Tomb Raider
Performance & Direction: Tomb Raider Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Tomb Raider (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Tomb Raider features a noteworthy lineup led by Alicia Vikander . Supported by the likes of Dominic West and Walton Goggins , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Tomb Raider
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, Tomb Raider is a Action, Adventure, Fantasy film directed by Roar Uthaug. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Alicia Vikander.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Roar Uthaug establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Alicia Vikander, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Alicia Vikander's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Thematic Depth
Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. it questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Tomb Raider
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Roar Uthaug, Tomb Raider concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Alicia Vikander, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Tomb Raider reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Tomb Raider?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Alicia Vikander or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Tomb Raider
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $94.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $274.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Tomb Raider Budget
The estimated production budget for Tomb Raider is $94.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Tomb Raider
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Where to Watch Tomb Raider Online?
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YouTubeTomb Raider Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about Tomb Raider age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Tomb Raider is 118 minutes (1h 58m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Tomb Raider is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tomb Raider worth watching?
Tomb Raider is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Tomb Raider parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Tomb Raider identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Tomb Raider?
The total duration of Tomb Raider is 118 minutes, which is approximately 1h 58m long.
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Critic Reviews for Tomb Raider
ok walking into this movie i knew it was going to be fun not sure how much fun but fun however hen i sat down i got a treat there was a ton of action it was a really good movie too it had lots of adventure too and a good plot i really enjoyed it my only gripe is the begining is very slow but besudes that i say go see this movie
Your typical adventure film. Neither Vikander nor Goggins stand out. Though there was the screen debut of Daniel Wu as Lu Phen. Wow!
As a video game to movie adaptation Tomb Raider works on nearly every level, the only flaw being that there's so much of Tomb Raider to pack into two hours. I had great expectations for this film and wasn't disappointed in the least. On the contrary, it was a blast from beginning to end with Alicia Vikander lending a nice touch of innocence to Lara, which is a clear nod to the 2013 game reboot which is what the film is based on. Her tortuous relationship with her dad was predictable, but it wasn't overdone and it's a key element in the Lara story. On the other hand, we're plunged into the action right away and in that respect I was more than happy as the scenes were both exciting and typically Lara Croft. She uses keys, there are puzzles, traps,maps, evil foes and magnificent set pieces that, if you've ever played the games, will be instantly recognisable as Tomb Raider. Much as has been said about the last two games perhaps giving a conflicted projection of Lara Croft - on the one hand a tormented soul and on the other, a ruthless killing machine. In all the games, she always killed the foes just to survive and the balance was just right here, with Alicia Vikander lending just the right amount of steely determination to the role. More importantly, I could relate to the film having played all the games - the plane on top of the waterfall, the rolling spikes and the collapsing floor later on - all drew me in wonderfully. I'll take two please, or preferably three!
Some of the most generic shit ever put to screen. Don't get how this was supposed to please anybody, Tomb Raider fan or otherwise. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
"Not dead yet, no sh*t!" Wanted to see this because I'm a long time fanboy of the game series. Liked the old movies with Angelina Jolie, perfect for a teenage boy with the humor; action and a beautiful lead actress. Alicia Vikander delivers a solid performance combined with a more realistic plot. Great action sequences with a nice cliffhanger for a sequel. Only downside would be the role of Daniel Wu as there was no need for a sidekick who isn't really included in the storyline. Your regular action-adventure that gets lifted above the rest because of the solid and stunning lead actress.
Alicia Wikander picks up where Angelina Jolie left off and after about fifteen minutes, I am fairly certain that she would have wished she had left well alone completely. I certainly wished she had. She is "Lara Croft", left a fortune after her industrialist/explorer father mysteriously disappears. Seven years on, decisions have to be made and she finds herself stumbling over clues that might lead to answers about where pop (Dominic West) disappeared to. That takes her on a series of sterile, well-choreographed, escapades with loads of "Indiana Jones" style adventures, stunts, fight scenes and shoot outs with bows and arrows and guns alike. Fortunately, her newfound foes couldn't hit a cow on the tit with a tin cup most of the time. Except, maybe the mean and moody "Vogel" (Walton Goggins) who at least looks like he is enjoying himself a bit throughout this otherwise unimaginative reimagining. Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Sir Derek Jacobi must have had tax bills to pay as they show up for a few scenes at the beginning and a few more near the end as the dastardly ploy thickens, but the rest of this - at almost two hours - is really pretty procedural and disappointing. The production looks fine, but somehow the whole thing just never quite gets out of second gear.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.









