Five Thrilling Adaptations Based on the Books of the Queen of Crime Thrillers, Agatha Christie!

What is it about Agatha Christie that still manages to fascinate, intrigue us even after decades? It is a classic without being boring, thought-provoking without being yawn-inducing, pacy without being rushed, all those things that you look forward to in a mystery novel. And all her books are full of these things. Whenever Hollywood turns for a good script, it has to turn to Agatha Christie’s classic who dun it!

We are so much used to guns and gore, yet Agatha Christie has nothing of that. It is intellectual and approaches the story from a detective’s perspective, i.e., Poirot and Miss Marple. And you would never know about the villain or the killer, until the last page. Her detectives aren’t your usual idea of detective. The smart and savvy person can beat twenty people into a pulp. Instead, they are people who aren’t very attractive.

But behind that very common facade has a ticking brain that can trump any criminal. So, it is no wonder that most of her books found a movie adaptation. Her Death on the Nile is all set to entertain us once again at a screen near us. Still, there are other adaptations that we are equally fond of. At the same time, we can never stop debating if the book was better or the movie. We all have to agree that the storytelling skills of  Agatha Christie is unmatched!

Death on the Nile

This 1978 version is one of the best adaptations as we see the mustachioed Belgian detective putting his gray cells to great use. We particularly love Sir Peter Ustinov’s portrayal in the movie. Other legends like Bette Davis, Maggie Smith, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, and David Niven also play memorable roles.

The queen of crime is spinning a winning tale of murder, embezzlement, and deception on a Nile river journey. The tranquillity of a cruise goes haywire when they discover Linnet Ridgeway’s death after being shot on the head. In that exotic setting, nothing is what it seems.

Murder at the Gallop

The 1963 film has Agatha Christie’s other favorite, Miss Marple. She may look old frumpy, but those are the exact characteristics she is not. Her interfering busy body character often puts people out. It helps her find more about the various deceptive characters who have a lot to hide. The grand dame of a mystery novel weaves a tale of terror and mystery with aplomb, and Margaret Rutherford is outstanding in the film. That it is a gripping tale of murder and mayhem is the understatement of several decades.

Murder on the Orient Express

The very plot of murder on a train with too many suspects on board is exciting and intriguing. Most of Agatha Christie’s novels are so good that producers have no trouble in finding good actors for the perfect part. Like most other films adapted from her books, this film boasts a stellar cast.

It includes everyone from Sean Connery, Lauren Bacall, Vanessa Redgrave to Ingrid Bergman. Poirot has his task cut out in this one as none of the suspects can flee from a running train, and yet there is one suspect too many, convoluting the plot further. There is a 2017 version of the movie. We leave you to decide which one to watch.

The Mirror Crack’d

This Miss Marple movie is a sure shot winner! The irrepressible Angela Lansbury plays the ever-so-sharp character of Miss Marple. And yes, a host of big-shot actors of the caliber of Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Novak, Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson, and Edward Fox. Also, you can spot a young Pierce Brosnan here too. In the sleepy village of St. Mary Mead, the plot thickens while Miss Marple tries her best to unravel the mysterious plot and the startling motive behind it.

Appointment with Death

Peter Ustinov reprises the role of the Belgian Detective yet again, and he undertakes to solve the mysterious death of Emily Boynton. The story takes place in England and Jerusalem as Poirot unravels the mystery of the death of the woman hated by everyone, even her children -Lauren Bacall, Carrie Fisher, Hayley Mills, and Sir John Gielgud.

Is the family is finally set free from the influence of the evil stepmother, or will they be unable to come out of the shadow of the malicious and hateful woman? Well, you have to see it to find out about it.

Each of these has a massive fan base, and we understand it’s hard to pick one as a favorite. But if you were to make a choice, which of these Agatha Christie films or books do you love the most? Do let us know in the comments section!