The Ultimate Ranking of Sherlock's Villains – Prepare to be Thrilled!

Summary

Lord Moran is an ineffectual villain in

Sherlock

, functioning more as a narrative device than a true antagonist.

Dr. Bob Frankland is a boring villain in

Sherlock

, lacking the depth and grandeur of his creation, the hallucinated hounds. However, his murder plot is well-produced.

Jonathan Small, the Mayfly Man, is an underdeveloped character in

Sherlock

, but he displays cruelty and cunning in one of the show's best mysteries.

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Sherlock showcases a vast array of villains, showcasing their brilliance and eccentricity. The BBC's rendition of Arthur Conan Doyle's renowned detective, Sherlock, introduces us to a myriad of sinister wrongdoers throughout its four seasons. Among these adversaries, certain individuals leave a lasting impression, while others fail to make a significant impact.

Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the role of Sherlock Holmes, alongside Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, but the series also benefits from the inclusion of remarkable guest stars. These talented actors effectively bring Conan Doyle's notorious gallery of rogues to life, each with their own unique interpretation and level of success.

10 Lord Moran

9 Dr. Bob Frankland

Lord Moran, the most disappointing villain in Sherlock, makes a brief appearance in season 3, episode 1, "The Empty Hearse." His feeble attempt to destroy the Houses of Parliament in London is swiftly thwarted by Sherlock, who easily identifies and overcomes him. However, Moran's role in the story is primarily to serve as a plot device rather than a formidable antagonist. The episode primarily focuses on Sherlock's elaborate fake death, his subsequent resurrection, and the mending of his relationship with Watson. Consequently, Lord Moran functions more as a tool to reconcile the friendship between Sherlock and Watson than as a genuine villain.

In Sherlock season 2, episode 2, "The Hounds of Baskerville," Dr. Bob Frankland emerges as the main antagonist. While Clive Mantle's portrayal of Frankland is commendable, his character falls short in comparison to the awe-inspiring hallucinated hounds he orchestrates. Adapting a renowned tale from Conan Doyle's collection inevitably leads to some disappointment, and the updated rendition has rendered the creator of the Hounds as rather uninteresting. However, Frankland's well-executed murder scheme makes up for his lackluster persona. Perhaps he may not be the most formidable Sherlock villain, but he certainly is the most uninspiring.

8 Jonathan Small (The Mayfly Man)

Jonathan Small, also known as the Mayfly Man, is a relatively minor villain in Sherlock. He makes an appearance in "The Sign of Three," the second episode of Sherlock season 3, where he takes on the guise of a wedding photographer portrayed by Jalaal Hartley. The cunning and cruelty exhibited by Jonathan in this episode prove to be exceptionally clever and present one of the most intriguing mysteries in the series. However, due to his brief appearance, Jonathan's character remains somewhat underdeveloped. In comparison to other characters in the show, he lacks depth but still manages to effectively serve as an antagonist.

7 The Golem

In season 1 of Sherlock, episode 3 titled "The Great Game," Sherlock finds himself being pursued by an assassin known as the Golem. The portrayal of Golem by John Lebar is truly striking, as he transforms into a formidable presence on the show. With his eerie resemblance to Count Orlok from Nosferatu, his vampiric appearance sends chills down the viewers' spines. Despite his limited screen time, the Golem manages to leave a lasting impact, solidifying his status as a memorable Sherlock villain.

6 Charles Augustus Magnussen

Charles Augustus Magnussen made his first appearance in Sherlock season 3, episode 1, titled "The Empty Hearse." However, he reemerges as the primary antagonist in episode 3, "His Last Vow." Portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen, Magnussen exudes a sophisticated and classy demeanor, which adds to his deeply unsettling nature. His cruel obsession with uncovering "pressure points" to blackmail his victims showcases a callousness that rivals even the most infamous villains encountered by Sherlock. Unfortunately, Magnussen's significance and storyline feel somewhat underutilized in "His Last Vow," as the episode predominantly focuses on other characters and narratives. Furthermore, the manner in which the character's ultimate fate is swiftly resolved may leave viewers disappointed.

5 Culverton Smith

In Sherlock season 4, episode 2, "The Lying Detective," Culverton Smith emerges as a truly disturbing antagonist. Toby Jones skillfully portrays him, revealing a character who is not only merciless but also highly inventive as a killer. Smith's extensive influence in various influential industries adds to his sinister nature as he effortlessly operates in plain sight. The surprise appearance of Smith in Sherlock's hospital room is chillingly thrilling. Regrettably, Jones' chilling portrayal somewhat pales in comparison to other crucial story developments.

4 Jeff Hope

Jeff Hope is the initial antagonist introduced in Sherlock, portrayed by Phil Davis. He makes his chilling appearance in season 1, episode 1, named "A Study in Pink." Davis effectively brings the malevolent taxi driver to life, delivering an unsettling performance. With a disturbing ease, Jeff nearly succeeds in ending Sherlock's life, leveraging the detective's vulnerable ego. The utterly random nature of his victim selection adds to the fear factor. Interestingly, this unexpected turn of events in Sherlock's maiden case is hinted at from the outset.

3 Eurus Holmes

Despite some clunky aspects, Eurus Holmes proves to be a Sherlock villain almost as pervasive as Moriarty. While she takes center stage in Sherlock season 4, episode 3, "The Final Problem," it is her earlier appearances that truly establish her as a formidable adversary. Throughout season 4, Eurus disguises herself as key characters, even posing as Watson's therapist. She insidiously integrates herself into the lives of Sherlock and Watson, with her ability to leave her prison cell adding an unsettling twist. Sian Brooke delivers a chillingly elegant portrayal of Eurus that rivals Moriarty's enigmatic charm.

2 Irene Adler

1 Jim Moriarty

: Irene Adler captivates Sherlock Holmes with her skillful performance and intriguing characterization. Portrayed by Lara Pulver, Adler makes her first appearance in "A Scandal in Belgravia," the second episode of Sherlock season 2. As a formidable villain, she impresses with her meticulous planning and cunning tactics, even managing to outsmart Sherlock. The relationship between Adler and Sherlock is a delightful aspect of her character development, resulting in its references in subsequent episodes. While her approach of blackmailing her victims for power and influence may seem straightforward, Sherlock's version of Irene Adler deviates from the original books while maintaining an endearing quality that firmly establishes her as one of the most memorable characters in the show.

Without a doubt, Jim Moriarty is the ultimate villain portrayed in Sherlock. Although he first appears in "The Great Game," season 1, episode 3, Moriarty's presence is felt throughout the entire series. However, it is in "The Reichenbach Fall," season 2, episode 3, that his talents for cunning manipulation and remarkable foresight truly shine. Andrew Scott's mesmerizing performance adds to the enigmatic persona of Moriarty. In fact, there are moments when Scott's portrayal captivates the audience even more than Sherlock and Holmes themselves. He embodies a captivating sophistication, particularly evident in the unforgettable tea scene with Sherlock. Undoubtedly, Jim Moriarty remains the unparalleled villain depicted in Sherlock.