* Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes: His most famous opponent is arguably Professor Moriarty, the "Napoleon of Crime". He's a criminal mastermind who constantly challenges Holmes' intellect and morality. Other recurring opponents include:
* Irene Adler: A woman of exceptional intelligence who outsmarted Holmes, leaving a lasting impact on him.
* The Hound of the Baskervilles: A menacing supernatural creature that fuels fear and mystery.
* The Count of Cagliostro: A mysterious figure who is both charming and dangerous.
* The BBC's Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch): While Moriarty remains a major antagonist, other noteworthy opponents include:
* Jim Moriarty's Network: A group of brilliant criminals who use technology to wreak havoc.
* Charles Augustus Magnussen: A powerful media mogul with a dangerous obsession with information.
* The "Magnificent Seven": A group of highly skilled criminals who pose a significant threat to Sherlock's world.
* Elementary's Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller): This Sherlock faces different challenges in a modern New York setting, but his main adversaries include:
* The "Angel of Death": A ruthless serial killer who taunts Sherlock with cryptic clues.
* Oscar Reyes: A dangerous drug lord who operates in the shadows.
* The "Network" (and various other criminals): This Sherlock also encounters a network of criminals, similar to the BBC's version.
Ultimately, Sherlock's greatest opponents are often those who challenge him intellectually, pushing him to his limits and forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities.