IMDb 6.8 1985 HD

Young Sherlock Holmes

Young Sherlock Holmes

1985
Adventure Mystery Thriller
109 min PG-13 USA
6.745 / 10
6.8 IMDB

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson meet as boys in an English Boarding school. Holmes is known for his deductive ability even as a youth, amazing his classmates with…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Barry Levinson / Andrew Grieve / Michael Murray / Ian Hickinbotham / Peter Heslop
Starring
Nicholas Rowe / Alan Cox / Sophie Ward / Anthony Higgins / Susan Fleetwood / Roger Ashton-Griffiths / Matthew Ryan / Earl Rhodes

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

charming intriguing entertaining nostalgic ambitious spirited delightful fantastical impressive engaging clever adventurous

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 21, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This cinematic journey into the early life of Sherlock Holmes is a rare treat, blending the wonder of childhood with the thrill of detection. The film’s strength lies in its ability to present a young Holmes who is…

A
Arthur Finch
May 21, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As an exploration of Sherlock Holmes's youth, this film presents an intriguing premise but doesn't always hit the mark. Nicholas Rowe capably embodies the young detective, showcasing early signs of his prodigious talent. The narrative, however, becomes quite…

P
Penelope Ainsworth
May 21, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'Young Sherlock Holmes' is a surprisingly sophisticated and visually rich adventure that revitalises a beloved character. The film excels in its portrayal of the burgeoning friendship between Holmes and Watson, grounding the fantastical elements in relatable youthful dynamics.…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 21, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This 1985 production attempts to deconstruct the legend of Sherlock Holmes by taking us back to his school days, and largely succeeds. The performances from the young cast are commendable, particularly Rowe's portrayal of a boy already possessing…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 21, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A charming and spirited origin story, 'Young Sherlock Holmes' offers a delightful glimpse into the formative years of Britain's most famous detective. Nicholas Rowe embodies a youthful, yet remarkably astute, Holmes, ably supported by Alan Cox as the…

FAQs

The film boasts a rich and atmospheric visual presentation, characteristic of late 1980s blockbuster filmmaking. The boarding school environments are rendered with a sense of historical authenticity, evoking classic British academia. The production design effectively contrasts the familiar settings of school life with the more exotic and mysterious elements introduced by the Egyptian cult's plot. This visual richness contributes significantly to the film's immersive and adventurous quality.