Top 10 Greatest Portrayals of Sherlock Holmes

[@WatchMojoUK]

Check out Top 7 Awful Films Sherlock Actors Want You To Forget: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJXVp56dYsloZsk

[@samhart4205]

Jeremy Brett is number one. The newer adaptations are flashier, and Cumberbatch even said he drew heavily from Brett's performance. However, Jeremy Brett is unsurpassed.

[@dorkarama3135]

Completely agree. It's a very theatrical performance, but so controlled. I love his interactions with Mrs Hudson: "You're under foot, Mrs Hudson."

[@samhart4205]

@@dorkarama3135 I agree. Jeremy Brett's performance is layered yet ominous. Like book Sherlock, he keeps on your toes with everything he does.

[@JoelEverettComposer]

Elementary my dear Watson! Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes.

[@RealComixx]

Would way rather Benedict Cumberbatch. He actually made me interested in the series. Jeremy Brett is just the only other acceptable one, the rest are trash

[@thejollysloth5743]

Yes, Jeremy Brett #1 for sure. An absolutely classic adaptation of Holmes. I consider him the closest representation of Holmes from the original books.

[@MarquisDeSacks]

Jeremy Brett always and forever! The man devoted his entire life, career, and even his sanity to not just portraying Holmes, but completely BECOMING HIM.

[@pdcasablanca]

Jeremy Brett embodied Sherlock Holmes, so he should be number one!

[@jaredfoss5668]

Jeremy Brett is the best Sherlock Holmes ever. No one else even comes close.

[@dorkarama3135]

No doubt.

[@yaoyaohorse7742]

quite so

[@AlanaLee-xv2qy]

100%

[@gregnatsch8787]

❤absolutely!

[@soulfulxombi]

Totally agree. I love modern Sherlock and think BC does a great job but for me Jeremy Brett is my favourite Sherlock he did an amazing job portraying him even in his final series when he was clearly not well at that point.

[@cyangtw]

Jeremy Brett should have been the top 1 on the list.

[@LuisAlbertoRodriguezGoff]

Yep. Without a doubt

[@GurinderSingh-T13]

Indeed❤

[@simonmaguire5250]

He's not? Then I'm not watching what's the point?

[@GrayWolf323]

Jeremy Brett is clearly #1

[@FullyCharged22]

There is no Sherlock but Jeremy Brett.

[@johnsummers9660]

Jeremy Brett was the best.

[@LusciousTwinkle]

TRUTH!!!!! I love both Cumberbatch and Downey Jr BUT they are not really Sherlock. Brett was obsessed with getting it right and he slayed it.

[@samhart4205]

Fact 💯

[@moller2159]

Vasily Livanov the best Sherlock Holmes ever. But people from western countries didn't see Soviet movies about Sherlock Holmes.

[@Chrisj53]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@DC-zi6se]

I've seen it. But Jeremy Brett is still #1.

[@eleanorshakespeare8477]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I mean c'mon lines like 'Shut up Anderson, you lower the IQ of the whole street' just brilliant.

[@Luvie1980]

Jeremy Brett and Benedict Cumberbatch have been the best. I wish Cumberbatch would do another installment.

[@gracehowell.]

'Without a Clue' needs a lot more attention. It's freaking HILARIOUS. Edit: Basil Rathbone is only at 6? His is one of the most famous portrayals! Maybe you should've done a longer list than a top 10, so you could include Ronald Howard's portrayal, as he gave us warmth and humour the others often don't.

[@davescurry69]

With due respect to Benedict Cumberbatch, there is no way he is a better Holmes than Jeremy Brett. Brett completely inhabits the role and persona of the great detective. Cumberbatch makes it his own, but falls short compared to the brilliant mix of logic and arrogance displayed perfectly by the great Jeremy Brett. Basil Rathbone should be much higher too. At least #3.

[@brandonio_granger]

The only answer is Jeremy Brett.

