Sherlock Holmes

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2:26

Sherlock Holmes

PG-13

Released Dec 25, 2009

2h 8m

Action

Adventure

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

69%

Tomatometer

249 Reviews

77%

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250,000+ Ratings

When a string of brutal murders terrorizes London, it doesn't take long for legendary detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his crime-solving partner, Dr. Watson (Jude Law), to find the killer, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). A devotee of the dark arts, Blackwood has a bigger scheme in mind, and his execution plays right into his plans. The game is afoot when Blackwood seems to rise from the grave, plunging Holmes and Watson into the world of the occult and strange technologies.

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Critics Consensus

Guy Ritchie's directorial style might not be quite the best fit for an update on the legendary detective, but Sherlock Holmes benefits from the elementary appeal of a strong performance by Robert Downey, Jr.

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Shubhra Gupta

The Indian Express

Watch it, by all means, for a dazzling visual feast, but be warned, this Sherlock is more show than tell.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 17, 2019

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Ed Koch

The Atlantic

The Victorian sets are terrific and the performances of Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, both consummate actors with a special style, are excellent. Nevertheless, their performances are not enough to compensate for a less than stellar script.

Jan 16, 2018

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

As for the film itself, in true Guy Ritchie style is was all over the place with the craziness. But if you can set aside your image of Boyle's Sherlock, you may enjoy this a little more.

Rated: B

Sep 11, 2017

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Elliott Cuff

Loud and Clear Reviews

Sherlock Holmes remains a strong calling card for Ritchie, as well as an under-appreciated chapter in the respective careers of its star-studded cast.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 20, 2025

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Ritchie [has] slapped the viewer across the face to get their attention, and in the process changed the character for a less attentive audience.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 28, 2023

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Guy Ritchie brings his slick crime movie style to the old-school detective stories of Arthur Conan Doyle and turns the venerable detective into a strapping, scrapping action hero...

Apr 22, 2022

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Dylan W

R.D.Js adaptation of this wildly estranged yet genius character is all but one the best. Despite the lack of seriousness, the comedy in which portrayed shines "It's hard being the smartest person in the room" view as he mocks the narrow view of his peers. From another perspective, I have ADHD and this peaks functionality of my brain. I enjoy this movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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Tyler S

Overall, not bad. First time experiencing Sherlock Holmes content, and it was definitely unlike anything I've seen. RDJ as Sherlock was cool to see, but I laughed how I was just watching an English Tony Stark from the 1890s. Really didn't think the overarching plot fit the whole story, and the antagonist was kind of underwhelming. He did not feel as menacing as he was prolly made out to be. But still look forward to the next one.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

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Adam K

Beautifully done and a fun adventure

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

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jenifer d

Love the style the Patina the Sepia. it’s fun. don’t take it so seriously. Fun combo and aesthetic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/24/25

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Witch King o

Guy Ritchie's adaptation delivers a thrilling and stylish experience. The intricate plot, stunning visuals and breathtaking fight or flight sequences are a testament to Ritchie's masterful storytelling. Robert Downey Jnr and Jude Law have electric chemistry and bring a fresh energy to the characters.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

Full Review

Andy B

Although it takes a while to get into the mumbly, rapid fire dialogue and adjust expectations to realise the whole thing is very silly, it's actually a fun watch which painstakingly sets up up a thoroughly rubbish sequel. Taken for what it is though, it's a novel and enjoyable film.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/02/24

Full Review

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Guy Ritchie

Director

Robert Downey Jr.

Sherlock Holmes

Jude Law

Dr. John Watson

Rachel McAdams

Irene Adler

Mark Strong

Blackwood

Eddie Marsan

Inspector Lestrade

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Sherlock Holmes: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

When a string of brutal murders terrorizes London, it doesn't take long for legendary detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his crime-solving partner, Dr. Watson (Jude Law), to find the killer, Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). A devotee of the dark arts, Blackwood has a bigger scheme in mind, and his execution plays right into his plans. The game is afoot when Blackwood seems to rise from the grave, plunging Holmes and Watson into the world of the occult and strange technologies.

Director: Guy Ritchie
Producer: Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, Dan Lin
Screenwriter: Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, Simon Kinberg
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Silver Pictures, Wigram Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Sequences of Action|A Scene of Suggestive Material|Intense Sequences of Violence|Startling Images)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 20, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $209.0M
Runtime: 2h 8m

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