The 15 Best Dr. Watsons, Ranked

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Among the most frequently adapted literary figures are Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Alice from Wonderland, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Jesus. However, unlike these characters who have iconic supporting characters in their stories, Sherlock seems inadequate without his trusted sidekick. To truly grasp the essence of famous literary characters often lies in their relationships with other characters or readers; however, trying to comprehend Sherlock Holmes without Dr. John Watson’s presence seems somewhat inconsistent.

In the tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Dr. Watson serves as both the window into Sherlock Holmes’ extraordinary intellect and his connection to regular, emotionally grounded human experiences. They are like a classic crime-solving duo, each depending on the other, showcasing an unusual camaraderie for their time – a Victorian illustration of men respecting and relying on one another, which would undoubtedly elicit a hearty “Yes!” from the gentlemen of that era.

In moving Watson from the pages of a book to TV and movie screens, the role’s essence undergoes transformation – it’s not essential or practical to tell the story via a first-person perspective on screen. Despite being 138 years old since his debut, Watson remains an invaluable narrative tool. He isn’t there to challenge Holmes’s detective abilities but is much more integral than a mere sidekick who limps along loyally; instead, he serves as a traditional foil, magnifying and intensifying the emotional response to the unraveling of intricate mysteries. Whether Watson is a narrator, a scene partner, or the human dimension to Holmes’s cold, unemotional persona, he plays a crucial role in conveying the tension and resolution experienced during investigations. Unlike others, Holmes only opens up to his trusted friend Dr. Watson.

In contemporary fandom circles, it’s common knowledge that a character who is superintelligent yet dislikes everyone except for the main audience stand-in creates a strong feeling of closeness. However, in CBS’s upcoming series “Watson“, premiering this weekend, this bond has been broken. A year after Holmes met his demise at the hands of Moriarty, Dr. John (Morris Chestnut) is left to rebuild his life in Pittsburgh. His specialist clinic aims to continue Holmes’ legacy, likely by zeroing in on minor details and making unconventional yet generally accurate deductions. As the show tries to prove that Watson can succeed without Holmes, we’ve compiled a list of 15 portrayals of Watson in film and TV that have expanded and reinvented the character beyond Arthur Conan Doyle’s original works.

15.
Kyle Mooney, Epic Rap Battles of History (2013)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=17CLlZuiBkQ

Drawing inspiration from “Epic Rap Battles of History,” this two-minute rap duel between Sherlock Holmes and Batman, featured in the second season of the humorous web series, showcases the loyalty and admiration that defines Dr. Watson by having him act as an enthusiastic hype man, albeit a bit prematurely since both characters are non-historical. In this brief stint, Saturday Night Live future star and Y2K director Kyle Mooney took on the role previously mastered by esteemed dramatic actors to mirror and amplify Holmes’ sharp quips. Within the confines of online comedy sketches, Mooney demonstrates that a significant part of Holmes’ appeal lies in Watson serving as a vocal sounding board and catalyst for our own anticipation and wonder. If Conan Doyle’s portrayal of the character was aware of rap battles, he might have acted like Mooney does here, rather than exclaiming “I say!” or “By heavens!”.

14.
Robert Duvall, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1976)

Herbert Ross’s movie “The Seven-Per-Cent Solution” is considered one of the best Sherlock Holmes fan films, with screenwriter Nicholas Meyer earning an Oscar nomination for adapting his own novel. The interesting premise is that Watson takes Holmes to Sigmund Freud (played by Alan Arkin) to help him quit cocaine addiction, and they solve a kidnapping case that could trigger World War I early. It’s an enjoyable adventure, but it falls short in the unique criteria we’re considering here.

Nicol Williamson portrays Holmes in a frenzied, intense way, while Alan Arkin plays Freud calmly and convincingly. However, Robert Duvall’s Dr. Watson struggles to make a significant impact due to his poor English accent that often disrupts the chemistry with his co-stars, despite his portrayal of a caring, resourceful partner being accurate. His performance is similar to Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s in “Nosferatu,” which was also divisive but memorable.

