Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Kernel Score: 80% · 10,824 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Adventure, Action, Crime, Mystery
Released: 2011-11-22
Runtime: 129 minutes
Is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows worth watching?
Worth watching. A lively sequel in which Holmes faces Moriarty, with fast action and banter between Downey and Law. It is more of a caper than a mystery, but it is fun if you liked the first one.
Watch it if you
- enjoyed the first film
- like action-adventure with witty banter
- want a stylish take on Holmes
Skip it if you
- want a puzzle mystery
- dislike fast, shaky action
Best for: Casual movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
There is a new criminal mastermind at large (Professor Moriarty) and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil and lack of conscience may give him an advantage over the detective.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a PG-13 mystery-adventure with moderate action violence and criminal scheming.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes action sequences and confrontations with a criminal mastermind; rated PG-13.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
If you liked Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Sherlock Holmes (2009) — 81%: The first film, with the same style and chemistry.
- Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) — 89%: Guy Ritchie's sharp, funny crime caper.
- Snatch (2000) — 88%: Ritchie's twisty crime comedy.
- The Gentlemen (2020) — 86%: Ritchie's stylish gangster comedy.
- Enola Holmes 2 (2022) — 83%: Mystery adventure with a clever lead.
- Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (2016) — 86%: Holmes special with a stylish twist.
Director
Cast
- Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes
- Jude Law as Dr. John Watson
- Noomi Rapace as Madam Simza Heron
- Jared Harris as Professor James Moriarty
- Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler
- Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lestrade
- Kelly Reilly as Mary Morstan
- Stephen Fry as Mycroft Holmes
- Paul Anderson as Colonel Sebastian Moran
- Geraldine James as Mrs. Hudson
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows FAQ
Is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows worth watching?
Worth watching. A lively sequel in which Holmes faces Moriarty, with fast action and banter between Downey and Law. It is more of a caper than a mystery, but it is fun if you liked the first one.
Where can I watch Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows OK for kids?
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is a PG-13 mystery-adventure with moderate action violence and criminal scheming.
What movies are like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows?
If you liked Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, try Sherlock Holmes, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and The Gentlemen.