Next to the illustrious Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot is one of the world's most famous and celebrated detectives. His practiced hand, keen eye for detail, and witty personality have made him a mainstay for mystery fans the world over, and that includes movie buffs as well.
Agatha Christie's mustachioed detective has been in circulation well after the author's death, and many of his most famous cases have earned several screen adaptations for fans to enjoy, including the great Kenneth Branagh's own adaptations of Murder on the Orient Express and soon, Death on the Nile. But before Poirot sets sale for Cairo in February 2022, fans might want to experience a few of the character's other exploits.
Murder On The Orient Express (1974)
Available to rent on Apple iTunes.
Murder on the Orient Express is Poirot's most famous outing, so it's also one of the most adapted versions of the story with each version offering its own take. The Oscar-worthy and star-studded 1974 adaptation, however, is often considered the most impressive.
Albert Finney's portrayal of Poirot is beloved by many fans of Christie's work, and it even won him an Oscar nomination. Throw him in a passenger car with a star-studded cast of suspects and it's no wonder the film won the acclaim it did.
Murder On The Orient Express (2001)
Not available to stream or rent online.
Alfred Molina has been in many great movies, and he deserves another chance at playing Poirot. Alas, this is the only film in which he steps into the detective's shoes. While this modernization of Poirot's most famous case is far from a classic adaptation, the 2001 TV movie does at least attempt to create a contemporary version of a famous figure.
The movie at least tries to take as much from the book as it can, and it is somewhat impressive seeing how a character like Poirot would do in a more "modern" setting. However, Christie purists who prefer their Poirot in a traditional setting may not take to the Molina adaptation
Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Mysterious Affair At Styles (1990)
Available to stream on BritBox.
David Suchet has held the role of Poirot longer than anyone else, and his series of mysteries is easily considered a favorite amongst fans of the genre. A great place for new viewers to start would be with Poirot's case involving a poisoned matriarch, a lush country estate, and his faithful friend Hastings. This is a great episode of Poirot.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles was the canonical debut of Hercule Poirot, and it definitely made a great first impression back in the '30s. Suchet's interpretation in this mystery gives off some serious Holmes vibes in terms of detective work but comes with his own character and eccentricities.
Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd (2000)
Available to stream on BritBox.
Poirot's best outings seem to be whenever he's either retired or on vacation, and "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" is no exception to the rule. When the titular Roger Ackroyd is murdered in the same village Poirot is staying, he must put down his gardening tools and come out of retirement for one more case.
One of the advantages Poirot has over someone like Sherlock Holmes is his experience as a professional detective. A retired detective definitely has a bit of an edge over a consultant, and Poirot displays that in full force and all with his eccentric flavor seen in previous mysteries.
Agatha Christie's Poirot: Peril At End House (1990)
Available to stream on BritBox.
Not all of Poirot's mysteries have to start with someone being found dead in a secluded location. Sometimes all a good Poirot mystery needs is a person of interest and a few "unfortunate" circumstances. When Poirot encounters Magdala Buckley, he's asked to take up her case when several attempts on her life are made after she inherits an enormous fortune.
What "Peril at End House" lacks in a massive body count, it more than makes up for in suspense and intrigue. For fans looking for something with more story than spectacle, this is a solid place to start.
Agatha Christie's Poirot: Murder On The Orient Express (2010)
Available to stream on BritBox.
Of course, no series inspired by Poirot would be complete without a fateful trip on the Orient Express. While it follows the events of the original story very well, this adaptation shows a different side of the detective in a much darker adaptation of the classic mystery.
At this point in the series, Poirot's experience is starting to weigh on him as he deals with the aftermath of a particularly harrowing case. It's definitely one of Suchet's best performances, and one of the most underappreciated versions of his most famous book.
The ABC Murders (2018)
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Many of Christie's books such as And Then There Were None have been considered the predecessors for the modern slasher film, and this chilling series from Prime is easily Poirot's horror story. Featuring John Malkovich in the lead role as an older, more experienced Poirot, he must pursue a malicious murderer with an alphabetical calling card.
When Poirot is challenged by the mysterious A.B.C., murder and bloodshed begin to follow after a series of taunting predictions. Though the series follows the book somewhat looser than other adaptations, the suspense and thrills are nonetheless real and invigorating. This is different breed of Poirot adaptation, but not without its charms.
Death On The Nile (1978)
Available to rent on Kino Now.
Before Suchet made the role his own, Poirot was most famously and fabulously portrayed by Peter Ustinov. Ustinov offers a more colorful and charismatic portrayal of the character, starting with his debut in 1978's Death on the Nile. Before viewers invest their dollars in the upcoming remake, they might want to invest a little time with this Christie classic.
As with most of Christie's work, the film features a murder in a remote location, a large list of suspects all with their own motives, and a killer in their midst. Fortunately for Poirot, he's right in his element and soon pursues the killer with his famous gift for deduction.
Evil Under The Sun (1982)
Available to rent on Apple iTunes.
If viewers enjoyed Death on the Nile, then they will definitely want to pick up its sequel, Evil Under the Sun. Ustinov reprises his role as Poirot as once more his vacation is interrupted by foul play and a devilish murder plot. When the famed detective is called to an enchanting island in the Mediterranean, a scheme involving diamonds, deception, and death soon unfurls.
The film does a marvelous job of capturing Christie's gift for characters and dialogue, as Poirot isn't the only rapier wit taking residence on the island. Of course, that's to be expected when Roddy McDowell and Dame Maggie Smith play characters on the suspect list.
Murder On The Orient Express (2017)
Available to rent on Apple iTunes and Amazon Prime Video.
Since Kenneth Branagh is both directing and starring in the upcoming adaptation of Death on the Nile, logic dictates that fans would want to enjoy his debut as Hercule Poirot in the previous installment. While a few artistic liberties are taken with this action-focused film, there's no denying that Branagh truly understands Christie's work and the characters within.
While Branagh chooses to portray a more dashing and debonair Poirot rather than the comical one seen in many of his books, he still presents a version that takes all the best elements from the text and brings it to the screen in a brilliant manner.