13.
Hubert Willis, Silent-Era Films (1921–1923)

Hubert Willis played the role of Watson while the creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was still alive. This happened during the era of silent films, and he appeared in 45 short adaptations and the 1922 full-length movie “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Unfortunately, there isn’t much known about Willis, and most critical analysis revolves around Eille Norwood’s portrayal of Holmes. Watson didn’t have many active scenes, but it’s intriguing to observe how their relationship was portrayed in silent film drama. Willis needed to physically express the bewilderment and astonishment before and after Holmes’ insights and clarifications, and he did this quite effectively when required. Some of these films from Stoll Film Studios can be found online in reduced resolution. The performances are showcased here as a tribute to their number and historical significance, rather than for their exceptional quality.

12.
Colin Blakely, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)

Billy Wilder’s professional journey didn’t fully regain momentum following the studio system’s disruption, and his unique portrayal of Sherlock Holmes’ truths and legends was marred by a challenging production process and the studio eliminating a third of the filmed content. The bold concept of an anthology film featuring Holmes critiquing himself while subtly hinting at his homosexuality for a roadshow picture was bound to be mishandled by cautious executives, and the final product failed to do justice to Wilder’s creative vision. As Holmes, Robert Stephens delights in antagonizing his less sharp counterparts and shares a strong rapport with Christopher Lee’s Mycroft; however, the forced light-comedy tone leaves Colin Blakely’s Watson with little more than reacting in disbelief and exaggerating surprise. Blakely’s performance exemplifies the issues with The Private Life – the endeavor to parody and deepen the public’s perception of this literary relationship ultimately recreates its most aggravating aspects.

11.
Nigel Bruce, Golden Age Films (1939–1946)

The portrayal of Dr. Watson by Nigel Bruce has been a subject of debate among historians. While Basil Rathbone’s interpretation of Sherlock Holmes is widely recognized and respected, critics argue that Bruce’s version of Watson diminished the character, transforming him from a competent partner to a comical, bumbling sidekick. However, it’s important to acknowledge that Bruce was a skilled and charming actor who had excellent chemistry with Rathbone. He significantly shaped the Watson role for a wide audience, something many other performances fail to achieve. Nevertheless, we feel that the ideal Dr. Watson should possess a greater intellectual and emotional depth than Bruce’s portrayal. For instance, is this the bedside manner we expect from Dr. Watson?

10.
Joanne Woodward, They Might Be Giants (1971)

If you’re curious as to why you may not have known that George C. Scott portrayed Sherlock Holmes, it’s because he didn’t play Holmes in a traditional sense. Instead, Scott plays Justin Playfair, a judge who has had a mental breakdown and sincerely believes he is the fictional character Holmes. The psychiatrist assigned to his case happens to be named Dr. Watson (Joanne Woodward), which only fuels Playfair’s delusion further. In this comedic, non-mystery plot, the rational Watson finds herself immersed in turmoil and chaos. Despite the play’s short run, Joanne Woodward’s performance showcases her ability to switch between self-assurance and instability convincingly; she effectively depicts a character who learns and adapts in real time why the fictional Watson holds such high regard for his companion.

9.
Jude Law, Sherlock Holmes, A Game of Shadows (2009–2011)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=N_c0y8BcKBU&list=PLZbXA4lyCtqps1XYwUdWCatKxpkcp8q78&index=5

One of the appealing aspects of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes films lies in the contrast between the ridiculous elements such as Victorian-era martial arts and playful banter, and the deep, dramatic undercurrent in the acting by Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Their portrayal of a buddy-cop duo is unique, with one character appearing truly unstable while the other demonstrates sincere concern and empathy. This Watson deviates from traditional Victorian stiffness and has shed many passive, bumbling traits typical in previous adaptations, replacing them with modern anger and urgency. Given Downey’s more manic portrayal of Holmes, Watson assumes a more active role in safeguarding him – a fitting adjustment for the thrilling, unrealistic action scenes that Ritchie includes. Additionally, this version of Dr. Watson exudes charm and dashingness.

