Since the late ’90s, the Tomb Raider series has been adapted multiple times, including Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) and its 2003 sequel, The Cradle of Life, as well as Alicia Vikander’s 2018 outing. However, all these entries ended up disappointing fans. Is Netflix’s Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft any better? Let’s find out!
The latest Netflix series takes place after the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy, which concluded with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The show serves as a bridge between the original series and the reboot trilogy.
Developed by Tasha Huo (The Witcher: Blood Origin), The Legend of Lara Croft revolves around the bold and adventurous British archaeologist. After abandoning her friends during a dangerous adventure that led to a tragic loss, Lara returns home to reconcile. She plans to sell Croft Manor and start anew. However, a thief steals a powerful Chinese artifact, forcing Lara on a global quest to retrieve it.
The first reactions to the latest Netflix adaptation are mixed to positive, with praise for Hayley Atwell’s voice performance, Powerhouse’s unique animation style, Richard Armitage’s villainous portrayal of Charles Devereaux, and certain plot twists. However, many critics have criticized the show’s predictable and fast-paced storyline. In addition, apart from Atwell’s character, the rest do not receive proper character development.
IGN praised some aspects of Netflix’s Tomb Raider series but declared that “it’s well below the high bar set by other animated video game adaptations on Netflix.”
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft isn’t terrible, but it’s well below the high bar set by other animated video game adaptations on Netflix.
— IGN (@IGN) October 10, 2024
Our review: https://t.co/z02PmavI6P pic.twitter.com/OZA7o4pWRe
Empire Magazine also shares IGN’s sentiments about the latest Netflix animated entry.
"Doesn’t quite live up to the high standards of the recent video-game-to-anime renaissance."
— Empire (@empiremagazine) October 10, 2024
Netflix anime Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft stars Hayley Atwell as the legendary adventurer, streaming now.
Read the Empire review: https://t.co/Z0L7TMd8DI pic.twitter.com/yw9Clg73de
Looper also dropped a disappointing review for the show.
Overall, "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" fails to capture the same flair and sense of adventure that's so deeply embedded in the video games. https://t.co/eajq4veM3i
— Looper (@looper) October 10, 2024
A more positive review comes from Total Film, declaring the series as a “warm welcome back for the legendary action hero, whose legend is only just beginning.”
Netflix's new animated series is a warm welcome back for the legendary action hero, whose legend is only just beginning
— Total Film (@totalfilm) October 10, 2024
Our full review of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft 👇 https://t.co/mw4vr6O2GU
Discussing Film in its full-scale review called the show “a vibrant, globetrotting Saturday morning cartoon.”
Netflix’s ‘TOMB RAIDER’ animated series is now streaming. But does it live up to the iconic video game franchise?
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 10, 2024
Find out in our review...https://t.co/RumnAceXUB
On Rotten Tomatoes, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft currently stands with a ‘rotten’ 40% critics score. You guys can now stream all episodes on Netflix. Stay tuned for more updates.