As of my knowledge cutoff date in early 2023, not every single Sherlock Holmes villain across various adaptations could be ranked due to the expansive nature of the Sherlock universe including literature, films, TV series, and other media. However, I can provide a ranking of some of the most prominent villains from Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories and their various adaptations.

1.Professor James Moriarty: Often considered the Napoleon of crime; his intellect rivals that of Sherlock himself.

2.Charles Augustus Magnussen: A master blackmailer and a chillingly amoral adversary whose power comes from the secrets he holds over others.

3.Irene Adler: Known as “THE woman,” Adler outwits Holmes and earns his utmost respect, a true match for his wit.

4.Colonel Sebastian Moran: Moriarty’s right-hand man, a dangerous sniper and an infamous hunter with remorseless tactics.

5.Dr. John H. Watson (BBC’s “Sherlock” version): Portrayed as an antagonist in his mind palace during times of Sherlock’s introspection, representing inner conflict.

6.Eurus Holmes: In BBC’s “Sherlock,” she is introduced as Sherlock’s sister with genius-level intellect but extremely twisted motives.

7.Dr. Grimesby Roylott: From the story “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” he is menacing due to his willingness to murder via an exotic snake to retain control over his stepdaughter’s inheritance.

8.Culverton Smith: A vile character who admits to being a serial killer for the thrill, reveling in his ability to hide in plain sight.

9.Blackwood: Featured in the 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes,” Lord Blackwood uses fear and the supernatural as a weapon against society and Holmes himself.

10.Charles Augustus Milverton: A blackmailer from Conan Doyle’s stories who preys on people’s secrets; similar to Magnussen but appearing in the original works.

This list is not exhaustive nor definitive due to subjective interpretations and continued evolutions within new adaptations that may introduce new villains or reinterpret existing ones after my knowledge cutoff date.