[@RitsusDarlingGirl]

Technically, my first exposure to Sherlock Holmes was Disney's "The Great Mouse Detective." Very underrated movie.

[@joshmartin4914]

We need a top-ten Moriarty list next!

[@annekezegers7477]

I would also go for a Top 10 Watson list

[@antonmorozenko6348]

Hell eah, Vasily Livanov is here!❤

[@youarealwayscorrect]

Still unforgivable that Robert Downey Jr. is above Livanov on this list - even he admitted that Vasily was the better Sherlock.

[@ludwikaolelkaandriewska7481]

Dlaczego nie? Na przykład dla mnie Wasilij Liwanow jest pierwszym Sherlockiem którego ja zobaczyłam w życiu. No, oczywiste ja całkiem nieźle rozmowiam rosyjską, dlatego oglądać było dość proste. Ale to naprawdę piękny film, jeden z najlepszych. A w ogóle, ja tak domyślam, że ludzie które nie czytali książkę, nie w stanie docenić filmu normalnie. Wasilij Liwanow jeden z najlepszych Sherlocków dla mnie. ❤

[@julianaylor4351]

Jeremy Brett's television series used every novel and short story that Conan Doyle wrote, for its adaptations. Whereas Sherlock is a mosaic of Conan Doyle's work, put together by its writers.

[@simonmaguire5250]

Sad to say they never did everyone.

[@julianaylor4351]

@simonmaguire5250 Which ones did they miss out? I'm presuming that Jeremy Brett was not available or they contained awkward subjects.

[@simonmaguire5250]

@@julianaylor4351 He's number two, with Benedict Cumberbatch number one. Now I would not have minded if they even had put Vasily Livanov the Soviet SH actor as number one as I've not yet seen the films but I've never read any bad reviews from anyone he even receive an Honorary MBE for the part (which is very odd) but he's number four. 10/ Michael Caine - Whitout a Clue (1988 Comedy Movie) 09/ Yuko Takeuchi - Miss Sherlock (female Modem Japanese TV series) 08/ Ian McKellen - Mr. Holmes (2014 Movie with an old Holmes) 07/ Henry Cavill - Enola Holmes Movies (Two done for Netflix) 06/ Basil Rathbone - for being Basil Rathbone 05/ Jonny Lee Miller - Elementary (Modem USA TV series) 04/ Vasily Livanov - The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (Soviet TV Movie series) 03/ Robert Downey Jr.- Three USA movies) 02/ Jeremy Brett - For being Sherlock Homles. 01/ Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock (Modem UK TV series)

[@BJWanlund]

As someone who grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I am not surprised that you forgot about William Gillette, but his work as Holmes has sadly been lost to the sands of time.

[@suryaprakash72771]

The best onscreen version of Sherlock Holmes would always be the late legendary actor Jeremy Brett of the hugely popular Granada TV series. He truly embodied the full aspect of that super sleuth which was faithfully rendered in his performance.

[@DBIVUK]

John Cleese as 'Arthur Sherlock-Holmes' in 'The Strange Case of the End of Civilisation as we now know it' (1977) is an interesting take on the character. And Peter Cushing was good in the Hammer adaptation. But personally I'd put Livanov and Brett as joint no. 1.

[@akaidatenshi]

Rest in peace, Yuuko Takeuchi

[@BigyetiTechnologies]

1 - Brett 2 - Rathbone The rest I couldn't say, though Cumberbatch at No. 6 at best

[@eyerebel763]

Jonny Lee Miller is so underrated IMO. I loved the way he portrayed empathy. I would have Jeremy Brett as number one and Jonny Lee Miller as number two. In terms of Benedict Cumberbatch, I’m in the minority, I did not enjoy his performance. I didn’t think it was bad in any sense. I just thought that other people did it better-or rather-I enjoyed other performances more lol. Again, just my opinion lol.

[@eyerebel763]

@WatchMojoUK_Hi! What telegram? Is there a link or something lol?

