20 best Agatha Christie TV shows and movies, ranked – from Seven Dials to Murder on the Orient Express

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Even fifty years after her passing, Agatha Christie is still known as the greatest mystery writer of all time. Her famous novels have sold over 2 billion copies and are still enjoyed by readers today, despite some being written over a century ago.

For nearly a century, stories have been regularly brought to the screen, and that trend continues with Netflix’s recent adaptation of The Seven Dials Mystery, alongside many other upcoming projects.

As a movie critic, I’ve seen a lot of great films and shows, and everyone always asks me what the best are. So, I’ve put together my list of the top 20, and to really stir things up, I’m revealing them in a countdown format – get ready to see where your favorites land!

Here we lay out the results of our investigation…

20. The ABC Murders (2018)

This clever and thoughtful take on the story features John Malkovich as a more mature and insightful Poirot, portrayed as a priest-like figure.

The detective, once famous but now largely forgotten, disguises his aging appearance and emerges from seclusion to solve a puzzling case. A series of murders are being committed in alphabetical order, and he’s also been receiving unsettling, anonymous letters that seem connected to the crimes.

This take on the famous detective is thoughtful and character-driven, featuring strong performances from Rupert Grint, Andrew Buchan, and Shirley Henderson alongside John Malkovich’s unique portrayal.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer

19. Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime (1983)

Agatha Christie created many memorable detectives, and alongside Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford are fan favorites. The adventurous couple, played by Francesca Annis and James Warwick, starred in an ITV comedy-thriller series set in the exciting Roaring Twenties, where they bravely solved mysteries together.

This delightful and charming story is a bit of a hidden treasure, filled with romance and playful fun. While the BBC adapted it in 2015 with David Walliams and Jessica Raine, that version didn’t quite capture the same magic.

Watch it on: YouTube or DVD

18. Crooked House (2017)

This stylish movie brings a Christie mystery – a personal favorite of the author – to life. Set in the 1940s at a grand estate, the story begins with the strange death of a wealthy family head, immediately sparking suspicion among those around him.

Featuring a fantastic cast including Glenn Close, Gillian Anderson, and Christina Hendricks, this mystery follows Max Irons and Terence Stamp as they race to unmask a killer. It’s been described as a blend of ‘Knives Out’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ – and it’s no surprise, as it’s written by Julian Fellowes himself.

Watch it on: Apple or Amazon

17. The Pale Horse (2020)

This latest Sarah Phelps adaptation is easily the most chilling of the recent BBC miniseries. The story begins with a woman’s murder and the discovery of a strange list of names hidden in her shoe. Antiques dealer Mark Easterbrook (Rufus Sewell), disturbed to find his name on the list, discovers the others had all visited three fortune-tellers in a small village.

With more and more people dying, he feels compelled to investigate. Could a group of witches be responsible? The film also stars Kaya Scodelario, Rita Tushingham, Sean Pertwee, and Bertie Carvel.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer

16. Charlie Chopra & the Mystery of Solang Valley (2023)

You might not recognize the name, but this Indian series is inspired by Agatha Christie’s “The Sittaford Mystery” and created with her estate’s approval. When Charulatha, nicknamed Charlie (played by Wamiqa Gabbi), learns her fiancé is a suspect in his uncle’s murder, she travels to his remote, snowy hometown to investigate – and quickly finds herself in a dangerous situation.

This six-episode Hindi series is fast-paced, visually appealing, and easy to watch all at once. It feels very modern and even playfully acknowledges the audience, similar to the show Fleabag.

Watch it on: YouTube or Dailymotion

15. Murder She Said (1961)

This MGM movie brought Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple to the screen for the very first time, adapting her novel 4.50 From Paddington. The story begins with Miss Marple witnessing a murder on a train and immediately reporting it to the authorities.

When the police hit a dead end with no evidence, she disguises herself as a housekeeper at the estate she suspects holds the hidden body. Her charming and playful performance as Miss Marple was a hit with audiences, leading to her starring in three additional movies based on the character.

