15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Sherlock

Calling all crime-solving enthusiasts! If you can't get enough of the quirky and brilliant detective, Sherlock, then you're in for a treat. We've curated a list of 15 must-watch movies that are oh-so-similar to this iconic series. Get ready to dive into a world of crime, drama, mystery, and thriller genres as you follow the thrilling investigations of these captivating characters.

1) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, released in 1984, takes us back in time to witness the legendary detective at work. Starring Jeremy Brett as Holmes, this series showcases his brilliant portrayal of the character, which many consider the best to date. While Sherlock, the modern-day rendition, captivated audiences with its quirky spin, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes draws you in with its classic charm. Brett's passing is truly a great shame, but his representations of Holmes should not be missed. The rest of the cast is excellent, and the sets and costumes are superb. If you are a fan of Sherlock and want to experience the essence of the original stories, this is the series for you. So grab your pipe, put on your thinking cap, and immerse yourself in the world of the iconic detective.

Release date: April, 1984
IMDB Rating: 8.7
16 Must-Watch Movies Like The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

2) Red Herring

Red Herring is a movie that, just like Sherlock, falls under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. While Sherlock impresses with its well-written plot and brilliant performances, Red Herring fails to deliver in most aspects. The plot of Red Herring revolves around a detective investigating his best friend who uncovers an assassin hunting through Las Vegas's power elite. However, the execution of the movie lacks the action and thrill that one would expect from a detective story. The main protagonist in Red Herring tries to pull off a brooding detective persona, but ends up with an excessive amount of musing that becomes comical. The acting is mediocre at best, with characters appearing bored throughout the film. The movie also incorporates Russian henchmen with a poorly executed accent. Moreover, Red Herring suffers from technical flaws and is ultimately repetitive and boring.

Release date: October, 2015
IMDB Rating: 2.7

3) Luther

Luther: DCI John Luther is a near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions. This show is reminiscent of Sherlock, with its gripping storylines and unique portrayal of a detective. Both shows fall under the Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller genres, but Luther takes a darker and grittier approach compared to Sherlock's more lighthearted tone. While Sherlock is set in modern-day London and features a highly-functioning sociopath as the protagonist, Luther showcases a flawed anti-hero who is haunted by his own demons. Despite their differences, both shows captivate viewers with their compelling characters and intense crime-solving narratives. If you enjoyed Sherlock and are looking for a thrilling detective series with a darker edge, Luther is definitely worth watching.

Release date: November, 2011
IMDB Rating: 8.4
15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Luther

4) The Sinners

The Sinners takes us into a gripping murder mystery, much like Sherlock. However, instead of modern-day London, we find ourselves in Iran, and it's the murder of a girl that sets the story in motion. The similarities lie in the shared genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, as well as the key topics of murder and detective work. Both films engage viewers with their intense plotlines and keep us guessing until the end. While Sherlock captivates us with its high-functioning sociopath detective and his loyal companion, The Sinners presents us with multiple perspectives on the murdered girl's life. It's a fresh take on the genre, giving us a different cultural backdrop and shedding light on the complexity of human nature. So if you're a fan of Sherlock and enjoy a good mystery, The Sinners will be right up your alley.

Release date: June, 2013
IMDB Rating: 5.7

5) The Hunter

The Hunter is reminiscent of Sherlock, the iconic detective series set in modern-day London. Both shows revolve around brilliant detectives solving captivating murder mysteries. While Sherlock Holmes is a "high-functioning sociopath," the protagonist of The Hunter is a young man working for a security service. Both shows feature gripping storylines that keep you on the edge of your seat. Sherlock boasts a runtime of 5280 seconds, while The Hunter is slightly shorter at 2700 seconds. The Hunter may not have received any nominations or awards like Sherlock, but it still delivers a powerful punch with its excellent drama, action, and excitement. If you loved Sherlock, The Hunter is a must-watch for its thrilling murder investigation and the adrenaline rush it provides.

Release date: June, 2014
IMDB Rating: 8.6

6) White Lines

White Lines is a series that will surely catch your attention if you loved Sherlock. While the two shows differ in terms of plot and characters, they share a common thread of mystery and intrigue. White Lines revolves around a woman's quest to uncover the truth behind her brother's disappearance, a famous DJ who vanished from Ibiza many years ago. Just like Sherlock, it keeps you on the edge of your seat as you try to untangle the web of secrets and solve the puzzle. Although the tones of the two shows may differ, with Sherlock being more cerebral and White Lines having a dash of hedonism, both series draw you in with their captivating storytelling and engaging characters. So if you're seeking another thrilling ride with a touch of suspense, White Lines is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: May, 2020
IMDB Rating: 6.6

7) The Last Detective

The Last Detective is reminiscent of Sherlock, the popular series that aired in 2010. Both shows revolve around the lives of unconventional detectives, but while Sherlock Holmes is a high-functioning sociopath in modern-day London, Dangerous Davies is an old-fashioned, decent detective who always gets the cases nobody else wants. Sherlock's genius and deductive skills are legendary, while Davies' dogged determination and old-fashioned decency have won him legions of loyal fans. While Sherlock is known for its gripping and suspenseful plots, The Last Detective strikes a balance between humor and drama, making it a delightful watch. Peter Davison does a fantastic job portraying Davies as a nice guy who often finishes last, but not always. Sean Hughes adds to the charm of the show with his comedic character, Mod.

