Young Sherlock Holmes poster

Young Sherlock Holmes

"Before a lifetime of adventure, they lived the adventure of a lifetime."

Movie PG-13 1985 1h 49m 6.7 /10
Directed by Barry Levinson

At a stiff English boarding school, a precocious boy named Sherlock Holmes uses his knack for noticing tiny details to outsmart classmates. He befriends a new pupil, John Watson, whose loyalty and curiosity match his own. When the pair stumble on a scheme aimed at silencing influential... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 22, 2026

About Young Sherlock Holmes

At a stiff English boarding school, a precocious boy named Sherlock Holmes uses his knack for noticing tiny details to outsmart classmates. He befriends a new pupil, John Watson, whose loyalty and curiosity match his own. When the pair stumble on a scheme aimed at silencing influential businessmen through a mysterious Egyptian order, they become determined to uncover who is pulling the strings. The mystery threads together hidden passages, coded notes, and a danger that seems bigger than a schoolyard prank. As they chase clues from dormitories to city streets, Holmes's analytic eye and Watson's steadiness push them toward a confrontation that demands wit, courage, and teamwork. No spoilers, just a brisk puzzle adventure. The stakes feel personal yet playful.

Barry Levinson directs this youth oriented take on Holmes, adapting Arthur Conan Doyle's characters with a screenplay by Chris Columbus. Released in 1985, the film updates the legend for a school age audience while delivering playful mystery and action throughout.

The film carried an 18 million dollar budget and earned roughly 63.7 million worldwide, a solid return for a family friendly mystery that drew audiences into a boy powered take on the iconic detective and overseas markets too at times.

Even if it didn't become a franchise beacon, the film helped popularize a lighter, adventure driven angle on Sherlock Holmes for younger viewers. The brisk pace, clever clues, and boarding school setting left a mark on fans who remember it as a distinctive early screen iteration that amused families everywhere.

Critics noted the brisk pacing and its appeal to family audiences, with emphasis on observation and deduction as core themes. The film treats friendship and courage against a backdrop of danger, offering an origin tale for famous sleuth. Its balance of humor and danger invites viewers to chase clues themselves.

Details

Release Date
December 04, 1985
Runtime
1h 49m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
685 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Mystery, Adventure, Thriller
Country
United States
Studio
Amblin Entertainment +1 more
Budget
$18,000,000
Box Office
$63,700,000
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Nicholas Rowe

Nicholas Rowe

Sherlock Holmes

Alan Cox

Alan Cox

John Watson

Sophie Ward

Sophie Ward

Elizabeth Hardy

Anthony Higgins

Anthony Higgins

Professor Rathe

Susan Fleetwood

Susan Fleetwood

Mrs. Dribb

Roger Ashton-Griffiths

Roger Ashton-Griffiths

Det. Sgt. Lestrade

M

Matthew Ryan

Dudley's Friend

E

Earl Rhodes

Dudley

Freddie Jones

Freddie Jones

Chester Cragwitch

Patrick Newell

Patrick Newell

Bentley Booster

Director: Barry Levinson

Written by: Chris Columbus, Arthur Conan Doyle

Frequently Asked Questions

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

With a rating of 6.7/10 from 685 viewers, Young Sherlock Holmes is considered solid entertainment worth checking out. It's a good pick if you enjoy mystery, adventure, and thriller stories.

At a stiff English boarding school, a precocious boy named Sherlock Holmes uses his knack for noticing tiny details to outsmart classmates. He befriends a new pupil, John Watson, whose loyalty and curiosity match his own. When the pair stumble on a scheme aimed at silencing influential businessme...

Yes. Young Sherlock Holmes features a young version of Sherlock Holmes, a character created by Arthur Conan Doyle, in an original adventure. The film was directed by Barry Levinson and developed by Chris Columbus.

The movie is rated PG-13, so it's generally recommended for teens and older viewers. Parents may want to consider its mystery and thriller elements.