If you’re just discovering the Jesse Stone film series and wondering how to best enjoy it, sequence matters. Unlike some detective sagas where each instalment is a self-contained story, this franchise, adapted from Robert B. Parker’s books, gains richness when watched in a deliberate order.
Spanning nine feature-length movies—eight produced by CBS between 2005 and 2012, and an additional one courtesy of the Hallmark Channel in 2015—the series is teeming with recurring characters and a developed backstory. So, for a fuller experience, it’s advisable to watch the Jesse Stone movies in the order they were released.
Tom Selleck, the iconic lead of the original Magnum P.I. series, stars in all nine instalments of the Jesse Stone film franchise. The inaugural film, Stone Cold, introduces us to Selleck’s character, a former LA homicide investigator who moves to a quaint Massachusetts town after losing his job due to alcohol-related issues.
These made-for-TV crime dramas lean into genre conventions, delivering familiar narrative elements and gratifying resolutions. These qualities have helped cement the series’ status as a reliably engaging long-term franchise.
How to watch Jesse Stone movies in order
We’ve organized the Jesse Stone movies according to their release timeline and provided suggestions on where to locate them. This way, you can focus on immersing yourself in the film journey rather than wasting time hunting down the movies. Continue reading for an all-inclusive roadmap for experiencing the Jesse Stone series in the sequence it was intended to be viewed.
Here is the list of Jesse Stone movies in order (release order)
- Stone Cold (February 20, 2005)
- Jesse Stone: Night Passage (January 15, 2006)
- Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise (April 30, 2006)
- Jesse Stone: Sea Change (May 22, 2007)
- Jesse Stone: Thin Ice (March 1, 2009)
- Jesse Stone: No Remorse (May 9, 2010)
- Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost (May 22, 2011)
- Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt (May 20, 2012)
- Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise (October 18, 2015)
For fans looking to follow a more accurate franchise timeline, here are the Jesse Stone movies in order (Chronological order)
- Jesse Stone: Night Passage
- Stone Cold
- Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise
- Jesse Stone: Sea Change
- Jesse Stone: Thin Ice
- Jesse Stone: No Remorse
- Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost
- Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt
- Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise
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1. Jesse Stone: Night Passage (January 15, 2006)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Tom Epperson
Cast: Tom Selleck (Jesse Stone), Saul Rubinek (Hasty Hathaway), Viola Davis (Molly Crane)
IMDB Rating:Â 7.2/10.
After parting ways with the Los Angeles Police Department due to struggles with alcohol, former homicide detective Jesse Stone, played by Tom Selleck, ends up accepting the only job available to him—serving as the Police Chief in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts. Stone embarks on this new journey accompanied solely by his faithful dog, Boomer, although he continues to maintain phone conversations with his former spouse.
Soon after his arrival, Stone joins forces with local officers Luther Simpson (portrayed by Kohl Suddoth), Molly Crane (acted by Viola Davis), and Anthony D’Angelo (played by Vito Rezza) to solve the murder of a fellow police officer. As if this weren’t complicated enough, Stone starts a mostly physical relationship with Abby Taylor, a local lawyer played by Polly Shannon, mainly because Stone’s personal issues prevent a deeper emotional connection.
As for Stone’s loyal canine companion, Boomer, his time in Paradise is sadly short-lived, as Stone has to make the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize him—a plot point that, while not uncommon in films, certainly adds emotional weight. And Boomer won’t be the last close companion Stone loses in the series.
The inclusion of Viola Davis in the cast is an added treat, even though her role is more of a supporting character in Stone’s story. Additionally, the narrative leans into the trope of the lone-wolf cop who takes matters into his own hands and becomes a ruggedly irresistible figure to women, despite the risks involved. So, be prepared: this recurring theme will be explored in greater depth as the series progresses.
2. Jesse Stone: Stone Cold (Feb 20, 2005)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: John Fasano (teleplay), Robert B. Parker (novel)
Cast: Tom Selleck (Jesse Stone), Viola Davis (Molly Crane), Kohl Sudduth (Luther “Suitcase” Simpson)
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
A wave of mysterious murders has hit the town of Paradise, keeping Police Chief Jesse Stone busier than ever. Alongside his colleague Simpson, also known as “Suitcase,” Stone dives deep into the investigations, even going as far as adopting Reggie, a golden retriever left homeless by one of the victims.
As if the murders weren’t enough, Stone, assisted by Crane (played by Viola Davis), also tackles the sensitive case of a high school girl’s sexual assault. The plot of this episode delves into the realm of serial-killer chaos, a favourite trope among TV crime dramas. However, Stone Cold steers clear of gratuitous violence, opting instead for sudden, unexpected gunshot killings as the modus operandi of its murderers. Interestingly, this is the only Jesse Stone film featuring Sylvia Villagran as the voice of Stone’s ex-wife, Jenn, before the role was handed over to Gil Anderson for subsequent appearances.
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3. Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise (April 30, 2006)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: J.T. Allen (Teleplay), based on the novel by Robert B. Parker
Cast: Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone, Viola Davis as Molly Crane, Kohl Sudduth as Luther “Suitcase” Simpson
IMDB Rating: 7.1 out of 10
Upon the recommendation of his former spouse, Stone starts therapy sessions with Dr. Dix, played by William Devane, even as he grapples with fresh challenges. A teenage girl is discovered dead in a lake, and a serial domestic abuser is on the loose. The stakes rise further when the safety of one of Stone’s own team members hangs in the balance, prompting him to rethink certain aspects of his daily life. The third movie in the series marks a departure from setting the stage in the first two films and moves right into the action. It introduces key characters, like Dr. Dix and Sister Mary John, who will play important roles in the unfolding narrative across future instalments.
4. Jesse Stone: Sea Change (May 22, 2007)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Ronni Kern (Based on the novel “Sea Change” by Robert B. Parker)
Cast: Tom Selleck (Jesse Stone), Kathy Baker (Rose Gammon), Kohl Sudduth (Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson)
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Jesse Stone finds himself navigating new challenges both personally and professionally in this notably transformative chapter of the series. With Luther, played by Kohl Suddoth, in a coma following a shooting incident and Molly, portrayed by Viola Davis, exiting her role in law enforcement to focus on family life, Jesse is left essentially flying solo.
The pace at the station has slackened, giving Jesse more time to indulge in vices like drinking and spending time with his dog, Reggie. His responsibilities include investigating an alleged sexual assault involving a teenager and an older man aboard a yacht, as well as delving into an unsolved case about a deceased bank teller and missing funds—putting him on the mob’s radar.
This pivotal episode welcomes new faces and farewells others. Viola Davis leaves the series gracefully, while Kathy Baker steps in as Rose Gammon, Molly’s successor. William Sadler also joins the ensemble as Gino Fish, a mobster who becomes a recurring character. Despite the seemingly low-key story arcs, this is the only instalment that earned Tom Selleck an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Jesse Stone.
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5. Jesse Stone: Thin Ice (March 1, 2009)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Ronni Kern (teleplay), Robert B. Parker (characters)
Cast: Tom Selleck (Jesse Stone), Kathy Baker (Rose Gammon), Kohl Sudduth (Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson)
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10.
In a gripping new chapter of the series, Jesse Stone is on a personal quest to find out who nearly assassinated his long-time friend, Captain Healy, portrayed by Stephen McHattie. The local governing body wants Stone to prioritize other investigations, advice he predictably disregards.
Adding to the emotional weight, Stone delves into the haunting mystery of a supposedly deceased infant whose fate might be different than what was initially thought, though solving this case turns out to be a herculean task.
Tom Selleck takes on additional responsibilities this time around, earning his second writing credit for the series—the first being for “Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise.” Noteworthy changes in the cast include the exit of Deputy D’Angelo, forced out by Stone, and a surprising liaison between Stone and the Internal Affairs investigator scrutinizing his conduct.
