Tomb Raider, initially known as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001-2008), is a groundbreaking media franchise that began with an action-adventure video game series created by Core Design, a British gaming company. The franchise, now under Square Enix Europe following its acquisition of Eidos Interactive in 2009, revolves around the adventures of Lara Croft, a fictional British archaeologist renowned for her daring expeditions to discover lost artifacts and navigate perilous tombs.

The franchise’s inception dates back to 1994, with the original Tomb Raider game releasing in 1996. Its success led to annual releases, though development pressures were high. The sixth installment, The Angel of Darkness, struggled critically and commercially, prompting Eidos to shift development to Crystal Dynamics. Since then, Crystal Dynamics has been the main developer, with additional contributions from other developers for spin-offs and ports.

The Tomb Raider series has sold over 85 million copies worldwide by 2021 and is celebrated for its critical acclaim and pioneering role in the action-adventure genre. Lara Croft, the series’ iconic protagonist, is lauded for her influence in gaming, earning accolades and securing her place on the Walk of Game and in Guinness World Records. Despite controversies over the sexualization of her character in marketing, Lara Croft remains a trailblazing figure in video games.

In Tomb Raider 2 (2024), Alicia Vikander reprises her role as Lara Croft, joined by Daisy Ridley in a new adventure. The film continues to explore the high-stakes, globe-trotting escapades of Lara Croft, combining action, exploration, and puzzle-solving in a cinematic format that aligns with the franchise’s storied legacy.