Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) movies in order
Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) Marathon

View Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) movies in order

Page Last Modified:

4 December 2025

Most Recent Release:

Dressed to Kill - 1946

Total Runtime:

977 Minutes

Total Items:

14

Average User Score:

(6.9)

Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) movies in order

Craving an evening steeped in mystery, murder, and sharp deduction? Look no further than a Sherlock Holmes Basil Rathbone movie marathon. These detective classics from the '30s and '40s are the epitome of vintage film noir: black and white, brimming with intrigue, and drenched in foggy London ambiance. With fourteen films to choose from, and a viewing order that doesn't match their release dates, making a selection can be daunting. Fear not here's your ultimate chronological guide to a Holmes marathon featuring Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as the iconic duo. So, grab your popcorn, brew some tea, and settle into Baker Street 221B. Let's dive in.

977 Minutes 14 Movies
  1. The Hound of the Baskervilles Backdrop 1
    The Hound of the Baskervilles Movie 80 min. 1939
    When 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 Backdrop 2
    The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Movie 85 min. 1939
    Having 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 Backdrop 3
    Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror Movie 65 min. 1942
    England, 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 7
  4. Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon Backdrop 4
    Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon Movie 68 min. 1942
    In 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 Backdrop 5
    Sherlock Holmes in Washington Movie 71 min. 1943
    In 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 Backdrop 6
    Sherlock Holmes Faces Death Movie 68 min. 1943
    During 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 Backdrop 7
    The Spider Woman Movie 63 min. 1943
    Sherlock 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 Backdrop 8
    The Scarlet Claw Movie 74 min. 1944
    When 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 Backdrop 9
    The Pearl of Death Movie 69 min. 1944
    The 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 Backdrop 10
    The House of Fear Movie 69 min. 1945
    The 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 Backdrop 11
    The Woman in Green Movie 68 min. 1945
    Sherlock 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 Backdrop 12
    Pursuit to Algiers Movie 65 min. 1945
    After 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 Backdrop 13
    Terror by Night Movie 60 min. 1946
    Holmes 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 Backdrop 14
    Dressed to Kill Movie 72 min. 1946
    A 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)

Begin your marathon with the film that started it all: The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939). Directed by Sidney Lanfield and produced by 20th Century Fox, this gothic horror tale sets the perfect tone. Picture misty moors, a cursed family, and a demonic hound. Rathbone and Bruce shine as Holmes and Watson, setting a high bar from the start. While it's a loose adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, 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 takes liberties with the original stories but introduces George Zucco's iconic portrayal of Moriarty. The film delves into the rivalry between Holmes and his archenemy, showcasing their strategic battle of wits. With its Golden Age mystery cinema vibe, beautiful sets, and theatrical dialogues, it builds tension for what's to come.

Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942)

Fast forward to the Universal Pictures era with Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror, which transports the duo to World War II. Yes, from Victorian murders to Nazi espionage. This film marks the start of the "wartime Sherlock Holmes adaptations" and surprisingly works well. Rathbone remains true to Holmes, even in a modern setting. The film loosely draws from Conan Doyle’s stories, blending detective work with WWII espionage. Think propaganda, secret codes, and sabotage 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. A loose reimagining of "The Adventure of the Dancing Men," it adds wartime tension. Fans will enjoy Holmes's disguises, with Rathbone clearly relishing the role. Expect cryptic messages, mysterious villains, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing.

Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943)

Sherlock Holmes in Washington, the third in the WWII trilogy, takes the detective icon to the US a rare sight. Part political thriller, part classic espionage story, it involves a stolen document that could cost lives. Holmes in America may feel awkward at first, but the charm remains. Nigel Bruce’s Watson provides comic relief, balancing the tension. A must-see for fans of Holmes in unusual settings.

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 stand out. Holmes reveals a philosophical side, while Watson contributes seriously for once. An underrated gem in the series.

The Spider Woman (1943)

Enter Gale Sondergaard as the unforgettable Spider Woman. This film, a mash-up of multiple Conan Doyle stories, introduces an iconic female antagonist so compelling you almost forgive her crimes. Full of atmosphere, tension, and clever puzzles, Holmes is at his most manipulative and brilliant. Think 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. Many fans consider it the best in the series. Set in a misty Canadian village where a 'demonic spirit' claims victims, the atmosphere is pure Gothic horror mystery. Graveyards, midnight tolling bells, and villagers with secrets abound. The plot is tight, the cinematography sublime, and Rathbone is at his most intense. A film that gives you goosebumps not just from the story's weather.

The Pearl of Death (1944)

The Pearl of Death centers on a stolen pearl, a brutal killer, and mysterious clues. Based on "The Adventure of the Six Napoleons," it adds a dark twist. The introduction of the 'Creeper,' a silent killer with brute strength, lends an almost supernatural element. Holmes faces an otherworldly opponent, and it works surprisingly well. A treat for fans of jewel theft mysteries.

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 timeless detective mystery classic. The tense atmosphere, stormy nights, secret passages, and a cast full of suspects keep you engaged. Rathbone’s Holmes is analytically sharp, and his growing frustration is palpable as the mystery unfolds. Perfect for a rainy binge-watching night.

The Woman in Green (1945)

In The Woman in Green, we return to a psychological game of manipulation, hypnosis, and murder. Patricia Morison plays the femme fatale with flair, while Henry Daniell portrays a particularly sinister Moriarty. This film is a slow burn with a sinister end Holmes must use both intellect and intuition. The chillingly well-written and acted scenes between Holmes and Moriarty highlight 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 must protect a prince on a ship to Algiers while hostile agents lurk. It's a murder mystery meets cruise ship thriller. The film is lighter in tone, with humor and exotic flair. Don't expect profound philosophy, but enjoy a charming detective caper full of disguises and double-crossing. Perfect for a breather before the final films.

Terror by Night (1946)

Terror by Night takes place almost entirely on a train and yes, it's as fun as it sounds. Think Murder on the Orient Express vibes, with Rathbone’s Holmes solving a jewel theft and murder before the train reaches its destination. The setting creates a claustrophobic atmosphere full of tension. The film is fast-paced, tight, and perfect for fans of murder-on-a-train plots. Great for a late-night session in your marathon, with snacks and blankets at hand.

Dressed to Kill (1946)

The marathon concludes with Dressed to Kill a worthy finale full of music, codes, and secret messages. The film revolves around three music boxes that form a treasure map, and Holmes and Watson must stop a criminal mastermind before it's too late. It's a clever, stylish ending with a balance of mystery and action. Rathbone exits the stage with class, and Bruce’s Watson has memorable moments. A perfect closer for an evening of deduction and nostalgia.

Finished watching? You can always start over or explore modern Holmes versions.