Sherlock Holmes Day: remembering the 8 best portrayals of the great detective in movies and TV shows

Which Hollywood actors have had the chance to play the legendary detective on the big screen? Starting from the classic roles of the 1930s to modern adaptations…

May 22 is celebrated worldwide as Sherlock Holmes Day — the number one literary detective and the most recognizable private investigator of all time. Even though he never actually existed, his image has long become more alive than ever, especially on screen.

Today is the perfect day to recall the most striking portrayals of Sherlock in movies and TV series.

Classics

Basil Rathbone. "Sherlock Holmes" (1939–1946)

A classic of classics. Basil Rathbone played Holmes in 14 films made at the turn of the 1930s and 1940s. His portrayal—cool, restrained, always in a cloak and with a pipe—became the standard.

Actor Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes holds a box in his hands and looks down — Scene from the film Sherlock Holmes: Dressed to kill (1942)

This is how Holmes began to appear on posters and in books. He hunted Nazis, exposed spies, and operated in the contemporary London of that time.

Vasily Livanov. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson" (1979–1986)

The Soviet Holmes, loved even in Britain. For his role, Livanov received the Order of the British Empire—and this is no joke. The series was filmed on tape, with a stunning atmosphere of Victorian England, thoughtful acting, and a careful approach to the source material.

Documentary about the filming of Sherlock Holmes films with Vasily Livanov

His duet with Vitaly Solomin (Dr. Watson) I still consider one of the best in history.

Jeremy Brett. "Sherlock Holmes" by Granada TV (1984–1994)

Brett took Holmes to a new level—nervous, brilliant, sometimes almost mad. His series can probably be called the most accurate adaptation of Conan Doyle's stories: even the dialogues often match the books verbatim.

Jeremy Brett in the second episode of the series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Brett played in a total of 41 episodes. He dedicated ten years of his life to this role—and became Holmes for millions of viewers.

Modern Adaptations

Robert Downey Jr. in "Sherlock Holmes" (2009) and "A Game of Shadows" (2011)

A vigorous, unshaven, sarcastic Holmes with fists and a brilliant mind. Downey turned the great detective into a blockbuster hero, while Guy Ritchie wrapped it all in his signature style with chases, fights, and slow-motion shots.

Trailer for the movie Sherlock Holmes

These films grossed hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office, and Downey won a Golden Globe for his role as Holmes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in BBC's "Sherlock" (2010–2017)

When Holmes picks up an iPhone and dons a Belstaff coat, you get Cumberbatch. The British series transported the events to the 21st century and instantly became a cult hit.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes with a bowler hat on his head adjusts his gloves and looks at the camera — Cover of the trailer for BBC's 'Sherlock' series

The unique presentation, visual style, dynamics, and brilliant cast made "Sherlock" a true hit. Cumberbatch became a style and intellect icon, and the name "Sherlock" was back in vogue.

Unusual Versions

Henry Cavill. "Enola Holmes" (2020, 2022)

In these family adventures, the focus is not on Holmes himself, but on his younger sister, Enola. However, Cavill as the older brother is incredibly charming—strict but caring, brilliant but human.

Trailer for 'Enola Holmes'

And even though deduction isn't the main focus here, the character is recognizable and warm. Moreover, Cavill looks perfectly suited in his costume.

Jonny Lee Miller. "Elementary" (2012–2019)

Holmes is in New York, Watson is a woman. The writers took a bold path and it paid off. In this version, Holmes is a former addict and police consultant, and his partner (played by Lucy Liu) helps him not only in investigations but also in his struggle with addiction.

Trailer for 'Elementary'

7 seasons, complex crimes, and a fresh take on the classic.

Ian McKellen. "Mr. Holmes" (2015)

Holmes in retirement, losing his edge and memory—an unexpected and touching twist. In the film "Mr. Holmes," McKellen plays an aging detective trying to recall his last case.

Trailer for 'Mr. Holmes'

It's an intimate, almost philosophical drama about time, memory, and the price of loneliness. Not a blockbuster, but a very personal and powerful film.

Sherlock Holmes Day is a great excuse to rewatch something from this list. Or at least say "elementary" to someone. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com talked about the five best horror short films.