Movies - TV
Ranking The 10 Best Actors To Ever Play Sherlock Holmes
By BJ COLANGELO
10. Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill brought something unique and a new take on the role — but the estate of author Arthur Conan Doyle hated it so much that they filed a lawsuit over it.
Told through the lens of Enola Holmes, we see Sherlock through her eyes instead of his own. Regardless, Cavill made the character his own, and the Netflix films are better for it.
9. Sir Ian McKellen
Instead of a thrilling mystery, "Mr. Holmes" is a moving drama that allows Sir Ian McKellen to remind viewers that even legendary men are still mortal.
The movie examines what happens when a person renowned for their intelligence can no longer rely on their own mind. McKellen demystifies him in a beautiful manner.
8. Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. finds balance between Tony Stark and the physicality of old-school pugilists and turns "Sherlock Holmes" into a clever action antihero.
The pairing of Downey Jr. and Jude Law as John Watson makes this an unconventional take on the character, but a hell of a fun one.
7. Phil LaMarr
Phil LaMarr is one of the few Black men to play Sherlock Holmes. Before film and TV were a thing, Sherlock Holmes stories were frequently adapted into radio plays.
"Moriarty" completely subverts the world by painting the famed Professor Moriarty as an innocent man and Holmes as a bit of a villain. Don't miss out on this podcast from Audible.
6. Jonny Lee Miller
Jonny Lee Miller starred as Sherlock Holmes in "Elementary." Given seven seasons to explore the depths of the character, Miller is easily one of the very best.
Miller's Sherlock is a brilliant, chaotic mess trying to solve crimes and keep his life together. A recovering drug addict, he lives with his companion, Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu).