If you loved
Tomb Raider
Film · 2018
If Tomb Raider hooked you, it is because you crave stories where personal survival is inextricably linked to uncovering deep, long-buried secrets.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Simon West · Film · 2001
Adaptation
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life
Jan de Bont · Film · 2003
Books on the same thread
The Tomb
F. Paul Wilson · Book · 1998
Explores: Good vs Evil, Ancient Evil, Occultism.
Like the island dangers in Tomb Raider, this book centers on the intense struggle against ancient, hidden threats that demand a hero push their survival instincts to the limit.
Educated: A Memoir
Tara Westover · Book · 2018
Explores: Family dysfunction, Self-discovery, Overcoming adversity.
Lara Croft’s journey in Tomb Raider is defined by overcoming adversity and family legacy, much like this memoir chronicles the raw, personal struggle to forge an identity through hardship.
The Last Thing He Told Me
Laura Dave · Book · 2023
Explores: Missing Person, Secrets and Lies, Family Relationships.
The mystery of a missing father drives the pulse of Tomb Raider, mirroring how this thriller forces a protagonist to uncover dangerous truths after a loved one suddenly vanishes.
Ready Player One: A Novel
Ernest Cline · Book · 2017
Explores: Nostalgia, Virtual Reality, Escapism.
Tomb Raider thrives on the thrill of high-stakes competition and discovery, themes that define this story as characters navigate treacherous, immersive environments to claim their own ultimate victory.
Series on the same thread
Lost in Space
Irwin Allen · Series · 2018
Explores: Family Survival, Interplanetary Colonization, Human vs. Environment.
Much like Lara Croft fighting to survive in isolation in Tomb Raider, this show highlights the relentless human determination required when a family faces extreme dangers on alien terrain.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
If the sweeping, high-stakes exploration of Tomb Raider drew you in, you will appreciate this podcast for its focus on group dynamics during similarly grand, improvised high fantasy quests.
Raiders Of The Lost Podcast
Podcast
Explores: film criticism, television criticism, blockbuster movies.
Since Tomb Raider represents the quintessential action-adventure experience, this podcast provides the perfect deep dive for dissecting the cinematic craft behind the blockbuster tropes you already enjoy.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch the Tomb Raider movies in?
You can start with the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, followed by the 2003 sequel Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life. The 2018 Tomb Raider movie is a separate adaptation that serves as a standalone origin story for the character.
Is Tomb Raider (2018) a direct sequel to the earlier films?
No, the 2018 Tomb Raider movie is not a sequel to the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider or the 2003 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life. It is a distinct adaptation focusing on Lara Croft as the daughter of a missing adventurer.
Does Tomb Raider (2018) follow the same plot as the original 2001 movie?
No, the 2018 Tomb Raider movie features a unique storyline where Lara Croft travels to the island where her father disappeared. This plot is different from the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which does not focus on the search for her missing father.
Should I watch Lara Croft: Tomb Raider before the 2018 movie?
You do not need to watch Lara Croft: Tomb Raider from 2001 to understand the 2018 Tomb Raider movie. Each film presents its own version of the character and her background, so they can be viewed in any order you prefer.