What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedLara Croft: Tomb Raider
Simon West · Film · 2001
If you loved Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, start with Tomb Raider (2018) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider across media.
What hooked you in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was the thrill of racing against time to recover ancient, world-altering artifacts.
Start with the source
The source
Tomb Raider
Film · 2018
Adaptation
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life
Jan de Bont · Film · 2003
Books on the same thread
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan · Book · 2006
Explores: coming-of-age, hidden worlds, destiny.
Like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, this story features a protagonist thrust into a dangerous quest where ancient mythological forces collide with the modern world in a desperate race.
Jurassic Park
Michael Crichton · Book · 1991
Explores: Genetic Engineering, Ethical Dilemmas of Science, Man vs. Nature.
If the high-stakes survival and dangerous exploration in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider kept you engaged, you will appreciate this tale of scientists confronting ancient power on remote terrain.
The Tomb
F. Paul Wilson · Book · 1998
Explores: Good vs Evil, Ancient Evil, Occultism.
This story mirrors the occult mystery and archaeological danger of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, focusing on the pursuit of hidden, forbidden knowledge that threatens the safety of civilization.
The Eye of the World
Robert Jordan · Book · 2000
Explores: chosen one, ancient prophecy, magical mentorship.
Just as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider centers on a race to save the world from ancient threats, this epic journey follows characters bound by prophecy to prevent disaster.
Series on the same thread
Doctor Who
Sydney Newman · Series · 2005
Explores: Time Travel Paradoxes, Alien Encounters, Redemption.
The frantic pace and time-bending stakes found in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider are elevated here as the protagonist uses his mastery over time to protect the fragile universe.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Michael Dante DiMartino · Series · 2005
Explores: Elemental Powers, Destiny, Balance of Power.
You will recognize the spirit of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in this mystical quest, where a young hero must master ancient powers to restore balance to the world.
Fullmetal Alchemist
Series · 2003
Explores: alchemy, brotherhood, redemption.
Similar to the forbidden artifact search in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, this narrative follows brothers risking everything to secure a legendary object tied to alchemical, ancient power.
One Piece
Series · 1999
Shares a thread with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Fantasy Adventure.
The treasure hunting spirit of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is perfectly captured in this adventure, where a determined crew races rivals to claim a legendary, world-changing prize.
Podcasts on the same thread
Raiders Of The Lost Podcast
Podcast
Explores: film criticism, television criticism, blockbuster movies.
If you enjoyed dissecting the high-stakes adventure of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, this podcast provides the deep-dive analysis and context that will sharpen your appreciation for cinematic quests.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This actual play series captures the collaborative, unpredictable nature of the artifact-hunting journey seen in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, blending high-stakes questing with dangerous, ancient dungeon exploration.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the correct viewing order for the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie series?
The film series begins with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider released in 2001. This is followed by the 2003 sequel titled Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life. The 2018 Tomb Raider film serves as a separate adaptation and is not a direct narrative continuation of the original series.
Is Lara Croft: Tomb Raider the only film featuring the character before the 2018 reboot?
No, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is not the only film. Before the 2018 Tomb Raider reboot, there was a 2003 sequel titled Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life, which also features the character embarking on adventures to secure powerful ancient artifacts.
Does the 2018 Tomb Raider movie follow the same plot as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider?
The 2018 Tomb Raider movie is a distinct adaptation and does not follow the plot of the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. While the 2001 movie focuses on a planetary alignment and time-controlling artifacts, the 2018 film is a separate cinematic project.
How many films are in the original Lara Croft: Tomb Raider franchise?
There are two films in the original franchise. The series starts with the 2001 release Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and continues with the 2003 film titled Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life, both featuring the character on quests involving ancient artifacts.