It's been over 130 years since the birth of legendary crime writer Agatha Christie, yet her legacy as the best-selling novelist of all time remains. Crowned the 'Queen of Crime,' Christie gifted the world some of the most enduring sleuths and a classic whodunnit format that continues to inspire generations of storytellers today.
While Sir David Suchet's memorable portrayal of Hercule Poirot immediately springs to mind when we think of iconic Christie adaptations, there's a whole treasure trove of brilliant television series waiting to be streamed.
In celebration of the crime writer's birthday, here are the best Agatha Christie TV adaptations you need to add to your watch list now.
© GettyAgatha Christie's Poirot
Arguably the nation's favourite detective drama, we couldn't possibly leave Poirot off the list.
Sir David Suchet won a BAFTA nomination in 1991 for his portrayal of the titular private investigator in the Art Deco-era drama. The long-running series follows the eccentric, moustachioed sleuth as he solves complex cases using his sharp mind.
Often praised for its faithful adaptations of Christie's novel, this high-quality series will not disappoint fans.
Available to stream on Netflix and ITVX.
© Lara CornellAgatha Christie's Tommy & Tuppence
Antonia Thomas and Josh Dylan star in this modern take on Agatha Christie's iconic crime-solving duo, Tommy and Tuppence.
The new six-part series reimagines the pair, who are recurring characters in the Queen of Crime's work, in modern-day London.
Antonia plays actress Tuppence, while Josh plays meticulous crime writer Tommy and Imelda Staunton portrays Tommy's Aunt Ada, a retired private detective.
The official synopsis reads: "Tommy and Tuppence are a detective duo for the ages. They fall in love, fall out of it, and tumble back in, all while solving some thrilling, entertaining mysteries along the way."
Available to stream on BritBox.
© Alamy Stock PhotoAgatha Christie's Marple
This beloved detective series, which ran for six seasons between 2004 and 2013, is a must-watch for any Christie fan. Set in the sleepy parish of St Mary Mead, the series follows spinster Jane Marple, who uses her unique crime-solving skills to crack puzzling cases.
Geraldine McEwan stars in seasons one to three, while Julia McKenzie takes on the role from series four onwards. The series welcomed an impressive list of guest stars during its run, including Joanna Lumley, Joan Collins, Carey Mulligan and Benedict Cumberbatch.
As the summer draws to a close and the autumn months roll in, there's no better time to catch up on this cosy, nostalgic drama. It really is the TV equivalent of a warm hug.
Available to stream on Netflix, Channel 4 and ITVX.
© Simon Ridgway/NetflixAgatha Christie's Seven Dials
Agatha Christie's 1929 novel, The Seven Dials Mystery, received the TV treatment earlier this year thanks to Netflix. Mia McKenna-Bruce leads the cast as the inquisitive Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, who investigates the suspicious death of a man she loves, Gerry Wade (Corey Mylchreest).
Leading star Mia lights up the screen in this witty series, which boasts a seriously stacked cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman and Edward Bluemel.
Available to stream on Netflix.
© ITVWhy Didn't They Ask Evans?
This brilliantly entertaining whodunnit opens with a dying man lying at the bottom of a cliff on a north Wales golf course – seemingly the victim of a fall – who utters the mysterious titular question before meeting his fate.
Bobby Jones (Will Poulter) and his socialite friend Lady Frances Derwent (Lucy Boynton) vow to answer the man's question, putting their amateur sleuthing skills to the test.
"In so doing, they hit upon a dark conspiracy of deceit, betrayal and - perhaps unsurprisingly - murder," reads the synopsis.
Available to stream on ITVX and BritBox.
© BBCAnd Then There Were None
Sam Neill, Aidan Turner and Miranda Richardson lead the cast of this claustrophobic whodunnit.
From screenwriter Sarah Phelps, who has adapted a number of Christie dramas for television, this atmospheric, creepy tale follows ten strangers who receive a mysterious invite to an island off the south coast of England. It's not long before their glamorous invitation sees them cut off from civilisation due to bad weather, and each guest is killed off one-by-one in the style of the nursery rhyme 'Ten Little Soldier Boys'.
Available to stream on Disney + and BBC iPlayer.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe Pale Horse
Another tense tale of paranoia, this chilling adaptation of Christie's 1961 novel stars Rufus Sewell as widower Mark Easterbrook. When a young woman is murdered, he appears on a mysterious list of names found in her shoe.
His investigation leads him to a seemingly idyllic village where a trio of witches use their supernatural powers to kill people for a fee. As more people named on the list are found dead, Mark begins to fear for his life and his sanity.
This dread-inducing two-part drama will keep you glued to your screens.
Available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