[@thecellulontriptometer4166]

To me the best, and most accurate to the author’s intent is Basil Rathbone. I can’t believe you have him at 6. He is the benchmark. I think WM is conflating the quality and modern production entertainment value with the quality of the acting.

[@SwHealy123]

I'm sorry but Cumberbatch shouldn't be number 1. Also Hugh Laurie in "House" should definitely be included as it is a version of Sherlock's Holmes.

[@arnepianocanada]

Jeremy Brett tops 1/2-dozen-plus posts right below. I too place his intense character detail, use of dramatic pauses, bipolar swinging etc. plus chemistry with BOTH Watsons at #1.👏🙏

[@Brooklyngangsta999]

Basil Rathbone is the root of Sherlock Holmes and the soul of it.

[@CloudSecurityGuy]

Jeremy Brett is the GOAT.. he sets the benchmark to which everyone is measured

[@SDC1949]

Accurate and Well said.

[@atuljoshi9349]

Oh ya Jeremy Bret as G.O.A.T. of SheHo, I forgot that terminology.... indeed...errr... elementary.....

[@bomcabedal]

Although Sherlock's first season started out promisingly, it was painful seeing the show being driven into the ground the way it was. By its fourth season it had become nigh unwatchable for me. However, there were problems from the outset. There are a couple of ways to identify a sub-par Sherlock Holmes adaptation, but an over-reliance on Moriarty is the main one.

[@achillesglacia7700]

Mary Watson?? Over reliance on maary ugh! , Before she came along Sherlock was an in control mastermind, then she shows up and they turn Sherlock into a autistic preschooler for his mom and dad Watsons

[@bomcabedal]

@@achillesglacia7700 The key with Mary in the stories is how she never comes between her husband and Holmes; on the contrary, you often get the impression she's all too happy to offload John. "New" Mary, by contrast, is a rival to Sherlock, and that changes the dynamic drastically. It can even be a valid choice if you then do something interesting with it, but here they basically split up traditional Holmes between Sherlock and Mary, making the former less interesting and the second not interesting enough. Worse still, with Mary killed you end up with half a Holmes.

[@jacquelinecoley1292]

The Fact that THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SHERLOCK HOMES is not here is a travesty.

[@johnradovich8809]

Totally agree!

[@williamburnham3659]

Basil Rathbone should have been in the top 3

[@abbeymclane6985]

Benedict Cumberbatch is my favorite Sherlock Holmes

[@yaoyaohorse7742]

flip no 2 and 1,please

[@therangestore2855]

yes!

[@firet101]

How could Robert Downey Jr rendition even make this list he completely missed the point of the character emphasized the wrong personality traits while downplaying more important ones Yes as much Sherlock Holmes as a Elvis wedding chapel minister

[@ramonribascasasayas7877]

Jeremy Brett for the win! Missing? Cristopher Lee aaaaaaand Robert Stephens.

[@johnradovich8809]

Lee and Stephens are my favorites. Great film!

[@nikoskn1252]

Jared Harris is the best Moriarty. HE EMBODED the role

[@akaidatenshi]

Agreed. A great non exaggerated and terrifying gentleman with a nuance that is needed for movies (unlike live theatre)

[@thejollysloth5743]

Basil Rathbone is definitely higher on the list!

[@lasencantadas8702]

Jeremy Brett, his voice and eyes, and Vasily Livanov - quite delicious russian humour, good music too

[@aitorgoniiradi6746]

.... and with the company of the Best Watson with big difference, SOLOMIN.. When Livanov's Holmes died you feel with the music and Watson like never. With the Other Holmes and Watson you can't Feel the same!! The Best Holmes probably is Brett but the Best couple is Livanov & Solomin.

