Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) movies in order Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) Marathon
Page Last Modified:
24 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Dressed to Kill - 1946
Total Runtime:
977 Minutes
Total Items:
14
Average User Score:
(6.8)Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) movies in order
Do you ever find yourself craving an evening full of mystery, murder, and sharp deduction? If you're looking for a good movie marathon, I'd recommend checking out the Sherlock Holmes movies with Basil Rathbone. These detective classics from the '30s and '40s are the epitome of vintage film noir: black and white, full of intrigue, and drenched in foggy London ambiance. There are fourteen films to choose from, and they're not in release date order, so picking one can be tricky. Don't worry, here's your ultimate guide to watching a bunch of Holmes movies in order, with Rathbone and Nigel Bruce playing the classic duo. So, grab your popcorn, make yourself a cup of tea, and get comfy in Baker Street 221B. Let's dive in.
-
1
The Hound of the Baskervilles Movie 80 min. 1939When a nobleman is threatened by a family curse on his newly inherited estate, detective Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate.USER SCORE 7 -
2
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Movie 85 min. 1939Having once again avoided criminal conviction, Professor Moriarity develops a murderous plan to “finish off” his last major nemesis, Sherlock Holmes, by making him fail to prevent the perfect crime. Does it involve a family curse, the crown jewels of England, or something else…USER SCORE 7 -
3
Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror Movie 65 min. 1942England, at the start of World War Two. Mysterious wireless broadcasts, apparently from Nazi Germany are heard over the BBC. They warn of acts of terror in England, just before they take place. Baffled, the Defense Committee call in Sherlock Holmes.USER SCORE 6 -
4
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon Movie 68 min. 1942In the midst of World War II, Sherlock Holmes rescues the Swiss inventor of a new bomb-sight from the Gestapo and brings him to England, where he quickly falls into the clutches of the evil Professor Moriarty.USER SCORE 6 -
5
Sherlock Holmes in Washington Movie 71 min. 1943In World War II, a British secret agent carrying a vitally important document is kidnapped en route to Washington. The British government calls on Sherlock Holmes to recover it.USER SCORE 7 -
6
Sherlock Holmes Faces Death Movie 68 min. 1943During WWII several murders occur at a convalescent home where Dr. Watson has volunteered his services. He summons Holmes for help and the master detective proceeds to solve the crime from a long list of suspects including the owners of the home, the staff and the patients recovering there.USER SCORE 7 -
7
The Spider Woman Movie 63 min. 1943Sherlock Holmes investigates a series of so-called "pajama suicides". He knows the female villain behind them is as cunning as Moriarty and as venomous as a spider. Based on "The Sign of Four" and the short stories "The Dying Detective", "The Final Problem", "The Speckled Band" and "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot".USER SCORE 7 -
8
The Scarlet Claw Movie 74 min. 1944When a woman is found dead with her throat torn out, the local villagers blame a supernatural monster. But Sherlock Holmes, who gets drawn into the case from nearby Quebec, suspects a human murderer.USER SCORE 7 -
9
The Pearl of Death Movie 69 min. 1944The famous Borgia Pearl, a valuable gem with a history of bringing murder and misfortune to its owner since the days of the Borgias, is brought to London, thanks in part to Sherlock Holmes. But before long the jewel is stolen, due to an error on Holmes' part, and shortly thereafter, a series of horrible murders begin, the murderer leaving his victims with their spines snapped and surrounded by a mass of smashed china.USER SCORE 7 -
10
The House of Fear Movie 69 min. 1945The Good Comrades are a collection of varied gentlemen who crave one thing - solitude. They reside at Drearcliff House, ancestral home of their eldest member. All seems serene and convivial until one by one the members begin to perish in the most grisly of manners. Foul play is suspected by the Good Comrades' insurance agent, who turns to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson for guidance.USER SCORE 7 -
11
The Woman in Green Movie 68 min. 1945Sherlock Holmes investigates when young women around London turn up murdered, each with a finger severed. Scotland Yard suspects a madman, but Holmes believes the killings to be part of a diabolical plot.USER SCORE 6 -
12
Pursuit to Algiers Movie 65 min. 1945After the King of Rovenia has been assassinated, Holmes and Watson are engaged to escort his son to Europe via Algiers, aboard a transatlantic ocean liner which also carries a number of suspicious persons, any of whom may be involved in a plot to also assassinate him.USER SCORE 7 -
13
Terror by Night Movie 60 min. 1946Holmes and Watson board a passenger train bound from London to Edinburgh, to guard the Star of Rhodesia, an enormous diamond worth a fortune belonging to an elderly woman of wealth; but within the first hour of the trip, the woman's son is murdered and the diamond stolen and any of the passengers in their car could be the killer thief.USER SCORE 7 -
14
Dressed to Kill Movie 72 min. 1946A convicted thief in Dartmoor prison hides the location of the stolen Bank of England printing plates inside three music boxes. When the innocent purchasers of the boxes start to be murdered, Holmes and Watson investigate.USER SCORE 7
The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)
Sidney Lanfield directed it, and 20th Century Fox produced it. This gothic horror tale sets the perfect tone. Picture misty moors, a cursed family, and a demonic hound. Rathbone and Bruce are great as Holmes and Watson, and they set a high bar from the start. It's a loose adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's novel, but it captures the essence of a classic detective film with its menace, deduction, and eerie atmosphere of Baskerville Hall. This is more than a beginning, it's a statement.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939)
Next up is The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939), also under the Fox label. This film is a bit different from the original stories, but it gives us George Zucco's classic performance as Moriarty. The film looks at the rivalry between Holmes and his archenemy, showing their strategic battle of wits. With its classic mystery movie vibes, stunning sets, and dramatic dialog, it's setting the stage for something big.
Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942)
Let's jump to the Universal Pictures era with Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror, where the duo finds itself in the midst of World War II. Yeah, everything from Victorian murders to Nazi espionage. This film is the start of the "wartime Sherlock Holmes adaptations," and surprisingly, it works well. Rathbone stays true to Holmes, even in a modern setting. The film is inspired by Conan Doyle's stories, mixing detective work with WWII espionage. Think propaganda, secret codes, and sabotage. It's a crossover between a Holmes mystery and a Bond prequel.
Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942)
Holmes's wartime saga continues in Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon. This time, it's about a brilliant inventor, a secret weapon, and a new Moriarty, played by Lionel Atwill. It's a loose take on "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" with a wartime tension added. Fans will enjoy Holmes's disguises, with Rathbone clearly loving the role. Get ready for some mysterious messages, dangerous villains, and a plot that'll keep you on your toes!
Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943)
The third film in the WWII trilogy, Sherlock Holmes in Washington, is a rare treat as it brings the famous detective to the US. It's a bit of a political thriller, a classic espionage story, and it all comes down to a stolen document that could cost lives. Holmes in America might feel a bit weird at first, but it's still charming. Nigel Bruce's Watson is like the comic relief, keeping things balanced. If you're into Holmes in unusual settings, this is a must-see.
Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1943)
Returning to classic mystery vibes, Sherlock Holmes Faces Death feels like an Agatha Christie plot meets gothic horror. Picture a remote country house, strange deaths, and an inheritance dispute. The dark atmosphere, dramatic cinematography, and sharp dialogues really stand out. Holmes reveals a philosophical side, while Watson contributes seriously for once. A hidden gem in the series.
The Spider Woman (1943)
Check out Gale Sondergaard as the unforgettable Spider Woman. This film is a mix of different stories by Conan Doyle and introduces a really interesting female villain who's so captivating that you almost forgive her for her crimes. It's full of atmosphere, tension, and clever puzzles. Holmes is at his most manipulative and brilliant. Imagine a situation where you're dealing with poison, traps, and a cat-and-mouse game that keeps you on edge. The Universal horror influence adds a dark edge for mystery fans.
The Scarlet Claw (1944)
If there's one film not to miss, it's The Scarlet Claw. A lot of fans think it's the best one in the series. It takes place in a misty Canadian village where a "demonic spirit" is killing people, and the whole thing has a pure Gothic horror mystery vibe. There are graveyards, midnight tolling bells, and villagers with secrets. The plot is tight, the cinematography is sublime, and Rathbone is at his most intense. A film that'll give you the chills, not just because of the weather.
The Pearl of Death (1944)
The Pearl of Death is about a stolen pearl, a brutal killer, and some mysterious clues. It's based on "The Adventure of the Six Napoleons," but with a dark twist. The introduction of the "Creeper," a silent killer with brute strength, adds an almost supernatural element. Holmes is up against an otherworldly opponent, and it works surprisingly well. Fans of jewel theft mysteries will love this one.
The House of Fear (1945)
Set in a remote Scottish mansion where gentlemen's club members die one by one, The House of Fear has a classic whodunit feel. It's like a classic detective mystery novel. The tension, stormy nights, secret passages, and a cast full of suspects will keep you hooked. Rathbone's Holmes is analytically sharp, and his growing frustration is clear as the mystery unfolds. This is perfect for a rainy night spent binge-watching.
The Woman in Green (1945)
In The Woman in Green, we're back to a psychological game of manipulation, hypnosis, and murder. Patricia Morison plays the femme fatale with flair, and Henry Daniell is a particularly sinister Moriarty. This film is a slow burn, and it ends in a pretty sinister way. Holmes has to use both his brain and his gut. The super well-written and acted scenes between Holmes and Moriarty show why this duo is legendary in the Holmes cinematic universe.
Pursuit to Algiers (1945)
Pursuit to Algiers is the most adventurous film in the series. Holmes and Watson have to protect a prince on a ship to Algiers while there are some hostile agents around. It's a murder mystery with a cruise ship twist. The film is pretty light, with humor and a exotic flair. Don't expect deep philosophy, but enjoy a fun detective story full of disguises and betrayals. This is the perfect way to unwind before the last film.
Terror by Night (1946)
Terror by Night is set almost entirely on a train, and yes, it's as fun as it sounds. It's like a "Murder on the Orient Express" situation, with Rathbone's Holmes solving a jewel heist and murder before the train even reaches its destination. The setting is claustrophobic and full of tension. The film is fast-paced, tight, and perfect for fans of murder-on-a-train plots. This is perfect for a late-night session during your marathon, with snacks and blankets ready to go.
Dressed to Kill (1946)
The marathon ends with Dressed to Kill, a great finale full of music, codes, and secret messages. The film is all about three music boxes that form a treasure map, and Holmes and Watson have to stop a criminal mastermind before it's too late. It's a smart, stylish ending with just the right mix of mystery and action. Rathbone leaves the stage with class, and Bruce's Watson has some memorable moments. This is the perfect ending to an evening of deduction and nostalgia. Are you done watching? You can always start over or check out some modern Holmes versions.