Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft has captivated audiences since the early 2000s, and now fans can watch both Lara Croft: Tomb Raider films free on streaming platforms. These movies, starring Jolie as the daring adventurer, bring to life the iconic video game character in thrilling action-packed stories available for viewers today on Tubi.
The original 2001 film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, directed by Simon West, follows Lara Croft on a high-stakes mission to find a mystical artifact that controls time before a secret society can claim it. Though critics were mixed in their response, Jolie received praise for her dynamic performance and action skills. The film featured notable actors like Jon Voight, Iain Glen, Noah Taylor, and Daniel Craig. Despite earning a modest 20 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, the audience scored it higher at 47 percent. The movie was a commercial hit, grossing $274.7 million globally, which led to the development of a sequel.
The Storyline Behind Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life
The sequel, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, centers on Lara trying to secure Pandora’s box, which a dangerous bioterrorist seeks to weaponize. While the plot echoed the first film’s adventure spirit, this entry was recognized for stronger action sequences and a darker tone. However, critical reception remained lukewarm, with a 24 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, and fans rated it slightly lower than the original at 44 percent. Financially, it earned $160 million worldwide but did not achieve the success of its predecessor. Plans for a third installment were ultimately shelved after Jolie chose to move away from the role.
Both Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life are now accessible for free streaming on Tubi, offering a chance for fans and newcomers alike to experience Jolie’s iconic performance. These films illustrate an early example of adapting video game legends for cinema, setting a foundation for the evolving genre of game-based movies.
