The Enola Holmes universe started as a series of middle-grade novels by Nancy Springer and exploded in popularity thanks to the Netflix film adaptations. The premise is simple: Sherlock Holmes has a much younger sister who is just as brilliant as he is, but twice as rebellious.

When their mother disappears, Enola refuses to be sent to a "finishing school" to become a proper Victorian lady. Instead, she heads to London to become a "finder of lost souls." It’s a mix of high-stakes mystery, martial arts (yes, she uses jujitsu), and a very modern-feeling commentary on women’s rights in the 1880s.

If your kid is currently obsessed with Roblox or spends their time watching YouTube shorts, a Victorian mystery might seem like a hard sell. But Enola Holmes works because it uses the "fourth wall break" technique—Enola looks directly at the camera and talks to the audience. It feels like a vlog. It’s fast, funny, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

For the 10-to-14-year-old demographic, Enola represents the ultimate "independence fantasy." She’s outsmarting the smartest man in the world (Sherlock), living on her own, and solving crimes while everyone else thinks she’s just a "silly girl." It’s pure empowerment without being too preachy.

Let’s talk about the films first, because that’s likely how your kid found out about this.

The first movie, Enola Holmes, is an origin story. It’s bright, energetic, and genuinely well-made. Henry Cavill plays a "softer" Sherlock, which caused a weird legal spat with the Arthur Conan Doyle estate (they claimed Sherlock having feelings was a copyright violation—seriously), but for parents, it just means a more relatable family dynamic.

The sequel, Enola Holmes 2, gets a bit grittier. It’s based on the real-life 1888 Matchgirls' Strike. It’s a great entry point into labor history, but it does up the ante on the "danger" factor.

The Verdict: These movies are a "yes" for most families with kids 11 and up. If you have a mature 9 or 10-year-old who can handle some Victorian street-fighting and thematic elements about abandonment, they’ll be fine too.

Ask our chatbot if your 10-year-old is ready for Enola Holmes 2

If you want to move your kid from the screen to the page, the books are actually quite different from the movies.

In the books, Enola is much more of a loner. She’s younger (starting at 14), and the Victorian world feels a bit more dangerous and restrictive. The books lean heavily into ciphers and codes, which is great for kids who like puzzles.

The Books vs. The Movies:

If your kid loved the movies, they might find the books a bit slower, but they are objectively better for building critical thinking skills.

According to our community data at Screenwise, about 45% of parents with kids in 6th and 7th grade have "Enola Holmes" on their approved list. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

This isn't Bluey. There are scenes of people being choked, chased, and threatened with knives. In the second movie, there’s a murder investigation involving a fair amount of blood. It’s "action-movie" violence, but it’s there.

The core of the story is that Enola’s mother leaves her. While she does it for "the cause" (women’s suffrage and independence), it’s still a story about a child being left behind. For kids sensitive to parental separation, this might require a conversation.

The show deals with 19th-century sexism and classism. It’s handled well—Enola fights against these things—but it’s a constant theme. It’s a great "teachable moment" about how far we’ve come (and how far we haven't).

Check out our guide on talking to kids about historical sexism

If your kid is diving into the Enola Holmes world, they’re likely going to start asking about the "real" Sherlock Holmes. This is a perfect "gateway drug" to classic literature.

However, be warned: the original Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle is... very different. The original Sherlock is a bit of a cold fish and occasionally uses "seven-percent solutions" of cocaine (it was legal then, but still). If your kid wants more Sherlock after Enola, maybe start with The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes rather than the darker novels.

Unlike some Netflix shows that are just "brain rot" (looking at you, certain reality shows), Enola Holmes actually encourages a few great traits:

If your family has finished the series and needs more "smart girl solving things" vibes, here are our top picks:

The classic. The original books are a bit dated, but the newer "Nancy Drew Diaries" are great for the 8-12 age range. The CW show is much older (teens/adults) and has ghosts, so stick to the books for the Enola fans.

If they liked the "spirited girl in history" aspect of Enola, Anne with an E is the gold standard. It’s beautiful, emotional, and deals with some heavy topics with a lot of grace.

For kids who loved the puzzles and ciphers in the Enola books, The Mysterious Benedict Society is a must-read (or must-watch on Disney+). It’s all about kids using their specific intellectual gifts to save the world.

For a slightly more gothic, darkly funny take on "kids vs. incompetent adults," the Netflix series is fantastic.

Enola Holmes is a winner. It’s one of the few franchises that treats its audience like they have a high IQ. It’s not "junk food" media; it’s a well-crafted mystery that happens to have a lot of heart and some cool fight scenes.

Next Steps:

Learn more about how to balance movie nights with outdoor time