8.
David Riley, Frogwares Sherlock Holmes Series (2004–2012)

In the game titled “Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” developed by Ukrainian game creator Frogwares, there is more than one instance where the game’s events mirror the original stories. The narrative journey begins with “The Case of the Silver Earring” and ends with “The Testament of Sherlock Holmes.” Throughout this series, English voice actor David Riley steps into the role of Dr. Watson, serving both as the narrator and a helpful assistant to Sherlock Holmes’ investigations. These adventures are not just about solving mysteries; they also involve encounters with famous characters like Cthulhu, Jack the Ripper, and Arsène Lupin. Voice performances for Holmes and Watson date back to radio serials in 1930, and Riley continues this tradition with a performance that is both convincing and endearing, giving Watson an emotional depth and classic charm that invites players to participate in unraveling the mysteries themselves. If you want to hear David Riley as Dr. Watson, you’ll need to play the original games; Frogwares has painstakingly remastered certain titles with a new voice cast.

7.
Ben Kingsley, Without a Clue (1988)

In this unique take on the traditional Sherlock Holmes story, Ben Kingsley portrays Dr. Watson in a way that challenges conventional wisdom. This Watson is exceptionally intelligent, yet not entirely accurate to the character we’re used to. In an intriguing twist, the story suggests that Watson is actually the deductive genius, while Holmes is merely a paid actor hired to please the readers of The Strand Magazine. Michael Caine delivers a brilliant comedic performance, satirizing Holmes’ reliance on rhetoric and self-confidence.

Kingsley’s portrayal, however, goes beyond just playing Watson. He essentially plays Holmes in the guise of Dr. Watson, offering a fresh perspective on what Holmes might be like if he had to live a humble, modest life as Watson. While this interpretation may not be a classic Watson performance, it adds depth to the overall narrative, bringing Holmes and Watson closer together than they’ve ever been in films – almost like a form of couples therapy for these iconic characters.

6.
André Morell, The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

An impressively stunning and captivating movie, masterfully crafted by Hammer Film Productions’ gothic masters. Terence Fisher saturated the initial color rendition of Holmes’s most renowned case with generous amounts of red and green; however, these weren’t sufficient to win over the Conan Doyle estate, which expressed disapproval over Hammer’s provocative alterations to the narrative. We believe that Conan Doyle would have endorsed the Hound‘s two leading actors: Peter Cushing portrayed Sherlock and André Morell played Watson, who were vibrant, sharp, and engaging. Morell served as a balancing agent against the “buffoon” image many associated with Nigel Bruce. Holmes is missing for a significant portion of the 87-minute tale (all part of his strategic plan), and while Watson cannot emulate the detective’s dry charm, Morell delivered admirably in his scenes alongside Christopher Lee and Francis de Wolff – a capable, thoughtful sidekick who was highly valued by Holmes.

5.
Robert Sean Leonard, House (2004–2012)

Initially, Hugh Laurie and Robert Sean Leonard were intended to portray contemporary takes on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson; however, the significant aspect of Watson’s character is to challenge Holmes’s extraordinary analytical skills, which primarily occurs within Dr. House’s diagnostic team, making Leonard’s Dr. James Wilson less involved in House’s detective-like medical cases. Nevertheless, no one on the show endures House’s grumpy and cantankerous behavior quite like Wilson. Throughout its eight-season run, House skillfully balanced procedural and character drama, a feat that would have impressed Arthur Conan Doyle. The relationship between Wilson and House is marked by juvenile pranks, tired exasperation, and unwavering loyalty. Leonard’s portrayal of detached wit and genuine compassion is what best reveals the sincerity and vulnerability hidden behind House’s neuroses. Before Sherlock, this was the most iconic Holmes friendship depicted on television.

4.
Lucy Liu, Elementary (2012–2019)

It’s not unexpected that Lucy Liu would portray the most fashionable Watson, but she convincingly disproved the skeptics with her exceptional portrayal of the character. For seven seasons, Dr. Joan Watson played an integral part in the rehabilitation of the recently sober Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller), swiftly moving beyond the role assigned to her by his father and transforming into a dedicated consulting detective. The American procedural format suits the contemporary Holmes well – each 45-minute episode is brimming with logical deductions and delves into the tension arising from their changing responsibilities. Liu’s Watson is strong yet compassionate, displaying more assertiveness than traditional versions as she takes on a proactive (though still complex) role in Sherlock’s life. It’s refreshing to witness a Holmes and Watson relationship that fearlessly expresses the intense, distinctive bond between them.

3.
Martin Freeman, Sherlock (2010–2017)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=VaT7IYQgyqo

Martin Freeman’s dry, understated humor was instrumental in making “The Office” U.K. a massive success – he portrayed a down-to-earth, burdened everyman who offered a stark contrast to the lead character’s exaggerated and isolating quirks. While we’re not suggesting that David Brent is similar to Sherlock Holmes, it’s easy to imagine Freeman’s John Watson in “Sherlock,” the critically acclaimed BBC reboot, becoming increasingly exasperated and endangered, even going so far as to glance at the camera in moments of extreme distress. In “Sherlock,” Watson is one of the least theatrical interpretations of the character in Holmes adaptations, leveraging Freeman’s knack for seamlessly transitioning between dramatic and comedic scenes. He’s a faithful and vulnerable character, and his affection for Sherlock is fraught with disagreements (both serious and humorous), leading many fans to speculate that their relationship might turn romantic – this is where the Holmes-Watson shipping phenomenon began.

2.
Edward Hardwicke, Granada Television (1986–1994)

Edward Hardwicke stepped into the role of Watson from David Burke in the 1980s Granada television adaptation after appearing in 13 episodes, yet he wasn’t entirely new to the character’s background. His father, Sir Cedric, had played Watson in a BBC radio play, and when Sir Cedric was working with RKO Pictures, he was close friends with Nigel Bruce. Over time, Hardwicke and his co-star Jeremy Brett dedicated themselves to creating the most accurate portrayals of their characters: They added dense exposition to reduce Watson’s passivity, injected warmth and humor wherever they could, and Hardwicke saw Watson’s doctor role as a vital parallel to Holmes’s detective work. The result was a Watson that was understated but impactful, providing a powerful dramatic counterpart to Brett’s eccentric, posh portrayal of Sherlock. In essence, thanks to Edward Hardwicke, the Granada adaptation boasts not only an exceptional Sherlock Holmes but also one of the most genuine and endearing Watson-Holmes duos.

1.
James Mason, Murder by Decree (1979)

It’s quite possible for an underappreciated performance to top the list of a lesser-known character. Murder by Decree, at first glance, appears to be just another ’70s take on a traditional Holmes story. However, it might surprise you that this is the second film featuring Sherlock Holmes attempting to solve the Jack the Ripper case. Additionally, the movie came out before Alan Moore’s graphic novel, From Hell, which similarly implicated a royal conspiracy with the Freemasons in the killings (a theory popularized by Stephen Knight, not the creator of Peaky Blinders). Christopher Plummer delivers a refined, yet subdued portrayal of an older Holmes, but his scenes with James Mason, a skilled and expressive actor, breathe life into the characters. The bond between them seems to have mellowed over time, as if they’ve found a comfortable rhythm in their long-standing friendship. Despite their bachelor status beyond middle age, their relationship hints at an unspoken marital dynamic that has endured through the years. Holmes continues to amuse Watson, while Mason’s expressive mustache movements add a charming touch to the otherwise grim narrative.

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2025-01-24 20:55