How to watch

Sherlock Holmes (Guy Ritchie) Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Sherlock Holmes (Guy Ritchie) movies in order

Last updated: August 6 2026

Written by: ChronoChris

Sherlock Holmes (Guy Ritchie) is Guy Ritchie's stylish Sherlock Holmes action franchise starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Whether you want a quick binge or a full franchise marathon, having the right watch order makes the experience much smoother. These entries are easy to follow once you know where sequels and spinoffs belong, and that context makes the callbacks land much better.

These two films reimagine Holmes and Watson as bruised, brilliant adventurers, blending detective plotting with blockbuster action and rapid-fire dialogue. That makes it a useful franchise to map out before you start, especially if you want to see how the tone and scale change from one entry to the next.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order is the intended experience because A Game of Shadows builds on the character dynamic and visual style established in the 2009 film.

  1. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
  2. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

With only two entries, the main appeal is watching the duo's chemistry deepen while the scale of the mystery grows from one film to the next.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Chronological order does not differ from release order. The sequel takes place after Holmes and Watson have already settled into their partnership.

  1. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
  2. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Choose release order and enjoy the movies as a compact double feature. The first film does the heavy lifting of introducing this specific interpretation of Holmes, while the sequel goes bigger with Professor Moriarty and more elaborate set pieces. If you like detective stories with pulpy action and strong leads, this order gives you the cleanest and most satisfying progression. It is also the easiest way to decide whether the later entries are essential for you or just fun extras once you have seen the original hook.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • James Bond Watch OrderGuide
  • Mission: Impossible Watch OrderGuide
  • Indiana Jones Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!