Summary
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftwill arrive on Netflix later this year, and it is continuing an impressive video game adaptation streak that I’m excited about. Netflix’s reputation has certainly taken a blow due to its price hikes and crackdown on password sharing, but regardless of what you think of the platform, it seems to have nailed one thing: video game adaptations.Good video game adaptationsare becoming more and more common, as Prime Video’sFalloutwas the latest big hit to transition perfectly into a TV format, and I’m optimistic about Netflix’s upcoming series.
The platform’s newTomb Raidershow will follow the games' story, making the series a sequel toShadow of the Tomb Raider, continuing Lara Croft’s recent story. Given the latest video game trilogy had some strong reviews,Netflix has definitely picked a great modernTomb Raiderstory to work withwhich gives me confidence in the new project. Looking at the platform’s track record with gaming adaptations, I have no doubt that they can nail Lara Croft’s new chapter and continue this positive streak in the process.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftwill be released on Netflix on July 31, 2025.
Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft Is Continuing Netflix’s Animated Video Game Adaptation Streak
Netflix Has A Great Track Record When It Comes To Animated Video Game Adaptations
While Netflix has definitely caused plenty of frustration in recent times, I can’t help but be impressed by their animated video game adaptations, andTomb Raiderlooks set to continue.ArcaneandCyberpunk: Edgerunnersare some of my favorite shows Netflix has ever produced, but the platform has also released plenty of other great animated gaming adaptations in recent years.Castlevania,The Cuphead Show!, andSonic Primealso received great ratings, proving that these sorts of projects are one of Netflix’s specialties.
Despite frequently canceling animated projects too soon,Netflix still has plenty of exciting upcoming animated shows, butTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Crofthas the potential to be one of the platform’s best series yet. With Netflix securingHayley Atwell as Lara Croft in the newTomb Raiderproject alongside their track record with gaming adaptations, it is hard to imagine this new series failing. The animation looks great, the general story is already one that audiences are familiar with, and it has a huge star at the heart of the show, indicating success should be on the way.
With so many promising signs,Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftlooks poised to continue this great video game adaptation streak, and after years of disappointing adaptations, I’m so relieved gamers are finally getting the shows and movies we deserve. Video games have some of the most unique universes and interesting narratives in modern entertainment, so to see them finally work in a TV or movie format is incredibly satisfying, and if Netflix’s newTomb Raidershow is set to continue this, I’m here for it!
Netflix’s Tomb Raider Series Already Has One Huge Advantage
Lara Croft’s Mainstream Appeal Should Give Netflix’s Tomb Raider Show A Large Audience
Although Netflix has plenty of hit video game adaptations,Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Crofthas one huge advantage.The franchise’s mainstream appeal is enough to pull in a massive audience that may have never playedTomb Raider,as proved by Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander’s movies both performing well, makingTomb Raiderand Lara Croft a cinematic draw. This givesTomb Raidera status that most of Netflix’s other gaming adaptations don’t have, other thanSonic Prime.
My love forCyberpunk 2077is what made me check outCyberpunk: Edgerunners, and while I haven’t playedLeague of Legends, my general interest in video games alongside the show’s stellar reputation made me curious enough to giveArcanea watch. However, audiences that aren’t interested in gaming may not have the same reason to get invested in these shows, meaning their marketing and performance alone are all that can really help attract a more mainstream viewership.
Netflix’s upcomingTomb Raidershow has a much bigger appeal than almost any other animated gaming adaptation the platform has ever produced, hinting atTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftbecoming a massive hit.
Tomb Raider’s popularity avoids this, as it is a massive franchise beyond the video game world. CastingHayley Atwell be the next Lara Croft actorwill only help sell the project even more, as her stint with Marvel alongside her recentMission: Impossiblerole makes the project feel even bigger. Therefore, Netflix’s upcomingTomb Raidershow has a much bigger appeal than almost any other animated gaming adaptation the platform has ever produced, hinting atTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftbecoming a massive hit.
Will Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft Be Netflix’s Best Video Game Adaptation Yet?
The New Tomb Raider Show Will Have To Compete With Some Truly Excellent Adaptations
Tomb Raider’s strong reputation and widespread appeal give it a great chance at being one of Netflix’s greatest video game adaptations, but it is unlikely to be the best. While I may have a slight bias,ArcaneandCyberpunk: Edgerunnershave stood tall as Netflix’s best-animated adaptations, and their reviews prove it.ArcaneandCyberpunk: Edgerunnersboth have 100% Tomatometer scores on Rotten Tomatoes, whileArcaneslightly leads in audience scores, with a 96% rating as opposed to Cyberpunk’s 95%. Alongside this,Arcanehas an impressive 9.0 IMDb score whileCyberpunk: Edgerunnersboasts an admirable 8.3.
Tomb Raider’s Perfect Lara Croft Reboot Casting Already Happened 2 Years Ago
Amazon Prime Video’s live-action Tomb Raider universe has plenty of promise, but the perfect casting for Lara Croft already happened two years ago.
This highlights that the response to these shows was fantastic, with each series deservedly getting love from critics and audiences. AlthoughTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Crofthas plenty of potential, surpassing these shows is a momentous challenge. I have plenty of belief in the show delivering a high-quality story for us all to enjoy, butthere is far too much competition for theTomb Raiderseries to emerge as Netflix’s top adaptation. Despite this, the show does have all the tools to be a certified hit, and I look forward to seeing Netflix continue its gaming adaptation streak.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
This animated series follows the iconic tomb-raider Lara Croft as she embarks on thrilling adventures, exploring ancient civilizations and uncovering hidden secrets. Balancing intellect and physical prowess, Lara navigates treacherous environments and encounters formidable adversaries, all while striving to protect the world’s archaeological treasures.