Watch it on: Apple, Amazon or Sky Store

14. Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

Kenneth Branagh’s first of three lavish movie adaptations of Agatha Christie’s Poirot novels stars the director himself as the famously eccentric Belgian detective. After a murder occurs aboard a glamorous train, Poirot investigates and discovers hidden secrets among the passengers.

The film boasts a stellar cast including Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Derek Jacobi, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, and Olivia Colman. Get ready to set sail with this incredible group of actors!

Watch it on: Disney+

13. Endless Night (1972)

Unlike many of Agatha Christie’s classic mysteries, this story focuses less on solving a ‘who done it’ and more on building suspense and exploring the characters’ minds. Hayley Mills stars as a wealthy American woman who marries a man from a working-class background in Britain, played by Hywel Bennett.

When she gifts them a grand, but rumored-to-be-haunted, mansion, a series of deadly events unfold, culminating in a shocking and unexpected twist.

Watch it on: YouTube or DVD

12. A Haunting in Venice (2023)

Kenneth Branagh’s latest Poirot film is his most chilling yet, as the detective ventures into the world of the supernatural. Invited to a Halloween séance in Venice after the war, Poirot finds himself caught up in a dangerous and deadly mystery.

He doesn’t believe in ghosts or the supernatural, making it hard for him to understand the strange things that are happening. The story is a spooky mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns. It stars well-known actors like Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, and Michelle Yeoh.

Watch it on: Disney+

11. The Mirror Crack’d (1980)

For years, Hercule Poirot has been the focus of most big-screen adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels. This film finally gives Miss Marple a chance to shine. Angela Lansbury stars as the beloved amateur detective, a role that prepared her for her famous series, Murder, She Wrote. The film also features a remarkable cast including Elizabeth Taylor in her last British film, alongside Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis, Kim Novak, and Edward Fox.

A movie is being filmed in the charming village of St. Mary Mead, but a former film star, Taylor, becomes convinced someone is trying to harm her. This sets the stage for a classic, complicated mystery.

Watch it on: Apple or Amazon

10. Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials (2026)

A fresh, three-part series from the creator of Broadchurch and former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall introduces Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent (played with charm by Mia McKenna-Bruce), a lively woman in 1920s England. When her boyfriend, who works for the Foreign Office, is found dead after a glamorous masked ball, Bundle bravely decides to investigate the mystery herself.

She’s suddenly caught up in a playful but complex conspiracy filled with secrets and spying. Martin Freeman is perfectly cast as the stern and commanding Superintendent Battle, complete with a mustache, and Helena Bonham Carter is delightfully quirky as Bundle’s unusual mother. It’s a cheerful and cozy show to enjoy during the January months.

Watch it on: Netflix

9. Evil Under the Sun (1982)

Peter Ustinov, famous for playing detective Poirot in the 1978 film Death on the Nile, returned to the role in this exciting sequel. He investigates the theft of a priceless diamond, which takes him to a luxurious resort island in the Mediterranean filled with wealthy guests. When a body is discovered on the beach, the theft quickly turns into a murder investigation.

Maggie Smith, Jane Birkin, James Mason, and Diana Rigg star in a fun, lighthearted mystery filled with clever dialogue and set in a beautiful, sunny location.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer

8. And Then There Were None (1945)

As a huge cinema fan, I always say the 1939 film is the definitive adaptation of Agatha Christie’s most famous story. It came out incredibly quickly after the book was published! The setup is brilliant – ten people, complete strangers, are lured to a secluded island mansion, only to find a creepy message accusing them all of murder. Then, predictably and terrifyingly, they start dying, one by one.

This early version of the thriller is less intense than what came after, and the ending is a bit more hopeful. However, it still maintains the creepy and unsettling atmosphere of the original film.

Watch it on: Apple or YouTube

7. Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (2022)

Hugh Laurie brilliantly wrote, directed, and even appeared in this lively miniseries. It all begins with the mysterious final words of a dying man – the question that gives the show its name – which sends two old friends on a search for answers. Bobby Jones, a vicar’s son played by Will Poulter, and Lady Francis “Frankie” Derwent, portrayed by Lucy Boynton, are the leading pair, and their witty banter adds charm as they find themselves caught up in a dangerous investigation.

