20 Best Sherlock Holmes Movies & TV Shows, Ranked

Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous detective, has been brought to life in countless movies and TV shows, ranging from classic adaptations to modern takes. This list highlights the best of them, showcasing key stories, memorable performances, and creative interpretations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original tales. You’ll discover everything from historically accurate dramas to bold new versions, all focusing on Holmes, Watson, and the fascinating world around them. Each entry includes details about the story covered, the cast, and what makes it special for fans of clever mysteries and intriguing settings.

‘Enola Holmes 2’ (2022)

I’m so excited for this new movie! It follows Sherlock Holmes’s sister, Enola, as she starts her own detective business. It’s cool because she actually ends up working on a case that connects to what her brother Sherlock is investigating – something about real issues workers were facing back then. Millie Bobby Brown is back as Enola, and of course, Henry Cavill returns as Sherlock, plus Louis Partridge is back too! The director, Harry Bradbeer, does a great job of making the historical setting feel real, but it’s also got fun action and mysteries to solve. It’s based on the books by Nancy Springer, not the original Sherlock Holmes stories by Doyle, but it still has all the characters and London vibes we love.

‘Enola Holmes’ (2020)

The movie begins with Enola searching for her missing mother, a quest that leads her to cross paths with her brother, Sherlock Holmes, and representatives of the government. It’s set in Victorian England, with authentic costumes and locations, and the story is told through Enola speaking directly to the audience. Henry Cavill plays a quieter, more encouraging Sherlock, while Sam Claflin embodies his brother, Mycroft. The mystery also touches on important issues of the time, like education and the fight for women’s rights, adding depth to the exciting adventure.

‘A Study in Terror’ (1965)

This movie reimagines the famous Sherlock Holmes battling Jack the Ripper in the shadowy streets of Whitechapel, blending characters from Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories with the real-life unsolved mystery. John Neville delivers a calm and thoughtful performance as Holmes, with Donald Houston as his companion, Watson. The film creates a chilling atmosphere using foggy sets, authentic props, and news reports to follow the killer’s path. It skillfully combines forensic evidence and police procedures with a classic whodunit plot, leading to a surprising reveal of the murderer’s identity.

‘The Seven-Per-Cent Solution’ (1976)

This film, inspired by Nicholas Meyer’s novel, presents a unique take on Sherlock Holmes: Watson seeks the help of Sigmund Freud to address Holmes’s cocaine addiction. Starring Nicol Williamson as Holmes, Robert Duvall as Watson, and Laurence Olivier as Freud, the story unfolds across London and Vienna. It features thrilling chases, hypnotic explorations, and a kidnapping connected to Holmes’s history, all while delving into themes of addiction, trauma, and classic detective work.

‘Without a Clue’ (1988)

This funny twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes story reimagines Watson as the actual detective, with Holmes as a performer hired to create a public image. Michael Caine plays a clumsy and comical Holmes, while Ben Kingsley is a smart but exasperated Watson. The film features a mystery involving counterfeit money and familiar characters from Scotland Yard, all set in a recreation of late Victorian London. It playfully mocks common detective story clichés, like disguises and dramatic reveals.

‘Young Sherlock Holmes’ (1985)

This movie takes place at a boarding school and shows how Sherlock Holmes and Watson first became friends and developed their detective abilities. Directed by Barry Levinson and from the producers at Amblin, it’s remembered for its groundbreaking use of computer effects in a scene with a stained-glass knight. The story centers around a hidden group, poisoned darts that cause hallucinations, and a mystery involving ancient artifacts. The film concludes by hinting at how these experiences will shape Holmes and Watson into the famous detectives we know them as.

‘The Great Mouse Detective’ (1986)

This animated movie offers a fresh take on Sherlock Holmes, starring Basil, a mouse detective who investigates the kidnapping of a toymaker. Set in a miniature London, with famous landmarks, the film features Vincent Price as the cunning villain, Ratigan. The mystery unfolds through intricate sets of gears and clockwork, culminating in a thrilling showdown inside Big Ben. The story cleverly uses music to emphasize Basil’s brilliant deductions, while still including familiar detective elements like footprints, disguises, and chemical analysis.

‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1959)

Hammer Films put their spin on the classic Sherlock Holmes story, The Hound of the Baskervilles, starring Peter Cushing as Holmes and André Morell as Watson. The film focuses on a dark and spooky atmosphere, with scenes set on foggy hills, in dimly lit mansions, and revolving around the local legend of a ghostly hound. The mystery centers on the history and inheritance of the Baskerville family, and clues that have been deliberately altered. The filmmakers used real locations and practical effects to create a frightening and atmospheric Dartmoor setting, perfect for suspenseful nighttime scenes.

‘The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes’ (1970)

This film, directed by Billy Wilder, follows Sherlock Holmes as he juggles two investigations and confronts his own personal limits. Robert Stephens stars as Holmes, with Colin Blakely as Watson and Christopher Lee as Mycroft. The plot involves a disappearance, a complicated situation within the ballet world, and a puzzling mystery connected to Loch Ness. The movie blends comedic moments with a sense of sadness, and highlights how keeping secrets impacts Holmes’s connections with others.

