Sherlock Gnomes

Sherlock Gnomes

Year: 2018

Runtime: 86 min

Language: English

Director: John Stevenson

Echo Score: 39

Budget: $59M

AdventureMysteryFantasyComedyRomanceAnimationFamily

The peaceful existence of Gnomeo and Juliet is shattered when several garden gnomes vanish without a trace. Sherlock Gnomes, a renowned detective, and his faithful companion, Watson, are called upon to investigate the puzzling disappearances. Their search leads them on a thrilling journey through London, where they meet a colorful cast of characters and discover a hidden world beneath the city. As they follow the clues, they uncover a dangerous plot and must race against time to save their fellow gnomes.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sherlock Gnomes yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Sherlock Gnomes (2018) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Sherlock Gnomes (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In a bold heist, the infamous Moriarty, disguised as a clever pie mascot, seizes control of London’s Natural History Museum, taking the city’s tiny gnomes hostage. The authorities, spearheaded by the brilliant detective Sherlock Gnomes and his steadfast companion Dr. Watson, initiate a quick rescue operation to apprehend the villain. After an exciting showdown, Moriarty appears to meet his end, crushed beneath the mighty weight of a dinosaur skeleton.

In parallel, star-crossed lovers Juliet and Gnomeo, now blissfully united, set out from their charming Stratford-upon-Avon garden towards the vibrancy of London. They stumble upon a quaint yet neglected new garden, where they are quickly thrust into leadership roles by the esteemed duo of Lady Bluebury and Lord Redbrick. However, their seemingly perfect relationship begins to unravel as Juliet becomes increasingly obsessed with revitalizing the garden, unintentionally sidelining Gnomeo. In an effort to rekindle her attention, Gnomeo embarks on a quest to find a rare Cupid’s Arrow orchid, with directions from Benny via an old computer. The adventure takes an unexpected turn when a falling stall sets off the alarm at the flower shop, compelling Juliet to dash to Gnomeo’s aid. Their confrontation reaches a peak with Juliet’s stern words: > “The garden can’t wait, and neither can I!”

As tension escalates, they receive a distress signal over Benny’s walkie-talkie, alerting them to an unknown danger lurking in their garden. Rushing back, they discover their gnomes have vanished, and are soon joined by Sherlock Gnomes and Dr. Watson. The duo, counting on a mysterious clue card they’ve found, hesitantly allows Juliet and Gnomeo to join them in piecing together the garden’s puzzling events.

Following the trail left by Moriarty, Sherlock embarks on a journey through Chinatown’s twisting alleyways, leading him to Curly Fu’s Emporium where another cryptic clue awaits. Evasive maneuvers are required as they narrowly escape the wrath of guards resembling angry felines. However, rather than dive into the museum’s mysteries, Sherlock opts for a moment of artistic indulgence at a nearby gallery, insisting it aids his cognitive process. Gnomeo, seizing the chance for some insight, encourages him to refocus, only to be dismissed dismissively. Juliet, siding with Sherlock, leaves Gnomeo feels ignored and hurt.

In a moment of realization, Gnomeo comprehends his error in leaving Juliet’s side but it’s too late. While exploring the maze-like corridors of the museum, he falls prey to a menacing stone gargoyle, with Watson left stunned. As Sherlock becomes increasingly caught up in his own ruminations, he decodes the next clue that leads him and Juliet to disguise themselves in squirrel costumes for infiltration of a canine’s territory on a lawnmower. Their initial triumph quickly turns to dread as Gnomeo confronts an existential threat poised by the imminent fireworks display.

The urgency intensifies as Juliet and Sherlock discover another tantalizing lead that brings them to a doll shop, where they meet Irene, Sherlock’s bitter ex-fiancée. Though she initially repels them, she ultimately grants Juliet access, revealing pivotal information that sends them toward Traitor’s Gate at the Tower of London. Here, a shocking truth unfolds: Watson, previously perceived as the mastermind behind the chaos, admits to just pretending to be Moriarty in an attempt to forge a deeper connection with Sherlock. Yet, this ploy takes a surprising turn as the gnomes simply vanish.

The true puppeteers of this predicament are revealed to be the gargoyles, who whisk away Juliet, Sherlock, and Watson onto a ship bound for uncharted waters, leaving the trio to contemplate their next strategic move against the odds.