[@bear5700whk]

My opinion: flip #1 and #2

[@bear5700whk]

Jeremy should ALWAYS be number one

[@therangestore2855]

it's not just an opinion it's a fact

[@atuljoshi9349]

No way Jeremy Brett HAS TO BE NO. 1

[@Pumpsboy]

No way on god's earth is Benedict cumber bore better than Jeremy brett

[@robhendo3865]

tom baker played sherlock holmes

[@aleksandarjankovski6542]

I love Cumberbatch’s portrayal. But he’s not #1. Sorry. It is Jeremy Brett every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

[@johnshields6852]

I'm old so Rathbone and Bruce is my sentimental pick, but Brett is the best, Robert Jr was amazing, Benedict was really good. The character is flat out my favorite in the history of literature

[@yaoyaohorse7742]

And add an honourable mention to include other great portrait like peter cushing

[@ericprocaccino1335]

😅 everyone saying Jeremy Brett never watched Basil Rathbone

[@טובהפולק-ה6ע]

I really love the movie Basil Rathbone plays Sherlock Holmes.

[@wren2900]

Livanov is the best. But western people will never see his superior performance

[@ondrejkratochvil4589]

No Peter Cushing? :(

[@tonylock4999]

For me the two best are Jeremy brett and Basil Rathbone

[@mariovaccarella6854]

Sorry to disagree, but, Basil Rathbone was the best of all Sherlock Holmes

[@thomaskummer9968]

It 's a shame no one remembers Ian Richardson he was the best ever, no doubt No.2 Rathbone No.3 Cushing No.4 Brett No.5 Cumberbatch Christopher Lee?😮

[@Natalia-oe2cq]

If Benedict Cumberbatch is the most popular it doesn't mean that he is the best

[@wizzgamer]

One of the worst lists I've seen no Peter Cushing and Basil Rathbone is usually nailed on for top 3.

[@simonleib1992]

Brett no 1 but also Rathbone the two are Holmes

[@MiguelRosMartinez]

Jeremy Brett is and ALWAYS will be ONE

[@clffliese26]

You left out the brilliant Christopher Lee in Sherlock Holmes and the Leading Lady and Sherlock Holmes: Incident at Victoria Falls. The, equally, brilliant Patrick Macnee played Dr. Watson. These two mini-series took place in the Golden Years.

[@reefconvy7291]

Please do a top 10 sherlock holmes stories at some point

[@delilahm9692]

Brett is number one

[@ronaldziegenhorn2209]

Brett. Rathbone, Downey, Cumberbatch, Miller. In that order. The Russian series, I have never seen, but hope to. The rest, do not waste your time.

[@Piece-Of-Time]

I've only watched Russian series. Can say that these were one of the most heartwarming movies I have ever seen

[@rajimus]

miller is better than RDJ and Cumber

[@JoachimFosse]

"Being around since the 1800s, it's hard to find new takes on Sherlock" A character being around for a long time makes alternate takes more likely lul

[@khope74]

The irony is the last shot of Jeremy.Brett on this has actually got Jude Law in the chair dressed as the woman.

[@SDC1949]

Yes. I thought that bit of trivia was ironic.

[@aitorgoniiradi6746]

The best Holmes is Brett but the best couple is Livanov & Solomin.

[@harryboyes2812]

Interesting that you don't mention Tom Baker's portrayal of Holmes. That was pretty good too.

[@MalcolmBrown-z5o]

Basil Rathbone did come close to Jeremy Brett.

[@cannon9521]

Ik it’s not technically Sherlock but Hugh Laurie’s retelling of the character introduced me to Sherlock and I feel like he deserves a mention

[@servingstfuhm6287]

How about top ten best animated cartoons/films portray Sherlock Homes?

[@NickyShearer]

It's Jeremy Brett and its not even close. Johnny Lee Miller is 2nd for a modern take on Holmes - far, far superior to Benedicts.

[@NickCC23]

So #1 and #4 are Dr. Strange and Iron Man.

[@gwynwellliver4489]

Another vote for Jeremy Brett for this household. "Sherlock" is brilliant, but Cumberbatch and Brett are apples and oranges. I have one word, "Mingling?"

