After the release of Murder on the Orient Express, Kenneth Branagh expanded on his Agatha Christie cinematic universe with two more films. The latest film in this universe is A Haunting in Venice, which adapts Agatha Christie's Hallowe'en Party. Kenneth Branagh brings to life the iconic Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in all three movies. Poirot is a classic detective in fiction and has featured in over thirty Agatha Christie novels.
With so many detective novels featuring Hercule Poirot, Kenneth Branagh has many to choose from. A Haunting in Venice also introduced another recurring character in Agatha Christie's novels, Ariadne Oliver. And while Poirot and Oliver have many stories together that Kenneth Branagh could adapt next, there are other Christie novels that would be perfect for the big screen as well.
10 The Mysterious Affair at Styles
The Mysterious Affair at Styles was Agatha Christie's first novel and the debut of Hercule Poirot. Set during the First World War, Hercule Poirot is living as a refugee in a small English town. There, he runs into an old friend, Arthur Hastings. Hastings is staying at a friend's house, and when a murder takes place there, Hastings asks for Poirot's assistance in solving the crime.
Arthur Hastings is a recurring character in Agatha Christie's novels and a dear friend and assistant to Poirot. A Mysterious Affair at Styles could be a great choice to introduce Hastings to Kenneth Branagh's Agatha Christie cinematic universe. With some minor changes, A Mysterious Affair at Styles could fit perfectly in Branagh's Poirot storyline.
9 Peril at End House
Peril at End House follows Hercule Poirot and Arthur Hastings as they vacation together in Cornwall. There they meet Nick, a young woman whom Poirot suspects is in grave danger. He tries to convince Nick that someone is trying to kill her, and she eventually agrees to join her and her friends at a party at her place, called End House.
Peril at End House could be a perfect follow-up to A Haunting in Venice. It allows for another all-star ensemble cast, as there are many characters in the novel. And as Poirot is on vacation, the film adaptation of Peril at End House could deliver the perfect setting to see Poirot traveling again.
8 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is for many the best crime novel ever. It is also one of Agatha Christie's most controversial stories. It follows Poirot and his investigation into the murder of wealthy widower Roger Ackroyd. He teams up with Dr. James Sheppard, who received the call that Roger Ackroyd was found dead.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was controversial and groundbreaking due to its twist ending. This would be a great novel for Kenneth Branagh to adapt next. The final reveal in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd left an impact on the detective genre. Fans would love to see this story on the big screen, as the only film adaptation released in 1931 is now considered a lost film.
7 Lord Edgware Dies
In Lord Edgware Dies, actress Jane Wilkinson seeks Hercule Poirot's help to try to divorce her husband, Lord Edgware. However, Poirot is surprised to learn that Lord Edgware has already agreed to divorce his wife. Poirot thinks all is resolved, but the next morning, Inspector Japp informs Hercule Poirot that Lord Edgware was murdered.
Lord Edgware Dies has several characters that would make a perfect ensemble cast. It could also bring Hollywood glamour with the character of Jane Wilkinson. At the same time, Lord Edgware Dies could be a great adaptation to introduce another recurring character in Christie's novels, Inspector Japp.
6 Cards on the Table
Cards on the Table is the first of Agatha Christie's novels where Hercule Poirot teams up with Ariadne Oliver to solve a crime. Poirot and Mrs. Oliver are both guests at a peculiar dinner party. Shaitana boasts of having a unique collection to present: four criminals who have evaded justice.
Cards on the Table could be the perfect setting for Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver to work together again. Shaitana invites both to the party, along with Colonel Race and Superintendent Battle, to meet his "collection." After the events of A Haunting in Venice, Cards on the Table could present a perfect premise to bring Poirot and Mrs. Oliver back together.
5 Death in the Clouds
Death in the Clouds follows Poirot's investigation into a crime committed on a plane. Much like in Murder on the Orient Express, Hercule Poirot was one of the passengers when the murder took place. And when a clue makes Poirot himself a suspect, he decides to investigate to clear his name.
Death in the Clouds is a classic murder mystery premise, as an airplane is a confined place for a murder. The puzzling mystery could be the perfect candidate for Kenneth Branagh's next Poirot film. Death in the Clouds makes Hercule Poirot a suspect as well, which could add another layer of intrigue and keep viewers guessing until the end.
4 Appointment with Death
In Appointment with Death, Hercule Poirot is on holiday in Jerusalem. He overhears an incriminating conversation between Raymond Boynton and his sister, who seem to be plotting to kill someone. And when the Boyntons' stepmother is found dead, Poirot suspects foul play and must investigate.
Appointment with Death takes Hercule Poirot to an new setting once more. This reflects Agatha Christie's own experiences traveling in the Middle East with her husband, who was an archeologist. Appointment with Death would be an intriguing film that could take Poirot to another new location.
3 Five Little Pigs
Five Little Pigs changes the dynamic of Hercule Poirot's investigations. Instead of taking on a current case, Poirot investigates a crime committed sixteen years ago. Carla Lemarchant is the daughter of Caroline Crale, a convicted criminal who died in prison. But Carla believes her mother is innocent and asks for Poirot's help.
Five Little Pigs provides a non-linear narrative that would be captivating when adapted on-screen. As Hercule Poirot questions and interrogates the five people who were present sixteen years ago, he learns more about the crime that took place. Hercule Poirot tries to solve a murder with little evidence other than witness accounts in Five Little Pigs, something that highlights Poirot's bright mind.
2 Dead Man's Folly
Dead Man's Folly is another story that sees Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver investigating together. Sir George and Lady Stubbs, owners of Nasse House, come up with the idea of staging a murder mystery party. They invite Ariadne Oliver to set up the Murder Hunt, as they call it. But Mrs. Oliver feels the murder game could turn real, and seeks Poirot's assistance.
Dead Man's Folly could be perfect for the big screen. The concept of a murder mystery game could provide some fun and entertainment for viewers. And once the game in Dead Man's Folly turns real, Hercule Poirot would be on the case.
1 Cat Among the Pigeons
Cat Among the Pigeons stands out from other Hercule Poirot novels thanks to the espionage elements of the story. It is set in an all-girls school where a teacher is murdered. But the answer to the murder lies in a net of political intrigue and a revolution taking place in a fictional kingdom of the Middle East called Ramat.
Cat Among the Pigeons could be a departure from the previous Kenneth Branagh adaptations of Agatha Christie novels. The elements of international espionage would give the film another level of suspense. Schoolgirl Julia Upjohn is the key for Hercule Poirot to find the answer to the crimes happening at the prestigious Meadowbank School.