As the investigation reaches its climax, Sherlock uncovers a monumental discovery: the captured gnomes are imprisoned beneath the iconic Tower Bridge, submerged in a pool of sweet pie filling. Just as he’s on the verge of solving the case, Professor Moriarty emerges from the shadows, disclosing his masterful orchestration of Watson’s unwitting assistance in his wicked scheming. Moriarty aims to crush the gnomes using the very framework of the city itself—the colossal bridge, which is now teetering on collapse.

The villain’s nefarious plot deepens as he engineers a false alliance between the gargoyles and Watson, allowing him to snoop on the doctor’s map and effectively locate every gnome across London. Meanwhile, Sherlock’s turbulent relationship with Watson spirals to a breaking point as he observes his partner’s ill-treatment at Moriarty’s hands.

Determined not to be hindered by their recent estrangement, the renowned detective duo agrees to unite for one final, daring mission to save the gnomes. They board an unmanned drone, racing toward Tower Bridge as the countdown clock ticks ominously.

In a breathtaking display of ingenuity and resolve, Gnomeo executes a brave move, getting the Red Goon Gnomes to perform a captivating dance, providing a much-needed delay in the impending disaster. This interval allows him to reunite with his beloved Juliet, and together, they thwart the sinister gargoyles’ plans.

Simultaneously, Dr. Watson leaps into action, liberating the trapped gnomes from their sugary confinement with nothing but a modest bar of soap. Nevertheless, Moriarty’s villainous plot continues, as he launches a vicious strike on Sherlock, leaving the detective wounded and grappling for defense.

In a desperate act of valor to rescue his comrades and foil Moriarty’s machinations, Sherlock makes a dramatic sacrifice, lunging at the villain just as the bridge is set to plummet. Watson, ever the devoted friend, seizes the moment to deploy his trusty cane grappling hook, rescuing Sherlock from imminent peril and sending Moriarty cascading into the depths below.

As calm returns, the gnomes emerge triumphant, their freedom safeguarded amidst a dazzling fireworks spectacle. In the forthcoming spring, Gnomeo and Juliet unveil their meticulously crafted garden, welcoming Irene and the feline guardians to partake in the festivities. With Sherlock and Watson’s partnership rekindled, they bid adieu to each other, embarking on yet another enthralling adventure, bound together by an unbreakable bond of loyalty and trust.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:21

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical Detective Adventures like Sherlock Gnomes

Playful mystery solvers in fantastical worlds, mixing clues with charm.If you enjoyed the playful mystery-solving of Sherlock Gnomes, you'll love these movies. This list features animated and live-action films where detectives embark on fun, fantastical investigations, perfect for fans of lighthearted adventures and family-friendly comedy.

whimsicalplayfuladventurousquirkymischievousheroicenergetic

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a tried-and-true detective structure: a case is presented, clues are gathered, and a culprit is revealed, but all within a heightened, often silly, reality. The stakes are tangible but rarely dire, allowing the journey to focus on camaraderie, clever deductions, and the joy of the puzzle itself, culminating in a triumphant and happy conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core combination of a mystery plot with a whimsical, non-threatening tone. They balance the intellectual satisfaction of an investigation with the visual and comedic appeal of a fantasy world, creating a consistently upbeat and engaging experience.

Fast-Paced Animated Family Quests like Sherlock Gnomes

Colorful, high-energy journeys where teams race against a silly clock.Looking for more movies with the energetic, fun-filled pacing of Sherlock Gnomes? This collection highlights fast-moving animated adventures perfect for families. These stories feature heroes on a mission, packed with comedy and vibrant animation, offering a similarly thrilling and lighthearted experience.

energeticplayfuladventurousheroicquirkylightheartedfast-paced

Narrative Summary

These narratives are linear quests driven by a clear, immediate goal—often a rescue or race against time. The pacing is brisk, moving seamlessly from one set piece to the next (chases, discoveries, narrow escapes) with little downtime. Character arcs are simple and positive, and any relational conflicts are resolved harmoniously by the end.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their relentlessly upbeat and speedy pacing, combined with a light emotional touch. They prioritize kinetic energy and constant visual engagement, making them ideal for viewers seeking an effortless, joyful, and fast-moving animated story.

Unlock the Full Story of Sherlock Gnomes

Don't stop at just watching — explore Sherlock Gnomes in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sherlock Gnomes is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sherlock Gnomes Timeline

Track the full timeline of Sherlock Gnomes with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Sherlock Gnomes Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sherlock Gnomes

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Sherlock Gnomes. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sherlock Gnomes

Sherlock Gnomes Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Sherlock Gnomes that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Sherlock Gnomes Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Sherlock Gnomes

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Sherlock Gnomes: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Sherlock Gnomes