‘Murder by Decree’ (1979)

Christopher Plummer plays Sherlock Holmes and James Mason is Dr. Watson in this film about the Jack the Ripper murders, where the investigation points to involvement from wealthy and powerful people. The movie mixes real historical figures with characters from Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, suggesting that authorities were hiding the truth. The dark, atmospheric setting of cobbled streets and gas lamps heightens the suspense as Holmes and Watson pursue clues through crime scene reports, secret codes, and a final, dangerous showdown with those trying to conceal the crimes.

‘Mr. Holmes’ (2015)

Ian McKellen plays an elderly Sherlock Holmes, now retired, who is haunted by an unsolved case he can barely remember. The story jumps between his peaceful life keeping bees by the coast and flashbacks of a complex investigation involving a violinist. The film explores themes of memory, regret, and how real life often differs from the neat endings we imagine. We also see Holmes guiding a young, inquisitive boy who helps him piece together the truth.

‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1939)

This movie, starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, began a popular series of films that shaped how Sherlock Holmes was seen on screen. The story focuses on the eerie Baskerville Hall, the surrounding moorland, and a generations-old curse involving a ghostly dog. The filmmakers used studio sets and special effects to create the desolate, windy landscape where clues are discovered near the dangerous Grimpen Mire. The film relies heavily on deception, misleading clues like footprints, and a villain who exploits local superstitions to hide their true intentions.

‘The Return of Sherlock Holmes’ (1986–1988)

This Granada Television series features Jeremy Brett continuing his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, adapting stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s later collections into hour-long episodes. Cases featured include ‘The Empty House,’ ‘The Priory School,’ and ‘The Second Stain.’ The show is known for its attention to detail, accurately recreating elements like the layout of 221B Baker Street, Holmes’s tobacco use, and the correct order of events. The music, costumes, and thorough historical research all enhance Brett’s carefully crafted performance of Holmes’s personality and investigative techniques.

‘The Sign of Four’ (1987)

Granada’s adaptation of the story features a stolen treasure, a hidden agreement, and a limping man with a shadowy partner. Starring Jeremy Brett as Holmes, the series includes exciting river pursuits on the Thames, deciphered clues, and the introduction of the character Mary Morstan. The film faithfully recreates important details like the story’s connection to Agra and the dramatic confession of Jonathan Small, using authentic sets and props to bring late Victorian London’s docks and elegant homes to life.

‘The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes’ (1970) — Alternate Cut Note

Most people are familiar with the commonly available version of this film, which is divided into two main stories. Over time, some scenes were cut, but later efforts tried to restore the original footage. This editing history affects the film’s rhythm and feel, though it still reveals important details about the characters. The story includes lighthearted moments and a concluding mystery that offers a new understanding of Holmes’s personality.

‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ (2011)

The new Sherlock Holmes adventure pits Holmes and Watson against their nemesis, Professor Moriarty, in a thrilling chase across Europe. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprise their roles, and they’re joined by Jared Harris as Moriarty and Noomi Rapace as a mysterious Romani woman who plays a key part in the story. The film features exciting investigations in various locations like factories, trains, and mountaintop fortresses, and highlights Holmes’s skills in areas like chemistry, ballistics, and strategic planning, all set against a backdrop of historical action.

‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009)

The film centers on a cult leader who seems to have come back to life, and Sherlock Holmes investigates by following mysterious symbols that lead to a surprising technological plot. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Holmes as a detective who relies on experiments, clever disguises, and even fistfights, while Jude Law plays Watson, handling medical needs and practical arrangements. The movie’s visuals focus on gritty dockyards, detailed laboratories, and the impressive interiors of Parliament. Ultimately, the story reveals that seemingly supernatural events are actually the result of advanced engineering and chemistry.

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

This series, set in modern-day New York City, offers a fresh take on Sherlock Holmes. He’s portrayed as a former addict working as a consultant for the NYPD, and he’s partnered with Joan Watson, a recovering surgeon. The show follows their evolving relationship as they solve crimes, deal with past trauma, and learn from each other. Cases range from cybercrime and gang activity to confrontations with familiar enemies like Moriarty and Odin Reichenbach. The detectives utilize cutting-edge technology – including forensics, online research, and city surveillance – to crack each case.

‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ (1984–1994)

As a longtime Sherlock Holmes fan, I have to say Jeremy Brett is Sherlock Holmes in this Granada Television series. What really struck me was how meticulously they recreated the Victorian era – from the incredibly detailed set of 221B Baker Street, right down to the books on the shelves and how everyone behaved. They didn’t just tell the stories, they lived them, adapting many of Doyle’s classic short stories like ‘The Speckled Band’ and ‘The Copper Beeches’ with remarkable accuracy. Honestly, this series set the standard for faithful Holmes adaptations, and you can see its influence in almost everything that’s come since.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

This updated take on Sherlock Holmes sets the famous detective and his companion, Watson, in present-day London. While the setting is new, the show stays true to the original stories with Holmes’s brilliant deductions, familiar objects, and villains like Moriarty. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman investigate crimes inspired by the classics, using modern tools like text messages, GPS tracking, and digital evidence. The show cleverly displays Holmes’s thinking process with on-screen clues and visual aids, and it also delves into the strong friendship between the two detectives, building complex mysteries that unfold over several seasons.

Share your personal top picks and the adaptations you revisit most often in the comments.

2025-10-22 00:53