Top 10 Sherlock Holmes Portrayals
#10: Nicholas Rowe “Young Sherlock Holmes” (1985)
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Kicking off our list is the young star of this Steven Spielberg movie, who’s portrayal is unique since it showcases the sleuth’s journey to become the icon we all know. Seeing as Rowe got to take on a formative version of the character on his very first case, his sleuth is a misfit that is socially awkward due to his intelligence; but at the same time, he’s definitely not lacking confidence.
#9: Michael Caine “Without a Clue” (1988)
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Thought a young Sherlock Holmes was unique and memorable? Well, Caine makes the list for his own distinct take on the character. In this comedy, he plays an actor hired by Watson to become the super sleuth so he can work incognito in the background to solve the crimes. Of course, Caine’s charm and magnetism gives way and eventually he rises to the challenges thrown his way.
#8: Christopher Plummer “Silver Blaze” (1977) & “Murder by Decree” (1979)
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Next up is a Canadian depiction of Holmes that is more in line with expectations, since he’s the right age and has a keen intellect. Aside from his strong presence and subtle undertones, Plummer also makes sure his version of the sleuth is much more human and in tune with his emotions than most others we’ve seen.
#7: Tom Baker “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1982)
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This actor is most famous for his portrayal of Doctor Who; however he is also notable for his depiction of Holmes in this four-part serial adaptation. While Baker felt that he failed to deliver, Sherlock buffs have always disagreed, citing his interpretation as memorable due to the natural eccentricity and charisma that came with him from his years as the Doctor.
#6: Robert Downey, Jr. “Sherlock Holmes” series (2009-)
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While this portrayal by the Iron Man himself takes place in the 19th Century, it feels especially modern. That’s thanks to Downey’s recasting of Holmes as not only a wild eccentric, but also as a mischievous, fist-throwing action star who can methodologically think about his exact moves in bullet-fast time. As most critics will attest, no one believed Downey could pull it off, but thankfully he proved them wrong.
#5: Peter Cushing “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1959) & “Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes” (1968)
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Playing the part in both a film and a 16-episode BBC series, Cushing gave a high-caliber regular performance, which is considered one of his best. Incredibly enjoyable and engrossing to watch, this powerful performance was punctuated by his unique charm. What gave Cushing an edge was the fact that he was an aficionado of the character, and he brought his literary knowledge with him to the set.
#4: Vasily Livanov “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1981) & “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson” (1979-1986)
Who knew that a Russian could have given one of the finest portrayals of the English sleuth!? Not only did this actor portray Holmes as a highly refined intellectual; he also threw in some warm wisdom and a sense of humor for good measure. Of course, this calm and inspiring take may’ve been influenced by the fact that Russian censorship removed any mention of Holmes’ reliance on drugs.
#3: Benedict Cumberbatch “Sherlock” (2010-)
Unique on our list is this Sherlock Holmes portrayal that’s designed for the 21stcentury, placing him in present-day London. Freeing the character from the traditions and restrictions of most incarnations, Cumberbatch’s Sherlock alternates between stillness and furious bursts of activity, and the viewer always sees the wheels of observation and calculation moving. This portrayal is also noteworthy for Holmes’ inability to deal with life outside work.
#2: Basil Rathbone Various (1939-1946)
This is the man who many critics argue has become the benchmark for any actor attempting to play Sherlock Holmes on screen. Of course, that’s partially because he got the look right: his deerstalker and cape outfit has managed to stay with the character for generations. Appearing in over a dozen Sherlock Holmes adventures, Rathbone popularly portrayed him as an energetic and omniscient sleuth that was more than a man. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
#1: Jeremy Brett Various (1984-1994)
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Taking the top spot on our list is the man considered the definitive Sherlock Holmes. It helps that he spent the most time solving screen crimes, appearing as the sleuth in 41 stories. Brett is notable for his wit and mannerisms, which made his Holmes especially compelling. The fact that he was bipolar in real life only heightened his already mesmerizing performance, down to his sudden manic outbursts. Do you agree with our list? Which interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective is your favorite? For more logical top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
