As the countdown to a new James Bond era begins—with Amazon's billion-dollar acquisition and Steven Knight and Denis Villeneuve attached—another iconic franchise is quietly making waves on streaming. The 2018 Tomb Raider reboot, featuring Walton Goggins in a standout role, has surged onto Netflix's global top 10 this October, giving fans a fresh reason to revisit Lara Croft's gritty origin story.
Directed by Roar Uthaug, the film stars Alicia Vikander as the intrepid archaeologist, a performance that earned praise for its physicality and depth. Vikander famously bulked up with five kilograms of muscle to perform many of her own stunts, showcasing a commitment that impressed even the most skeptical fans. The movie also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Walton Goggins, Dominic West, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Derek Jacobi, elevating it beyond typical video game fare.
Though initial reviews were mixed, the film has since gained a cult following, with many appreciating its grounded take on the source material. Now, eight years after its theatrical release, it's finding a new audience on Netflix—a trend that seems to be repeating for other action hits this month, like Denzel Washington's Gladiator II.
The timing couldn't be better. Amazon is currently developing a Tomb Raider television series for Prime Video, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the helm as creator, writer, and co-showrunner. Sophie Turner, known for her role in Game of Thrones, is set to take over the iconic role, joined by a cast that includes Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, and Jack Bannon. The series promises to explore new corners of the Croft mythology, and fans are eager to see how Turner's portrayal compares to Vikander's.
In the meantime, Netflix subscribers are rediscovering the 2018 film, which earned $275 million worldwide against a $90 million budget. Its presence in the streaming top 10 is a testament to the enduring appeal of Lara Croft, a character who has been rebooted across games, films, and now television. As the new series gears up for production, this renewed interest could be the perfect primer.
For those who haven't seen it, the movie offers a thrilling blend of action, puzzle-solving, and character-driven storytelling. Goggins, fresh off his acclaimed turn in Fallout, brings a menacing yet complex energy to the villain role, making the film a must-watch for his fans. It's also a great companion piece to other streaming hits like Lupin Part 4, which continues to dominate Netflix this month.
As the entertainment world looks ahead to the next chapter of Lara Croft, the 2018 film serves as a reminder of the character's resilience and adaptability. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, catching it on Netflix before the new series arrives is a wise move. And with The Diplomat Season 4 also premiering this month, there's no shortage of compelling content to stream.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Tomb Raider series and other streaming news. For now, grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride with one of gaming's most iconic heroines.