[@mr.plague8624]

Are you serious?? Jeremy Brett is no.1 and will always be

[@bigboyfilmproductions8478]

I would have to agree with the comments Jeremy Brett should have been number 1 and Cumberbatch at 2 when I read the books, I find myself hearing Brett's voice and imagining him in the scene, and just as a note I have only seen Brett's performance from clips on KZbin, he plays Holmes so well I don't even need to see the series to know how well he gets the character down.

[@iljavieten687]

Although you're DEFINITELY right - you absolutely should watch the series!!!! At least seasons 1 & 2....I can almost guarantee that you'll like it, despite it being a little...outdated, productionwise...😉👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@bigboyfilmproductions8478]

@@iljavieten687 I have the book of all the Sherlock Holmes stories and I have gotten up to the scandal in bohemia and watched the first episode which adapts that story it does it perfectly talk about accurate.

[@fishpop]

Downey's Sherlock films were from 09/11? o_O Still wish we'd gotten a third film...

[@eileenbass952]

Best Holmes, Jeremy Brett. Best Moriarty, Andrew Scott.

[@pallavpurkayastha915]

Is this a joke? Jeremy Brett at 2? He is Holmes. Watchmojo has lost its mojo!!! You just lost a viewer forever...

[@chazm3]

Jeremy Brett

[@cathypiper9373]

Cumberbatch brought sexy to Sherlock. No other actor was able to do that no matter how good .

[@Consulting.Detective.221b]

Jeremy Brett should have been number one he was amazing as the role but stuck and fought the directors to stick to Doyle.

[@Moblinnonsense]

How dare you put Jeremy Brett at number two

[@brooklyntiger2806]

Jonny Lee Miller was my favorite Sherlock. I own the entire ELEMENTRY series on DVD!

[@thedoctor9g]

You forgot Ronald Howard and Tom Baker....two great portrayals!

[@gingaddict]

thank you for including Henry Cavill, I love seeing him in Enola Holmes!

[@rogerwhittaker4189]

I never heard of Jeremy Brett, but for me it's Robert downey jr ,because he takes Sherlock holmes to a whole new level and I even saw the animations from the late 90's to early 2000s when fox kid's used come on at the time.

[@Temeraire101]

Jeremy Brett is well worth a watch, great actor, faithful series.

[@AMC-ko7yr]

I think without RDJ's Sherlock Holmes the whole character would not have been so populair this day. It really deserved the nr 1 spot

[@mikedaknight8854]

Richard Roxburgh did a good job. But only played him once sadly.

[@Zekrel]

Animated incarnations should’ve been included because Theo Devaney definitely should’ve been at least an honorable mention.

[@Susah55555]

Benedict ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mikeallison7753]

The worst Sherlock Holmes countdown ever. Keep up the good work.

[@michaelhinz7043]

Basil Rathbone is the next best thing to Brett!

[@sarahblunden4372]

What about Nicholas Rowe in Young Sherlock Holmes?

[@CaptainJackSparrowSavvy]

My top Sherlock is Rathbone. Then probably Brett, then cumberbatch

[@FantasticOtto]

Cumberbatch shouldn't even be on this list due to the idiotic storylines of that series. And to put him above Jeremy Brett is insane.

[@Chrisj53]

Vasily Livanov is better

[@lifeofbekahh]

My favorite Sherlock Holmes are the Benedict cumberbatch, Robert downy jr, Hugh Laurie in house and Johnny lee miller in elementary 😊😍

[@alexfirefly1956]

Well, first of all, how dare you?

[@MrSavoya]

We all know that Benedict is only in first because of the pressure from his Fandom in the last video. Jeremy will always be the best.

[@frankmoniz1467]

Daffy Duck as Doorlock Holmes in Looney Tunes is my favorite portrayal, with Porky Pig as Watson, of course.

[@EmmaLee1210]

Jeremy Brett is best when it comes to video form. But if i can include radio drama, my absolute favorite would be Sir John Gielgud. BBC Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) was quite new, fresh, but that was it.