10 Best Sherlock Holmes Adaptations Ever to Scratch That High-Functioning Itch

10. Sherlock Holmes (1967–1968)

Don’t get us wrong, there were many Sherlock Holmes adaptations even before this short series, but we spared the most sensitive of you the need to watch in less than 360p. Starring Erich Schellow and Paul Edwin Roth, the 1960s’ Sherlock Holmes is as classic as they come, with just six episodes — each following a different case. Watch Sherlock Holmes on Plex.

9. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (1980)

Also known as “the Soviet Sherlock Holmes,” this mini-series consists of five two-part movies following different cases. While half-a-century old, this adaptation lures you in with its unwavering faithfulness to the source material and doesn’t let go: the subtle interactions between Vasiliy Livanov and Vitali Solomin are just that good.

Watch Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on Plex and Prime Video.

8. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1983)

Out of all Ian Richardson and Donald Churchill’s takes on Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, The Hound of the Baskervilles is probably our favorite. This is not to say that their other adventures are worse, but we love this story in particular, and this adaptation gives it its due fully. Can’t have too much of the Baskerville mystery, ey?

Watch The Hound of the Baskervilles on Plex and Prime Video.

7. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1985)

Jeremy Brett portrayed the iconic consulting detective for over a decade, and his journey began with David Burke in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The most notable part of this adaptation is Holmes himself: like Livanov, Brett clearly worshiped the novels, resulting in an outlandishly unique and compelling portrayal.

Watch The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes on Prime Video.

6. The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1986–1988)

If you’re wondering why we’re immediately back to Brett’s Holmes, then it isn’t about him personally. You see, after the first installment, he changed his Dr. Watson: David Burke left the series, and Edward Hardwicke took his place. If you’re searching for the best Holmes & Watson chemistry, this is definitely a duo to keep in mind.

Watch The Return of Sherlock Holmes on Prime Video.

5. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

With a solid twenty-year jump, we’ve entered the 20th century just in time to witness the revival of Sherlock Holmes adaptations. It started with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law’s bold take on the characters and their relationship, and the movie itself is quite notable as it’s a Guy Ritchie movie — filled with action, quips, and slick style.

Watch Sherlock Holmes on Max, Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

4. Sherlock (2010–2017)

Many tried to bring Holmes and Watson into the modern era, but no one has pulled it off as brilliantly as this BBC series. Four seasons only sound promising but they only have three two-hour-long episodes each plus the controversial Christmas special — so you’ll be left craving more Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman action.

Watch Sherlock on BBC, Netflix, and Prime Video.

3. Elementary (2012–2019)

We just told you that BBC’s Sherlock was the best modern-era adaptation, and that stands true — but we couldn’t ignore the second best modern version. Starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu as Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson, Elementary quickly found its niche even in the oversaturated era of Conan Doyle adaptations.

Watch Elementary on Paramount Plus and Prime Video.

2. Mr. Holmes (2015)

In live-action adaptations, Sherlock Holmes is pretty much always at his “peak” — sometimes, young. But what if it was Sir Ian McKellen who took over the hat of the iconic detective? Struggling with dementia and enticed to keep working by his fans, the elderly Sherlock is still great — and far more unique than the middle-aged one.

Watch Mr. Holmes on Netflix and Prime Video.

1. Enola Holmes (2020)

After all those adaptations of the classic Conan Doyle stories, you must be gravely tired of the same thing over and over again, albeit with some tweaks. How about an entirely new take on the Holmes family, then? Enola Holmes, the titular character of her own series, is Sherlock and Mycroft’s sister who aspired to become a great sleuth. Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Sam Claflin play the trio of siblings.

Watch Enola Holmes on Plex and Netflix.