Character Debut: Tomb Raider/Witchblade #1
Run: 1997 – 2005 (Tomb Raider comic series launched in 1999)

Lara Croft’s presence in comics began in 1997, featuring her first appearance in a crossover with Witchblade. Her standalone series ran from 1999 until 2005, aligning with the peak of her popularity. In these comics, while maintaining her original traits, Lara’s character receives further depth and development, allowing for standalone adventures that are both entertaining and enlightening.

3 The Tomb Raider Survivor Trilogy

Lara’s Transition from Explorer to Survivor: A Gritty Narrative

The Survivor Trilogy chronicles Lara’s transformation from an adventurous explorer to a steely survivor, crafting an intricate and dark narrative. Each game dives deep into the struggles she faces—from confronting life-and-death situations to grappling with mental distress. These challenges create a more complex and relatable character, enhancing the game’s gripping narratives.

By the time players reach the conclusion of the trilogy, Lara becomes a strong, resilient protagonist, having endured a journey that reshapes her identity, while the expansion through comics further enriches her story.

2 The Original PS1 Tomb Raider

The Original Lara: A Gaming Icon Since 1996

The iteration of Lara Croft from the original Tomb Raider games, spanning from the early entries to The Angel of Darkness, has become iconic. Emblematic of pioneer female characters in gaming, Lara’s courageous and witty personality has inspired countless gamers. She defied expectations, demonstrating that female protagonists can embody strength and charisma, breaking down stereotypes in the gaming landscape.

Despite her occasional lack of emotional depth, Lara’s compelling one-liners and adventurous spirit made her an interesting character for players, reinforcing her beloved status within the gaming community.

1 Lara Croft in the Legend Trilogy

A Masterful Showcase of Lara’s Character and Passion for Archeology

After the mixed reception of The Angel of Darkness, Crystal Dynamics revitalized the franchise with the rebooted Legend trilogy, combining the classic traits of cooler, calculated Lara with more nuanced vulnerabilities. This trilogy accentuates the archaeological passion that defines Lara’s character through rich narrative arcs, successfully appealing to audiences both old and new.

Notably, engaging dialogue about history creates emotionally resonant moments, portraying Lara’s motivations and complex relationships, further enriching her character development. The Legend trilogy represents a high point in Lara’s legacy, contributing to her status as a cultural icon.

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