Discover the Most Fascinating and Rare Sherlock Holmes Adaptations on Screen

Sherlock Holmes on screen is more than just Basil Rathbone or Benedict Cumberbatch. We've handpicked some of the most captivating and unconventional adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective stories.

Debates about the best Sherlock Holmes adaptations often focus on just two: the Soviet-era films starring Vasily Livanov or the BBC's "Sherlock" series with Benedict Cumberbatch. However, the world boasts nearly a hundred films about the great detective’s adventures, with new productions emerging every year.

The 21st century saw a resurgence of Holmes’ popularity through Guy Ritchie's feature films starring Robert Downey Jr., alongside the acclaimed BBC series. Following this, Russia produced a fresh TV version, while the US introduced a modern take called "Elementary."

For viewers who have seen these popular versions, here's a guide to some of the most intriguing screen adaptations of Sherlock Holmes stories.

Classic Holmes Portrayals

The Very First Detective Film

"The Bewildered Sherlock Holmes," released in 1900, is considered the first detective film ever made. Its runtime is less than a minute, designed for a mutoscope—a device where viewers manually flip through printed frames. Despite its brevity, the film’s title marks it as a historic milestone in detective cinema.

Basil Rathbone: Sherlock Holmes Against Fascism

The first truly iconic adaptation began with the 1939 American film "The Hound of the Baskervilles," starring British actor Basil Rathbone. Initially planned as a single film, its overwhelming success led to 14 full-length movies.

While the early films closely followed Doyle’s originals, later installments shifted towards espionage, transforming Holmes into a James Bond-like figure. This change reflected the World War II era, aiming to boost anti-fascist sentiment.

For example, in "Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror," characters investigate radio broadcasts spreading fear about sabotage and explosions. Though referencing Doyle’s "His Last Bow," the film aligns more with the real 1940s London broadcasts of the "Voice of Terror."

Dr. Watson, portrayed by Nigel Bruce, often provided comic relief, frequently finding himself in perilous yet humorous situations, always rescued by Holmes.

Jeremy Brett: The Definitive Conan Doyle Sherlock

The most faithful and classical Holmes portrayal comes from the UK’s "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" TV series, which aired for a decade. It produced 41 episodes, each closely adapting one of Conan Doyle’s stories with minimal changes.

Jeremy Brett, an English actor, took the lead role. Ironically, he initially felt unsuited for Holmes, considering himself more of a romantic or heroic actor. Despite being older than the literary Holmes, Brett’s portrayal remains the closest to the original character. He played Holmes until his death, with the final season airing in 1994.

Watson’s character evolved during the series, becoming calmer and wiser while staying true to Doyle’s depiction.

Soviet Sherlock Holmes Adaptations

When discussing Soviet adaptations, most recall Igor Maslennikov’s classic films starring Vasily Livanov and Vitaly Solomin.

However, Holmes’ Soviet screen journey began earlier, in 1971, with "The Hound of the Baskervilles," featuring Nikolai Volkov as Holmes. This film is less known because it was banned after actor Lev Krugly, who played Watson, emigrated. The only copy resurfaced in 2003 and was broadcast on TV after decades.

The USSR also produced a comedic musical film, "The Blue Carbuncle," parodying the original story with delightful songs by Yuli Kim.

In 1986, riding the wave of Maslennikov’s success, an experimental feminist adaptation titled "My Tenderly Beloved Detective" was released. It starred Ekaterina Vasilyeva and Galina Shchepetnova as Sherlock and Jane Watson, respectively.

The plot reimagines Holmes and Watson as fictional characters. The real detectives are two women from a private detective agency with similar names, using wit and feminine charm to solve complex cases.

Comedic Takes on Sherlock Holmes

Many classic works, including Doyle’s stories, have been humorously adapted on screen.

Starting with silent film genius Buster Keaton’s "Sherlock Jr.," Holmes is portrayed as a figment of a movie projectionist’s imagination. Wrongly accused of stealing a watch, he dreams himself as Holmes solving the case.

The concept of an imaginary Holmes recurs in films like "The Adventures of the Clever Brother of Sherlock Holmes," where Gene Wilder plays the detective’s younger brother.

The most beloved Holmes comedy is the 1988 film "Without a Clue." Here, Dr. Watson (Ben Kingsley) secretly solves crimes but hires a bumbling actor (Michael Caine) to portray Holmes publicly. This Holmes knows nothing about deduction and often finds himself in hilarious predicaments.

A new comedy is in the works, directed by Ethan Coen, starring Will Ferrell as Holmes. The cast includes John C. Reilly as Watson, Hugh Laurie as Mycroft Holmes, and Ralph Fiennes as Professor Moriarty.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper

It was inevitable that Holmes would face one of the 19th century’s most infamous criminals: Jack the Ripper. Since the Ripper’s identity remains unknown, filmmakers enjoy creative freedom.

In "Murder by Decree," starring Christopher Plummer, Holmes is tasked with capturing the Ripper. The film cleverly blends Doyle’s canonical detective with real London events, showing Holmes facing obstacles from authorities and uncovering secrets among high society.

Animal-Inspired Sherlock Holmes

Renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki presented a unique take in 1984 with the anime "The Great Detective Holmes," where all characters are dogs of various breeds. The charming series references many original stories while offering a playful twist.

For young audiences, there’s also a feature-length "Tom and Jerry" film where the cat and mouse duo assist detectives and eventually solve crimes themselves.

The Bohemian Sherlock Holmes

A noir-style interpretation appears in "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking." Focused more on atmosphere than mystery, Rupert Everett stars as a fashion-conscious, drug-using Holmes who resents his friend’s marriage plans. When high-society women are murdered, Holmes and Watson investigate amid London’s foggy, mysterious backdrop.

The Aging Detective

Holmes’ age has always been a challenge for adaptations, as the detective was under 30 in early stories but often portrayed by actors over 40.

Two notable versions depict an older Holmes. In "Sherlock Holmes: The Golden Years," Christopher Lee, around 70 at the time, plays a free interpretation of Holmes. Despite his age, Holmes is charmed by opera singer Irene Adler. The story weaves real historical figures like Sigmund Freud and Theodore Roosevelt into the narrative.

Lee had previously appeared in various Holmes-related roles, including Holmes himself, his brother, and Sir Henry Baskerville.

In "Mr. Holmes," based on Mitch Cullin’s novel "The Bees of Mr. Holmes," Ian McKellen portrays a 93-year-old Holmes who has retired to his beloved beekeeping. His closest companions—Watson, Mycroft, and Mrs. Hudson—have passed away.

Seeking to correct the romanticized image created by Watson’s stories, Holmes writes about his final case, which forced him to quit detective work. His greatest challenge becomes battling his fading memory.

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