Which Movie Like Enola Holmes Has The Best Soundtrack?

There’s a soundtrack that immediately pops into my head when someone asks for music with the same sprightly, period-mystery vibe as 'Enola Holmes' — that would be 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' by Alexandre Desplat. I know it’s not a detective movie in the exact same way, but tonally it hits so many of the notes that make 'Enola Holmes' feel so irresistible: a playful, slightly mischievous lead character, meticulously designed period details, and a score that threads whimsy with melancholy. Desplat uses quirky woodwinds, plucked strings, and little percussion flourishes that feel like footsteps in a stately hallway, while still delivering memorable melodic hooks. I actually caught myself humming one of his themes on a rainy walk once and realized how perfectly that music matches the atmosphere of solving a mystery with a wry smile.

If you like the way 'Enola Holmes' blends light-hearted adventure with emotional undercurrents, Desplat’s score will satisfy that itch. There’s an elegance to the orchestration that still allows for quick, witty moments — think bright pizzicato strings for capers and soft, piano-led passages for reflective beats. Listening on good headphones or vinyl really brings out the texture in his arrangements; the little details (a plucked mandolin here, a nasal oboe line there) make scenes feel lived-in. For fans who write fanfic or do moodboards, I’ll often throw on 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' when I want scenes to feel whimsically Victorian but emotionally grounded.

For variety and a few more listening ideas: 'Pride & Prejudice' (Dario Marianelli) leans more romantic but has period authenticity, while 'Sherlock Holmes' (Hans Zimmer) cranks up the investigative adrenaline with inventive percussive motifs. If you want a playlist, mix tracks from these three and alternate between Desplat’s delicate whimsy and Zimmer’s more kinetic detective energy. Try pairing a Desplat track with a cozy tea and a rewatch of a favorite 'Enola Holmes' moment — it’s silly but lovely, and sometimes the music unlocks emotional beats I didn’t expect to feel.

I’ll be blunt: for that clever, Sherlock-adjacent detective energy with a score that slaps, I go straight to 'Sherlock Holmes' (2009) — Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack. It’s less genteel than 'Enola Holmes' but the mix of fiddly Victorian timbres, driving rhythms, and a few oddball instrumental choices (think unexpected percussion and banjo-ish plucks) gives it a pulsing, curious feel that pairs great with sleuthing scenes. The track 'Discombobulate' is a perfect example — it’s chaotic in the best way, like watching someone piece together clues while doing a handstand.

I’m in my early twenties, and this is the kind of score I’ll slap on when I’m trying to write fast-paced mystery scenes or just need background music that keeps me focused. A fun trick is to drop a quieter 'Enola Holmes' theme between Zimmer tracks to soften the mood and make the playlist feel cinematic. If you want something that makes detective work feel cinematic and a little wild, 'Sherlock Holmes' is a top pick.