6. Jesse Stone: No Remorse (May 9, 2010)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Tom Selleck, Michael Brandman (Based on characters created by Robert B. Parker)
Cast: Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone, Kathy Baker as Rose Gammon, Kohl Sudduth as Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson
IMDB Rating: 7.2 out of 10
Despite facing suspension from his last case, Stone is struggling with his newfound isolation, often resorting to alcohol to pass the time. His former colleague, Captain Healy, who is recuperating from a gunshot wound, calls upon Stone to lend his expertise for a troubling murder investigation connected to the underworld and Gino Fish. Stone can’t help but involve Luther and Rose in the action, even though he’s been advised to keep his distance from his old life.
Although no longer officially in law enforcement, Stone remains undeterred in his quest for justice. On a personal note, he starts to acknowledge his unspoken bond with Reggie, the canine companion he’s had for half a decade but has always denied owning. Through these experiences, both Stone and Reggie seem to grow closer and develop a deeper connection.
7. Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost (May 22, 2011)
Director: Dick Lowry
Writer: Tom Selleck & Michael Brandman (Based on the character created by Robert B. Parker)
Cast: Tom Selleck (Jesse Stone), Kathy Baker (Rose Gammon), Kohl Sudduth (Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson)
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
Since losing his position as Chief of Police to a hire based on family connections, Stone has shifted his focus to freelance investigative work. Meanwhile, his ex-colleagues are grappling with the dramatic changes brought on by their new, abrasive leader. Stone also has a knack for unwittingly discovering unsolved murders, including one that reconnects him with a past arrestee in a surprising manner.
Interestingly, Selleck began pouring his personal funds into this labour of love a few episodes back, as rising costs started to make the project too pricey for CBS. Although the series may appear to be budget-friendly, the escalating salaries of the cast have significantly contributed to the overall production expenses.
8. Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt (May 20, 2012)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Tom Selleck, Michael Brandman
Cast: Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone, Kathy Baker as Rose Gammon, Kohl Sudduth as Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10.
Since losing his position as Chief of Police to a hire based on family connections, Stone has shifted his focus to freelance investigative work. Meanwhile, his ex-colleagues are grappling with the dramatic changes brought on by their new, abrasive leader. Stone also has a knack for unwittingly discovering unsolved murders, including one that reconnects him with a past arrestee in a surprising manner.
Interestingly, Selleck began pouring his personal funds into this labour of love a few episodes back, as rising costs started to make the project too pricey for CBS. Although the series may appear to be budget-friendly, the escalating salaries of the cast have significantly contributed to the overall production expenses.
9. Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise (October 18, 2015)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Michael Brandman, Tom Selleck
Cast: Tom Selleck (Jesse Stone), Mackenzie Foy (Jenny O’Neill), William Devane (Dr. Dix)
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
After a few instalments where Stone functioned largely as an independent investigator, the second-to-last chapter of the Jesse Stone saga sees him reclaiming his seat as Chief, albeit temporarily. Tasked with solving the killings of the former Chief and Deputy D’Angelo, Stone finds himself in his element, firmly committed to making this stint more than just a brief assignment.
Luther and Rose, however, have opted to pursue other career paths instead of serving under Stone’s successor, leaving him to navigate this complex case largely on his own. Regardless of the lack of support, Stone is determined to uncover the corrupt activities that led to his predecessor’s death.
In a franchise that has often portrayed the police in a positive light, this episode makes a bold statement by questioning the assumption that law enforcement should always be given the benefit of the doubt, even when evidence points to wrongdoing. This shift in narrative may be unsettling for some viewers, as not all attitudes from prior films or TV shows stand the test of time. Yet, the series maintains that there are many honourable cops who deserve public trust. On a trivia note, this is the only Jesse Stone film that doesn’t feature his ex-wife, and it marks the end of the franchise’s run on CBS, who opted to exit the long-form movie arena.
Wrap-up
The Jesse Stone is the most popular Crime Fiction movie series that is directed by Dick Lowry, and Robert Harmon. The Jesse Stone series has spent $17 million of a $52-million budget in Nova Scotia.
In this blog, we have mentioned all the necessary details about how to watch Jesse Stone in order/ Jesse Stone in chronological order which will help you when you are watching the movie. So, explore this intriguing world without further delay!
