Hercule Poirot, the fictional Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie, has made a significant mark on the world of cinema. Various actors have brought this meticulous character to life over the years, with each bringing their own flair to the beloved sleuth. Here we rank all the Hercule Poirot movies from worst to best, providing a must-watch list for fans of detective cinema.

Starting with the least acclaimed adaptations, the 2004 television movie “Murder in the Orient Express” is often criticized for deviating significantly from Christie’s novel, and for Alfred Molina’s portrayal of Poirot which didn’t sit well with many fans. Coming up next is the 1988 version of “Appointment with Death”. Despite Peter Ustinov’s reprisal of his role as Poirot, the film felt lackluster in its plot execution compared to its predecessors.

“Thirteen at Dinner” (1985) saw Ustinov return as Poirot in a made-for-TV adaptation that didn’t quite capture the suspense and intrigue of the novel. Likewise, “Dead Man’s Folly” (1986) featured Ustinov in his penultimate appearance as Poirot, which while entertaining, didn’t stand out amongst his other portrayals.

The 2004 adaptation of “The Mystery of the Blue Train” deserves a mid-tier ranking. Although an avid following appreciates David Suchet’s definitive portrayal of Hercule Poirot in this feature-length episode from the TV series “Poirot”, it was not received with as much acclaim as some of his other ventures into Christie’s world.

“Egyptian Mummy” (1944) is often overlooked yet offers an intriguing and comedic twist on Poirot’s character while maintaining a solid mystery at its core. Austin Trevor’s performance is commendable given it was one of the earlier film appearances of the detective.

Moving onto the better-received films, “Death on the Nile” (1978) is notable for its all-star cast and Ustinovs charismatic performance. This adaptation beautifully depicted the novel’s luxurious and exotic setting coupled with a complex puzzle to solve.

Albert Finney’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot in “Murder on the Orient Express” (1974) garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The intricate plot and all-star ensemble cast made it a magnificent adaptation that stands as one of Christies’ most recognized works.

However, it’s David Suchet who has been widely praised for his incarnation of Poirot, most notably in “Agatha Christie’s Poirot” TV series which spanned from 1989 to 2013. Films like “Hercule Poiro’s Christmas” and “Murder on The Orient Express” from this series are celebrated for their faithful adaptation and Suchet’s near-perfect embodiment of the meticulous detective.

Topping our list is Kenneth Branagh’s “Murder on The Orient Express” (2017). Branagh both directed and starred as Hercule Poirot in this stylish reinvention that boasted dazzling production values along with a fresh take on Christie’s narrative.

This concludes our ranking of all Hercule Poirot movies, spanning from those small screen adaptations that might have missed the mark to cinematic triumphs that captured audiences worldwide. Each film offers a unique interpretation, but all are bonded by their depiction of one of literature’s most intricate detectives – Hercule Poirot. Whether you prefer your mysteries classic or contemporary, there’s no denying there is a Hercule Poirot film out there for every fan.