Sherlock Holmes poster

Sherlock Holmes

"Nothing escapes him."

Movie PG-13 2009 2h 9m 7.2 /10
Directed by Guy Ritchie

Holmes and Watson join forces to face a fresh threat that tests both intellect and nerve. The pair chase a shadowy foe who uses spectacle and cunning to influence public fear and national politics. They dash through foggy streets, crowded markets, and dim interiors, using quick deductions,... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 02, 2026

About Sherlock Holmes

Holmes and Watson join forces to face a fresh threat that tests both intellect and nerve. The pair chase a shadowy foe who uses spectacle and cunning to influence public fear and national politics. They dash through foggy streets, crowded markets, and dim interiors, using quick deductions, chemistry, and improvisation to stay one step ahead. Each clue tightens a conspiracy that could shake the country, forcing Holmes to blend science with flair and Watson to ground the plan with steady resolve. The film embraces Ritchie's stylish visuals and brisk pace, turning clues into a lively collage that mirrors Holmes's restless mind and keeps you guessing. The tone blends humor with danger and lets the action breathe without losing the mystery.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, this brisk adaptation reimagines Conan Doyle's iconic duo for a modern, kinetic audience. The screenplay by Michael Robert Johnson and Simon Kinberg blends the source material with a contemporary edge, packing humor, danger, and set pieces.

With a 90 million budget, the film grossed 524,028,679 worldwide, marking a major box office success and helping to establish a franchise built around a new cinematic take on the detective, appealing across ages, international markets, and mystery fans globally.

The film's brisk pacing, witty dynamics, and visual flair helped redefine Sherlock Holmes for a broad audience, inspiring thrillers and period adventures to emphasize momentum and banter. Its London atmosphere and action heavy sequences became touchstones in pop culture. Merchandise, fan theories, and renewed appetite for stylish detective adventures followed.

Many critics highlighted the balance of intellect and bravado, while some noted tonal shifts from traditional portrayals. Downey and Law sustain chemistry and the production design keeps momentum, contributing to a positive reception. Its popularity also reshaped expectations for adaptations of Victorian icons in screen storytelling, blending detail with pace.

What Viewers Are Saying

7.2/10
from 14,547 ratings

Fans say RDJ nails the witty banter with Watson, turning Holmes into a swaggering, fast moving guy who still feels clever, with Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler adding flair. Action hits hard with kinetic fight scenes and flashy CGI, and Mark Strong's Lord Blackwood provides a solid menace even if his screen time is a bit lean. Mary Morstan's romance helps pace the second act and gives the Victorian London spectacle some warmth, keeping things stylish and entertaining even when the movie runs long.

Details

Release Date
December 23, 2009
Runtime
2h 9m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
14,547 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery
Country
United States
Collection
Sherlock Holmes Collection
Studio
Warner Bros. Pictures +3 more
Budget
$90,000,000
Box Office
$524,028,679
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.

Sherlock Holmes

Jude Law

Jude Law

Dr. John Watson

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams

Irene Adler

Mark Strong

Mark Strong

Lord Henry Blackwood

Eddie Marsan

Eddie Marsan

Inspector Lestrade

Robert Maillet

Robert Maillet

Dredger

Geraldine James

Geraldine James

Mrs. Hudson

Kelly Reilly

Kelly Reilly

Mary Morstan

William Houston

William Houston

Constable Clark

Hans Matheson

Hans Matheson

Lord Coward

Director: Guy Ritchie

Written by: Anthony Peckham, Simon Kinberg, Lionel Wigram

More from Sherlock Holmes Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sherlock Holmes is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video or buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

With a rating of 7.2/10 from 14,547 viewers, Sherlock Holmes is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Holmes and Watson join forces to face a fresh threat that tests both intellect and nerve. The pair chase a shadowy foe who uses spectacle and cunning to influence public fear and national politics. They dash through foggy streets, crowded markets, and dim interiors, using quick deductions, chemis...

Sherlock Holmes stars Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, and Eddie Marsan.

Sherlock Holmes was directed by Guy Ritchie.

Sherlock Holmes was released on December 23, 2009.

Sherlock Holmes is a Action, Adventure, Crime, and Mystery film.

He portrays Sherlock Holmes, the eccentric consulting detective. Jude Law plays Dr. John Watson as Holmes's partner in solving the case.

Jude Law stars as Dr. John Watson, Holmes's loyal friend and ally. The film centers on their teamwork to untangle a dangerous plot.

Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, a key character in the story. Her presence adds a complex dynamic to Holmes and Watson's investigation.

No, it is a fictional story inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's characters. The movie draws on Doyle's Sherlock Holmes but depicts events created for the film.