9. Christopher Plummer
While most portrayals of Sherlock Holmes see the man as a cold and distant intellectual, Christopher Plummer turns that trope on its head, resulting in one of the most emotional and human versions of the detective seen on film. Plummer played Holmes in two movies, first in Silver Blaze (1977), and then in Murder by Decree (1979). In the latter film, Holmes investigates murders by Jack the Ripper, and at one point he even breaks down and weeps after being unable to save a woman, which might be the only time that the detective has teared up on camera. Another refreshing change in Murder by Decree is the fact that Holmes companion, Dr. John H. Watson (played by James Mason), is a true friend and intellectual equal to Holmes, and not just a dim-witted sidekick. Rather than being stereotyped caricatures, both Holmes and Watson are likable, real people, which is a nice change from many other versions of the duo.