In a surprising twist of streaming fate, Alicia Vikander's 2018 survival thriller Tomb Raider has clawed its way to the top of HBO Max's most-watched list this June. The film, once dismissed as a failed franchise starter, is now outperforming heavyweights like Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the animated juggernaut Despicable Me, and even A24's record-breaking Marty Supreme. It's a second life that few saw coming—especially with a high-profile Prime Video reboot starring Sophie Turner on the horizon.
Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Roar Uthaug, Tomb Raider was released in 2018 to mixed reviews and a modest $275 million global box office against a $100 million budget. Critics gave it a 52% on Rotten Tomatoes, noting that while Vikander was a stellar Lara Croft, the origin story felt uninspired. Yet the film has found a devoted audience on streaming, proving that sometimes a movie just needs the right platform to thrive.
Uthaug's career took an unusual turn after Tomb Raider. Instead of climbing the Hollywood ladder, he returned to Europe and directed Troll, Netflix's most successful non-English language film ever. He even got a sequel to that monster hit—a privilege he never enjoyed with Lara Croft. It's a quirky footnote in Hollywood history: a director who made a splash in blockbuster territory only to find his biggest success back home.
Vikander's journey with the franchise is also intertwined with her real-life partner, Michael Fassbender. The couple, who met on the set of The Light Between Oceans, share a unique distinction: they've both starred in video game adaptations that failed to launch sequels. Fassbender's 2016 Assassin's Creed earned $240 million worldwide but was panned by critics. Vikander's Tomb Raider fared better with audiences, but still couldn't secure a follow-up. Now, as the film enjoys a streaming renaissance, it's a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
For fans hungry for more Lara Croft action, the wait is almost over. Prime Video is developing a new live-action series headlined by Sophie Turner, with Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the helm. The reboot promises a fresh take on the iconic adventurer, and with streaming giants like Prime Video investing heavily in genre content, it could finally deliver the franchise momentum that eluded Vikander's version. For more on what's coming to Prime Video, check out June 2026's Must-Binge Prime Video Trio: Snowpiercer, Motorheads & Citadel.
As Tomb Raider climbs the charts, it's also a testament to the enduring appeal of survival thrillers. The film's grounded approach—Vikander's Lara is more vulnerable and resourceful than her predecessors—resonates with audiences looking for grit over glamour. If you're in the mood for more edge-of-your-seat tension, check out 5 Thriller Series That Outpace Breaking Bad's Tension for your next binge.
Meanwhile, the streaming landscape is buzzing with activity. HBO Max continues to be a powerhouse for library titles, and Tomb Raider's success is a reminder that even so-called failures can find new life. For those who missed it in theaters—or want to relive Vikander's fierce performance—now is the perfect time to dive in. And if you're curious about other underrated gems hitting streaming this month, don't miss Sigourney Weaver's Underrated Serial Killer Thriller 'Copycat' Hits Free Streaming on Plex in June 2026.
With the Prime Video reboot on the way, all eyes are on how Sophie Turner will interpret the role. But for now, Vikander's Lara Croft is having her moment in the sun—and proving that in the streaming era, a movie's legacy is never truly written in stone.
