"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" — The Cult Classic Beginning of a Story That Sophie Turner Will Now Continue

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It all started right here — with the 2001 film that transformed Angelina Jolie into a global action icon.

There's plenty of reason to talk about the first film right now, since Amazon MGM Studios officially confirmed in September 2025 that "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner will become the new Lara. And while the series is in production — let's go back a few decades and remember how the legend began.

What the film's about

Lara Croft is the daughter of a famous archaeologist who continues her father's work. She's hunting for the powerful "Triangle of Light" artifact that can control time. To get her hands on it, Lara has to battle the secret Illuminati society, travel the world, descend into tombs, and engage in deadly combat.

Viewing impressions

The film is literally the quintessence of 2000s action movies: high-octane chases, slow-motion shootouts, pulsing music, massive sets. And of course, Jolie in black shorts with guns on her thighs — shots that instantly became posters for an entire generation of viewers.
Trailer for "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001)
Critics at the time called the film "an attraction without meaning," but audiences didn't care: this was the first Lara you could not only play on a computer but actually see on the big screen.

What critics said

On Rotten Tomatoes the film scored just 20% "fresh." Journalists slammed the script and called the film "a video game without a joystick." But almost everyone noted: Jolie was perfect for the role. Urban Cinefile wrote in their review:
Stunningly visual, fantastic, event-packed entertainment full of amazing effects and a stunning, sensual superheroine who really impresses.
Urban Cinefile publication

What audiences said

But audiences voted with their wallets: the film, according to "Wikipedia," collected almost $275 million worldwide and launched an entire franchise. For game fans, this was a dream come true — Lara became real.

Even years later, I personally remember this version of the heroine: bold, charismatic, with that signature smirk.

Worth rewatching?

Yes, and especially now. Against the backdrop of news that will become the new Lara Croft, Jolie's film looks like the starting point — this is where the cinematic cult of the heroine began.
Actress Angelina Jolie in black clothing hangs from a rope with a gun in her hands
Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft on the poster for "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider"
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In 2018 there was a reboot with Alicia Vikander, but it turned out mediocre. Now in 2025, Turner has a chance to become "that" Lara. It's no easy task: Jolie delivered an iconic image and charisma, Vikander added realism and drama.

Turner needs to find the balance — combine the drive of the first version with the depth of the second. She's got the right age, "Game of Thrones" experience, and ambition, but a lot depends on whether Amazon MGM Studios gives Lara a strong story.

But whatever happens, "Tomb Raider" from 2001 is the film that set the standard. All subsequent versions — from Vikander to the new Turner — will inevitably be compared to it. Earlier we at zoomboola.com told you about the film "The Wraith": this is what "Fast & Furious" would look like if it were made in the '80s with Charlie Sheen in the lead role.