Young Sherlock Holmes
"Before a lifetime of adventure, they lived the adventure of a lifetime."
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
Watch NowNot Currently Available On (8 platforms)
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
Sherlock Holmes
Alan Cox
John Watson
Sophie Ward
Elizabeth Hardy
Anthony Higgins
Professor Rathe
Susan Fleetwood
Mrs. Dribb
Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Det. Sgt. Lestrade
Matthew Ryan
Dudley's Friend
Earl Rhodes
Dudley
Freddie Jones
Chester Cragwitch
Patrick Newell
Bentley Booster
Director: Barry Levinson
Written by: Chris Columbus, Arthur Conan Doyle