Release date: February, 2003
IMDB Rating: 7.8

8) Blue Murder

Blue Murder, like Sherlock, is a crime drama series that will captivate you with its intriguing murder mysteries. While Sherlock takes place in modern-day London, Blue Murder is set in the same city but with a different twist. It follows the story of single mother DCI Janine Lewis, who not only solves high-profile murders but also tackles the challenges of raising four children. The show's ability to balance Janine's home life with her police work is inspiring, and you'll find yourself rooting for her as she navigates through the complexities of both worlds. Just like Sherlock, Blue Murder has a strong cast of characters that bring the stories to life. Janine, played by Caroline Quentin, is a compelling and relatable protagonist, and her interactions with characters like Richard, Butchers, and Sharp add depth and humor to the series. Although Blue Murder may not have received as many nominations and awards as Sherlock, it still delivers an enjoyable and engaging viewing experience.

Release date: May, 2003
IMDB Rating: 7.3

9) Un-Go

Un-Go is a post-war Japanese anime series that shares some similarities with Sherlock. Both shows revolve around a detective solving murder cases, but the similarities end there. While Sherlock is set in modern-day London and features a genius detective and his war veteran partner, Un-Go takes place in a post-war Japan and introduces a detective who relies on his supernatural assistant. The tone of the two shows also differs - Sherlock is known for its quirky and witty humor, while Un-Go has a darker and more mysterious atmosphere. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed the cleverness and intrigue of Sherlock, you may find Un-Go to be a captivating and unique anime series worth exploring.

Release date: October, 2011
IMDB Rating: 6.6

10) Joyride

Joyride takes viewers on a thrilling adventure reminiscent of Sherlock. While Sherlock showcases a "high-functioning sociopath" detective solving crimes in modern-day London, Joyride follows three girls who steal a car and embark on a reckless journey. Both movies explore the themes of friendship, crime, and mystery. However, unlike Sherlock, Joyride adds an exciting twist of love, sex, violence, and humor. With its young cast, rock 'n' roll soundtrack, and suspenseful plot, Joyride is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a wild and unpredictable ride. So buckle up and get ready for a holiday to die for...

Release date: September, 2005
IMDB Rating: 4.9

11) Triple Dog

Triple Dog is reminiscent of Sherlock in its exploration of friendship and mystery. While Sherlock takes a modern spin on Conan Doyle's iconic detective, Triple Dog delves into the thrilling world of teenage girls on a competitive game of challenging dares. Both movies share the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, offering suspense and excitement to their viewers. Sherlock captivates with its high-functioning sociopath detective and his Afghanistan War veteran sidekick, while Triple Dog keeps you on the edge of your seat as the girls uncover the truth behind a former student's rumored suicide. Although their settings and characters differ, both movies provide an entertaining and intriguing experience. So if you enjoyed the wit and intelligence of Sherlock, you should definitely give Triple Dog a watch for a thrilling and unpredictable ride.

Release date: September, 2010
IMDB Rating: 5.7

12) A Good Man

A Good Man" is reminiscent of "Sherlock" in its exploration of friendship, murder, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. While "Sherlock" takes a modernized approach to the iconic detective, "A Good Man" delves into the life of a law school professor who witnesses his friend and mentor commit a heinous crime. Both stories challenge the notion of good and evil, forcing their protagonists to confront the consequences of their choices. However, "A Good Man" takes a different path by questioning the protagonist's moral compass and exposing the dangers of a black-and-white worldview. The film cleverly showcases the protagonist's struggle to justify his actions, gradually unraveling his belief in absolute morality. With its well-constructed narrative and thought-provoking themes, "A Good Man" offers a compelling exploration of morality that will leave audiences questioning their own ethical boundaries.

Release date: April, 2009
IMDB Rating: 6.3

13) Malevolent

Malevolent, released in 2002, is reminiscent of Sherlock, the popular series from 2010. Both movies belong to the Crime, Drama, and Thriller genres, and they share key topics of detective work and murder. However, while Sherlock takes a modernized approach to the iconic detective character, Malevolent revolves around a self-hating detective named Jack Lucas who is framed for a series of killings by a crafty serial killer. The runtime of Malevolent is slightly longer than Sherlock, clocking in at 95 minutes, giving viewers an intense and thrilling experience. With its intriguing plot and captivating performances by Lou Diamond Phillips, Edoardo Ballerini, and Kari Wuhrer, Malevolent is a must-watch for fans of detective stories and crime thrillers.

Release date: May, 2002
IMDB Rating: 5.2

14) Lonely Hearts

Lonely Hearts, released in 2006, is a movie that bears some similarities to Sherlock. Both films fall under the Crime, Drama, and Thriller genres, and involve the theme of murder. However, the resemblance ends there. While Sherlock is a modern-day adaptation of Conan Doyle's iconic detective, featuring a high-functioning sociopath in modern-day London, Lonely Hearts is based on the true story of Martha Beck and Raymond Martinez Fernandez, also known as the "Lonely Hearts Killers," who lured their victims through personals. Sherlock is known for its brilliant writing and well-acted performances, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in the lead roles. On the other hand, Lonely Hearts boasts excellent cinematography and costume design, but disappoints in terms of drama. Additionally, the casting of Jared Leto as Ray Fernandez is seen as a misstep by some viewers.

Release date: October, 2006
IMDB Rating: 6.4

15) Lady Vengeance

Lady Vengeance is a must-watch film, especially if you're a fan of Sherlock. While Sherlock takes us on a modern-day detective journey in London, Lady Vengeance explores the dark depths of revenge in South Korea. Both movies delve into the themes of murder and detective work, but Lady Vengeance takes it to a whole new level with its brutal and intense storyline. The cast's acting in Lady Vengeance is impeccable, and the film is visually stunning with sumptuous photography. If you're a lover of foreign cinema, this is a definite do-not-miss movie that will leave you awed, just like Sherlock did.

Release date: January, 2006
IMDB Rating: 7.5

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