12 Movies Like Sherlock You Need to Watch
Explore 12 smart crime, mystery, and thriller picks with sharp detectives, clever cases, and a mix of drama and humor for your next watch.
If you’re hunting for clever crime stories with sharp deduction, uneasy alliances, and a little wit, this list is built for you. Fans searching for movies like Sherlock usually want more than a simple mystery — they want layered cases, memorable investigators, and a mix of tension, drama, and humor. That’s why this page pulls together standouts such as Sherlock (2010), Elementary (2012), Harrow (2018), Castle (2009), and CSI: Vegas (2021), along with newer picks like Silent Truth (2026) and Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole (2026). You’ll also find The Irregulars (2021), which leans into darker suspense, plus other titles that blend crime, mystery, thriller, drama, and comedy in smart ways. With 12 options total, it’s an easy place to find your next favorite investigator-led watch.
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01
Elementary
crime · drama · mystery
A modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare - a sober companion, Dr. Watson.
Directed by Guy Ferland, Christine Moore, John Polson, Ron Fortunato, Seith MannCast Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Aidan Quinn, Jon Michael Hill, Jordan GelberAmazon Prime VideoHulu -
02
Harrow
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
When a dark secret from this past threatens to be exposed, unorthodox and brilliant medical examiner, Doctor Daniel Harrow, must use all his forensic skills to keep it buried forever.
Directed by Peter Andrikidis, Grant Brown, Catherine Millar, Tony Tilse, Mairi CameronCast Ioan Gruffudd, Darren Gilshenan, Damien Garvey, Ella Newton, Hunter Page-LochardHulu -
03
CSI: Vegas
crime · drama · mystery
Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.
Directed by Kenneth Fink, Benny Boom, Gina Lamar, Nicole Rubio, Nathan HopeCast Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Mandeep Dhillon, Jay Lee, Ariana GuerraParamount Plus -
04
Castle
comedy · crime · drama · mystery · romance
After a serial killer imitates the plots of his novels, successful mystery novelist Richard "Rick" Castle receives permission from the Mayor of New York City to tag along with an NYPD homicide investigation team for research purposes.
Directed by Rob Bowman, John Terlesky, Bill Roe, Bryan Spicer, Paul HolahanCast Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Molly C. QuinnAmazon Prime VideoHulu -
05
Silent Truth
crime · drama · mystery
When a detective returns to his hometown to investigate a murder case, he uncovers shocking connections to the primary suspect and the weapon.
Cast Ryoma Takeuchi, Mao Inoue, Kôji Seto, Daichi Watanabe, Noriko EguchiNetflix -
06
The Irregulars
crime · drama · fantasy · mystery
In Victorian London, a gang of troubled street teens are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes. As the crimes take on a horrifying supernatural edge and a dark power emerges, it'll be up to the Irregulars to come together to save not only London but the entire world.
Directed by Joss Agnew, Johnny Allan, Weronika TofilskaCast McKell David, Thaddea Graham, Jojo Macari, Harrison Osterfield, Darci ShawNetflix -
07
Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A brilliant but troubled detective, Harry Hole, hunts a serial killer while battling a corrupt adversary, Tom Waaler, as they navigate ethical gray areas, with Harry determined to bring the criminal to justice.
Directed by Øystein Karlsen, Anna ZackrissonCast Tobias Santelmann, Joel Kinnaman, Ellen Helinder, Anders Baasmo, Pia TjeltaNetflix -
08
The ABC Murders
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
1933. Hercule Poirot, older and greyer, receives letters threatening murder. The sender signs themselves only as “A.B.C.” When he takes the letters to the police looking for help, Hercule finds all his old friends have moved on. But soon there is a murder and the once-great detective must take matters into his own hands.
Directed by Alex GabassiCast John Malkovich, Eamon Farren, Michael Shaeffer, Rupert Grint, Conrad McCroddanAmazon Prime Video -
09
The Crow Girl
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
DCI Jeanette Kilburn and eminent psychotherapist Dr. Sophia Craven join forces to hunt the killer of young men. The investigation takes Jeanette and Sophia into a dangerous world of historic abuse and murder.
Directed by Charles Martin, Rebecca RycroftCast Eve Myles, Katherine Kelly, Clara Rugaard, Victoria Hamilton, Elliot EdusahAMC+ -
10
Missing You
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
When Detective Kat Donovan matches on a dating app with the fiancé who disappeared years before, she learns that some secrets are best left in the past.
Directed by Nimer Rashed, Isher SahotaCast Rosalind Eleazar, Ashley Walters, Richard Armitage, Mary Malone, Jessica PlummerNetflix -
11
Liar
crime · drama · thriller
A teacher and a surgeon are rocked by scandalous accusations after they enjoy a seemingly innocent date.
Directed by James Strong, Samuel Donovan, Chris SweeneyCast Joanne Froggatt, Ioan Gruffudd, Zoë Tapper, Danny Webb, Richie CampbellAMC+ -
12
The Mentalist
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Patrick Jane, a former celebrity psychic medium, uses his razor sharp skills of observation and expertise at "reading" people to solve serious crimes with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Directed by Chris Long, Eric Laneuville, John F. Showalter, Charles Beeson, Randy ZiskCast Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda RighettiHulu
Wrapping Up
Whether you prefer a brilliant but difficult detective, a team solving cases under pressure, or a mystery with a lighter edge, this roundup gives you plenty of directions to explore. The best part is the range: some picks are serious and suspenseful, while others bring in humor, character chemistry, or a more modern procedural feel. Bookmark this page so you can come back whenever you want another smart crime series or film to queue up. We update it regularly as new releases arrive and fresh recommendations fit the same kind of appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these movies similar to Sherlock?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026