For more than a hundred years, the brilliant mind and unforgettable charms of Sherlock Holmes have captivated film audiences, from cobblestone Victorian streets to sleek, modern-day reimaginings of the master detective. He has been portrayed in many faces, accents, and even species. And yet, with so many interpretations out there, which ones truly stand out? Here are the top 10 Sherlock Holmes movies and series — favorites among fans, critics, and yes, even the ever-picky Tomatometer.
10. Enola Holmes 2 (2022)
Sherlock may be the household name, but in Enola Holmes 2, it’s his little sister Enola who commands the spotlight. Millie Bobby Brown brings fire and wit to the role, proving there’s room in the Holmes universe for more than one brilliant mind. Henry Cavill gives a grounded performance as Sherlock, but it’s Enola’s fresh take on detective work that shines. As Rotten Tomatoes put it, this sequel nails it—clever, fun, and delightfully unpredictable.
9. Mr. Holmes (2015)
What happens when the sharpest mind in the world begins to forget? Ian McKellen gives a moving and contemplative performance as an older Holmes with memory loss and unresolved mysteries. It’s not so much about cracking crimes as it is about accepting time, regret, and identity. A quiet, introspective movie that presents a more human side of Sherlock never really been explored.
8. Elementary (2012–2019)
Ditch foggy London—this Holmes relocates to New York. In Elementary, Jonny Lee Miller reimagines Sherlock as a recovering genius with demons, and Lucy Liu carves out new territory in Joan Watson. Their chemistry is dense and deep, mixing crime-solving with actual emotional complexity. With nearly perfect critics’ approval, this show deserves its place by taking huge risks that pay huge dividends.
7. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Guy Ritchie’s stylish retread made Holmes an action hero in his own right. Robert Downey Jr. stars as a tough, unhinged Holmes, while Jude Law supplies cool aplomb as Watson. With high-octane action and quick-witted banter, this movie revitalized the character for a whole new generation. It’s not your granddaddy’s Sherlock—but that’s kind of the idea.
6. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Basil of Baker Street is small, but his detective abilities are gargantuan. This Disney treasure substitutes mice for humans in a delightfully clever reworking of the Holmes tradition. It’s fun, suspenseful, and brimming with emotion—an overlooked installment that gets the spirit of Sherlock in a surprisingly accurate manner.
5. The Woman in Green (1945)
Basil Rathbone became the Holmes for many generations, and The Woman in Green stands tall in his extended stint. With a flawless Rotten Tomatoes rating, this movie sees Holmes investigating a string of horrific killings with Moriarty in the background. It’s an old-school classic, suspenseful, and cool without an effort—must-watch for those who love vintage whodunits.
4. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Downey Jr./Law bromance reappears in this sequel, which raises the ante with an international showdown against Moriarty. Though it doesn’t quite top the original, the energy and chemistry are undeniable. It’s Holmes in all-out blockbuster mode—smart, zany, and fun as the devil.
3. Sherlock (2010–2017)
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman re-introduced Holmes to the 21st century with a cool, angular reworking that caused a worldwide sensation. The BBC drama is full of contemporary spin, stunning imagery, and emotionally charged narrative. Intelligent, fashionable, and quite profound, Sherlock is one of the most influential adaptations ever created.
2. A Study in Scarlet (1933)
One of the very first sound-era reinterpretations, A Study in Scarlet boasts Reginald Owen as Holmes in a performance that would influence decades to come. It’s a black-and-white relic with unexpectedly contemporary sensibilities, and it serves to demonstrate that Holmes was cinematic gold even during his era.
1. Sherlock Holmes (1922)
John Barrymore’s silent performance might not have words, but it has plenty to say. It was this film that established Holmes as a Hollywood icon and the template for all subsequent versions. Flashy as some of the modern adaptations become, it is a seminal work of Holmesiana, and its influence cannot be denied.
From silent movies to streaming sensations, Sherlock Holmes just keeps getting smarter—and fans keep coming back. Whether he’s cracking cases with a pipe in his mouth or texting witnesses on an iPhone, Holmes is a timeless icon of intelligence and wonder. With every new generation comes a new spin on the myth. So no matter if you like your detective old-school, offbeat, or cartoonized, the game is always afoot.