How to Watch Appointment with Death: Where to Stream and What to Know

Where to stream Appointment with Death

Appointment with Death is available on several streaming platforms, though which ones carry it depends on your location and current licensing agreements. In the United States, the film has appeared on Amazon Prime Video (both free with ads and for purchase), Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. The easiest way to find it right now is to search the title on JustWatch or Reelgood, which show you every platform currently offering it in your country and whether you need to pay per view or subscribe to a service.

If you prefer physical media, the film is also available on DVD and Blu-ray through retailers like Amazon and eBay, though these are often out of print and prices can be high. Renting through a traditional video store is no longer practical in most places, but some libraries still carry DVDs in their collections — worth checking before you buy.

Key Takeaways

• Appointment with Death streams on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu, though availability changes by region and time.
• JustWatch and Reelgood let you search the title once and see every streaming option available to you right now.
• The 1988 film directed by Michael Winner stars Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot and is based on Agatha Christie's 1938 novel.
• Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray exist but are often out of print; check your local library before purchasing.

What the film is about

Appointment with Death is a murder mystery set in the Middle East, where a wealthy and abusive matriarch is killed during a group tour. Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie's famous detective, must figure out which member of the family or tour group committed the crime. The film is one of several adaptations of Christie's 1938 novel of the same name, and it leans into the glamour and intrigue of a 1930s-style mystery.

The 1988 version is known for its cast and its visual style rather than for being the definitive adaptation. If you've seen other Poirot films or read Christie's books, you'll recognize the formula: a closed group of suspects, a locked setting, and a detective who pieces together motive and opportunity to reveal the killer.

The cast and crew

Peter Ustinov plays Hercule Poirot in this version. Ustinov was a seasoned actor and director who brought a theatrical, almost comedic energy to the role — very different from other actors who have played Poirot over the years. The supporting cast includes Carrie Fisher, Lauren Bacall, John Gielgud, and Piper Laurie, all of whom were well-established stars at the time.

Michael Winner directed the film. Winner was known for action and thriller films, so his take on a Christie mystery is worth watching if you're curious how a director outside the traditional mystery genre approaches the material. The film was shot on location in Morocco and Israel, which gives it a more expansive feel than a typical drawing-room mystery.

How this version compares to other Appointment with Death adaptations

Appointment with Death has been adapted more than once. A 1945 film version exists, and a 2024 television adaptation aired on BBC and later on other networks. The 1988 film sits in the middle chronologically and represents a particular style of 1980s filmmaking — glossy, star-studded, and focused on visual spectacle.

If you're working through multiple Poirot adaptations, the 1988 film is worth watching for context, but it's not considered the most faithful or critically acclaimed version of the story. The 2024 adaptation is more recent and may appeal to viewers who prefer contemporary production values, while the 1945 version is a historical curiosity for fans of classic cinema.

Runtime and content warnings

The 1988 Appointment with Death runs approximately 102 minutes, so plan for just under two hours. The film is rated PG, which means parental guidance is suggested but it's not restricted to adults. There is violence (the murder and some physical confrontations), but nothing graphic by modern standards. There is no sexual content or strong language to speak of.

If you're watching with children, the mystery plot itself may be confusing for very young viewers, but teenagers and adults should have no issues with the content rating.

Why people watch this film

Viewers watch Appointment with Death for different reasons. Some are Agatha Christie completists working through every adaptation of her work. Others are Peter Ustinov fans or interested in seeing a particular actor in the supporting cast. Some simply enjoy 1980s mystery films and the particular style of that era.

It's not a film that's universally praised by critics, but it has a devoted following among people who appreciate its cast, its location shooting, and its straightforward approach to the mystery genre. If you enjoy classic mysteries, star-studded casts, or 1980s cinema, it's worth a watch. If you're looking for the definitive Agatha Christie adaptation, you may want to explore other options first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Appointment with Death based on a book?

Yes, it's based on Agatha Christie's 1938 novel of the same name. The 1988 film is one of several adaptations of the book, so if you enjoy the film, you can read the original novel to see how the story was adapted for screen.

Do I need to watch other Poirot films to understand this one?

No. Each Poirot mystery is a standalone story with its own plot and suspects. You don't need any background knowledge to follow Appointment with Death — the film introduces the detective and the case from the beginning.

Is the 2024 version better than the 1988 version?

That depends on your preferences. The 2024 version is newer and made with modern production techniques, while the 1988 version has a particular style and cast that some viewers prefer. Both are worth watching if you're interested in the story.

Can I watch this film with subtitles?

Most streaming platforms offer subtitle options for Appointment with Death, though availability depends on which service you use. Check the settings on your streaming app before you start watching.