Basil Rathbone was the classic Holmes, though I agree his genius was at times impeded by Nigel Bruce, the worst Watson ever.
The great thing about subsequent Holmes movies was that Watson was allowed to be something other than a bumbling jackass.
I’ll take your word for it on the accuracy of the movies because I haven’t seen them, but there’s no need to lecture on the hat and the pipe, whether it be Calabash or Meerschaum and the reasons they’re a part of Holmes lore. I think everyone in the thread is likely familiar with those points.
Hands down, Jeremy Brett.
Jeremy Brett, hands down, although I enjoy Benedict Cumberpatch too.
This is why I dislike those films so much. Downey is an excellent actor (as is Jude Law) but Guy Ritchie just ruins everything. See also his King Arthur nonsense.
Rathbone seems to be the one who set the look for Holmes.