Alongside Laurie, the show features Paul Whitehouse, Jim Broadbent, and Emma Thompson. It’s a truly sophisticated and enjoyable experience.

Watch it on: ITVX

6. Death on the Nile (1978)

This film, part of a wave of popular Agatha Christie adaptations from the 1970s, introduced Peter Ustinov as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot. The story follows Poirot as he investigates the murder of a wealthy young woman during a cruise on the Nile River in Egypt. Beautiful locations and a clever mystery create a thrilling and diverting escape.

The film featured a stellar cast including Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, David Niven, Maggie Smith, Jane Birkin, and Angela Lansbury, all wearing costumes designed by Academy Award winners.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer

5. And Then There Were None (2015)

Forget ‘The Traitors’ – this mystery came first, and it’s arguably the best of Sarah Phelps’ adaptations of Agatha Christie. This three-part series gathers a stellar cast – including Miranda Richardson, Charles Dance, and Sam Neill – and traps them in a remote location where secrets are revealed and people start dying. Each murder is chillingly foreshadowed by a line from a creepy nursery rhyme, making for a truly unforgettable TV experience.

You can really feel the tension and the violence is shockingly realistic, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment. This adaptation is special because it sticks closely to Agatha Christie’s original, unsettling ending. Many consider it the best film or TV version of this famously adapted story.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer

4. Miss Marple (1984–1992)

While Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie both portrayed Miss Marple well for ITV in lighter adaptations, the twelve dramas starring Joan Hickson for the BBC are still considered the most authentic television version. Agatha Christie herself had wanted Hickson to play the role ever since seeing her perform on stage in the 1940s.

She appears unassuming, with quick, observant eyes and a nervous energy, which leads people to underestimate her. However, she’s remarkably clever and relentlessly pursues even the most dangerous criminals, skillfully solving mysteries to catch them. The series perfectly balanced a comforting atmosphere with a surprisingly dark core, and it was captivating, enduring, and utterly charming.

Watch it on: U or Now.

3. Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

This classic courtroom drama is considered one of the best and most enduring adaptations of Agatha Christie’s stories, and it received six Academy Award nominations. Directed by Billy Wilder, the film features strong performances from Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, and a memorable appearance by Marlene Dietrich.

This murder trial is full of surprises, and the suspense will build until a shocking twist reveals the killer. Agatha Christie herself said this adaptation, along with another, was among the few she actually liked.

Watch it on: Apple, Amazon or Sky Store

2. Poirot (1989-2013)

For me, and I think for a lot of fans, David Suchet is Poirot. He played the character in so many cases – seventy, over almost 25 years! – that his portrayal really became the definitive one. It’s just how I picture the meticulous Belgian detective. What I loved about his work, and the whole series, is how faithfully they adapted Agatha Christie’s stories. It’s all about clever mysteries, beautiful art deco settings, and really making you use your own ‘little grey cells’ to try and solve the case alongside Poirot. It’s just incredibly satisfying.

Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson, has expressed his disappointment that she didn’t live to see David Suchet’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot, believing him to be the most authentic actor to take on the role.

Watch it on: ITVX or Netflix from 24 January

1. Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

When you picture a classic Agatha Christie movie, this adaptation directed by Sidney Lumet often springs to mind. Albert Finney gives a fantastic performance as Poirot, and the film boasts excellent pacing, a clever plot, and high-quality production.

A star-studded group of actors – including Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, John Gielgud, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Jaqueline Bisset, Michael York, and Ingrid Bergman (who won an Academy Award for her performance) – found themselves together on a train traveling from Istanbul to Paris, amidst a snowy landscape.

This adaptation stays true to the original book, is visually stunning, and unfolds smoothly. Agatha Christie herself approved of it shortly before her death, and audiences have continued to enjoy it ever since.

Watch it on: BBC iPlayer

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Michael Hogan
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2026-01-16 10:41