15 Best Sherlock Holmes Actors, Ranked from Worst to Best

Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s renowned detective, has been portrayed by various actors who each infuse their unique touch into his brilliant mind and peculiar character. Some effectively convey his brilliance and quirks, while others struggle, failing to fully embody the complexities of the Baker Street sleuth.

This list ranks 15 actors, in order from the least to the most influential, who have portrayed Sherlock Holmes in various films and television shows. This list underscores how each actor’s performance contributes uniquely to shaping this renowned character. Whether through sharp wit, intense emotion, or endearing charm, each actor leaves a lasting impression.

We’ve made a list of 15 actors who played Sherlock Holmes in movies and TV shows, ranked from least to most impactful. This list demonstrates how each actor’s portrayal impacts the iconic character. They all bring something special to their roles, be it through smart humor, intense acting, or being likable.

The Irregulars (2021) – Henry Lloyd-Hughes

In the television series ‘The Irregulars’, Henry Lloyd-Hughes’ portrayal of Sherlock is less central and more elusive, as it focuses on street-smart teenage detectives. His interpretation of the character appears more as a somber backdrop compared to the fully developed Holmes we’re accustomed to, with his presence falling short in delivering the usual commanding aura associated with the detective.

The cool, aloof aura and the performance of Lloyd-Hughes somewhat miss the intended impact. He strives to add an air of enigma to his portrayal of Sherlock, but the arrangement of the series fails to give his character depth, resulting in a rather uninteresting Sherlock Holmes.

Enola Holmes (2020) – Henry Cavill

As a film enthusiast, I must say, Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in ‘Enola Holmes’ (2020) and ‘Enola Holmes 2’ (2022) is more of a supporting act, but let me tell you, his gentle, brotherly demeanor truly steals the show. With a career marked by the iconic role of Superman in ‘Man of Steel’ (2013), Cavill effortlessly brings an understated brilliance to this character, even though the story primarily revolves around Enola Holmes, limiting his screen presence.

Cavill’s endearing, down-to-earth portrayal of Holmes offers a refreshing take and suggests there’s more to uncover. The charm Cavill brings makes one yearn for a standalone Sherlock movie.

Without a Clue (1988) – Michael Caine

In the movie ‘Without a Clue’, Michael Caine plays Sherlock Holmes in an amusing twist – he’s actually a not-so-bright actor pretending to be the detective, while Watson is the one doing the actual detective work behind the scenes. Despite the silly concept, Caine’s appeal, developed through movies like ‘Alfie’ (1966) and ‘The Italian Job’ (1969), makes it entertaining. However, this portrayal strays quite a bit from Conan Doyle’s original vision.

Instead of relying heavily on charm like Holmes, his performance lacks the intellectual depth that defines the detective, straying from the authentic essence of Sherlock. While it’s an enjoyable diversion, it doesn’t truly embody the character as originally portrayed.

Sherlock Holmes (1954) – Ronald Howard

I found Ronald Howard’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the 1954 TV series to be sincere yet overly casual, lacking the razor-sharp precision that I believe the character should possess. The straightforward mysteries and lighthearted atmosphere of the show didn’t seem to challenge him enough to fully explore the intricacies of Holmes’ character, unlike his later performance in ‘The Hunting Party’ (1971).

He exudes an appealing allure yet seems to fall short on the depth needed for Doyle’s character. It’s a piece that reflects its era well, showing strength without particularly standing out.

Murder by Decree (1979) – Christopher Plummer

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that Christopher Plummer’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in ‘Murder by Decree’ (1979) offers a heartfelt, compassionate approach to the Jack the Ripper case. Renowned for his roles in ‘The Sound of Music’ (1965) and ‘Beginners’ (2011), Plummer’s intricate acting infuses emotional richness into the character. However, the film’s somber atmosphere tends to overshadow Plummer’s exceptional Holmes performance.

The soft-hearted, sympathetic detective he presents comes across as new and intriguing, albeit with a touch of dramatic flair rather than intellectual depth. While there are areas for improvement, Plummer’s talent ensures his performance leaves a lasting impression.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1982) – Tom Baker

As a dedicated cinephile, I must say that Tom Baker’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the 1982 TV film ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ presents a more subdued interpretation compared to his vibrant characterization as The Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’ (1974-1981). The calm intellect that Baker brings to Holmes resonates perfectly, yet the production seems to lack the dynamic energy required to truly showcase his brilliance.

In a more straightforward manner, we could say: Although Baker’s performance suggests great potential, the movie doesn’t provide enough opportunities for him to truly excel. It’s a fair attempt, but it seems limited by its own restrictions.

Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace (1962) – Christopher Lee

In the 1962 movie ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace’, Christopher Lee’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is refined yet confined within a dull film. Despite his renowned roles in ‘Dracula’ (1958) and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (2001-2003), Lee’s authoritative screen presence fits Holmes well, but a subpar script restricts his full potential.

In the film ‘The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes’ (1970), his later portrayals of Holmes exhibit a warmer side, yet the initial one seems rather formal. However, even in this earlier version, Lee’s authority lends depth to the content.

The Case of the Silk Stocking (2004) – Rupert Everett

In ‘The Case of the Silk Stocking’ (2004), Rupert Everett’s portrayal of Sherlock showcases Holmes’ more sinister aspects, such as arrogance and drug addiction. While his distinctive features and powerful performance align well with Doyle’s original concept, the film’s overused tropes somewhat restrict him.

His intense portrayal seems genuine, stirring a desire for him to reprise the role of Holmes once more. This interpretation is compelling, despite the overall imperfections.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1983) – Ian Richardson

In my humble opinion as a film critic, the portrayal of Sherlock Holmes by Ian Richardson in ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1983) and ‘The Sign of Four’ (1983) is both witty and inviting, a marked departure from his character in ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ (1979). This less arrogant Holmes seems more human, with nuanced expressions that inject warmth into the character.

Richardson’s on-screen chemistry with Watson significantly enhances the quality of the television productions. His portrayal, although often overlooked, is finely tuned and effectively conveys the essence of Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes (2009) – Robert Downey Jr.

In the movies ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009) and ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ (2011), Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes offers a dynamic, action-oriented interpretation. Renowned for his role in ‘Iron Man’ (2008), Downey Jr.’s charming quirkiness and physical prowess add a contemporary twist to the character, although some purists argue that it strays too far from Doyle’s original conception.

As a movie reviewer, I must say that Robert Downey Jr.’s charm and quick-wittedness breathe life into these films, making them an absolute delight to watch. The standout deduction scenes showcase his exceptional talent, which has undoubtedly drawn in legions of new fans to the world of Sherlock Holmes.

Elementary (2012-2019) – Jonny Lee Miller

In the TV series ‘Elementary’ (2012-2019), Jonny Lee Miller portrays Sherlock as a troubled, recovering drug user in contemporary New York City. His multi-dimensional acting evolves throughout seven seasons, combining intelligence with emotional depth to create a unique and compelling character. This can be recognized from his role in ‘Trainspotting’ (1996).

In a fresh and unusual twist, the character of Holmes, who is both quirky and understandable, combined with Lucy Liu’s portrayal of Watson, creates something distinctive. This contemporary interpretation deviates from the original novels yet remains captivating.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) – Peter Cushing

In a natural and easy-to-understand way: The portrayal of Sherlock by Peter Cushing in the 1959 film ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ and the 1968 BBC series ‘Sherlock Holmes’ showcases both his arrogance and intelligence. As a renowned actor from ‘Star Wars’ (1977), Cushing’s thin face and intense gaze beautifully embodies Doyle’s original conception of the character.

In every detail, it’s evident that he is deeply committed to the original content. With his intense and genuine portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, Cushing truly raises the standard to an impressive level.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939-1946) – Basil Rathbone

In my opinion, Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes across 14 films, such as ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1939) and ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ (1939), left an indelible mark on the character for many. The razor-sharp intellect and effortlessly cool demeanor he showcased, including in ‘The Scarlet Claw’ (1944), still resonates as iconic to this day.

Rathbone’s calm performance and the rapport he shared with Nigel Bruce as Watson make him an enduring figure. His interpretation continues to serve as a key element in the lasting impact of Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock (2010-2017) – Benedict Cumberbatch

In the television series ‘Sherlock’ (2010-2017), Benedict Cumberbatch portrays a remarkable modern take on Sherlock, combining cold logic with quick humor throughout episodes such as ‘A Study in Pink’. Famous for his role as ‘Doctor Strange’ in 2016, his genius character, while sociopathic, keeps viewers spellbound. However, some argue that his portrayal is more chilling than the original Holmes conceived by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Redefining the character, his electrifying portrayal alongside Martin Freeman as Watson has created an unrivaled cultural phenomenon. It’s a force to be reckoned with that is hard to surpass.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984-1994) – Jeremy Brett

Jeremy Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock in Granada’s ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ (1984-1994), consisting of 41 episodes including ‘A Scandal in Bohemia’, is widely regarded as the best. His detailed interpretation, accurately depicting Holmes’ peculiarities and human side, seems to have been directly lifted from Conan Doyle’s writings.

In spite of his health challenges, Brett’s powerful and captivating performances, particularly in roles such as ‘My Fair Lady’ (1964), have garnered admiration from Doyle’s own daughter. His portrayal of Holmes stands as an enduring masterpiece.

2025-07-04 11:46