All 9 ‘Jesse Stone’ Movies in Chronological Order

If you’re into crime dramas with a tough yet troubled lead, the Jesse Stone movies are a must-watch. Tom Selleck steps into the shoes of Jesse Stone, a former LA cop who takes on the role of police chief in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts. These films, based on Robert B. Parker’s novels, mix gritty investigations with personal struggles—like Jesse’s battles with alcohol and his messy past. With nine movies spanning a decade, there’s plenty to dig into, and I’m here to break it all down for you, so you can see the best way to watch all ‘Jesse Stone’ movies in order.

What makes this series stand out is Selleck’s grounded performance, bringing a quiet strength to a character who’s as flawed as he is determined. The stories pull you in with their small-town mysteries, while Jesse’s inner conflicts keep things real and relatable. Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting it, knowing the right order can make the journey smoother. Let’s dive into how these films unfold and why they’re worth your time.

‘Jesse Stone’ movies in release date order

The ‘Jesse Stone’ movies kicked off on CBS in 2005 and wrapped up on Hallmark in 2015, giving us nine solid entries. Watching them by release date is a straightforward way to go, showing how the series evolved over time. It starts with ‘Jesse Stone: Stone Cold’ and ends with ‘Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise’. Here’s the full lineup.

1. ‘Jesse Stone: Stone Cold‘ (2005)
2. ‘Jesse Stone: Night Passage‘ (2006)
3. ‘Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise‘ (2006)
4. ‘Jesse Stone: Sea Change‘ (2007)
5. ‘Jesse Stone: Thin Ice‘ (2009)
6. ‘Jesse Stone: No Remorse‘ (2010)
7. ‘Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost‘ (2011)
8. ‘Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doub‘t (2012)
9. ‘Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise‘ (2015)

Are all ‘Jesse Stone’ movies connected & what is the best way to watch them?

Yes, all nine Jesse Stone movies tie together. They follow Jesse’s life as he settles into Paradise, solves crimes, and wrestles with his demons. Each film builds on his story, bringing back familiar faces like his team and recurring foes, while showing how he grows—or stumbles—along the way. You’ll see his relationships shift and his past creep up, making it one big, connected tale.

For the best experience, watch them in chronological order. While release order works fine, the timeline jumps a bit since ‘Night Passage’—the second film released—actually happens first. Going chronological keeps Jesse’s journey clear and lets you follow his story as it unfolds, from his arrival in Paradise to his later adventures. It’s the smoothest way to get the full picture.

‘Jesse Stones’ movies in chronological order

To really get Jesse’s story, chronological order is the way to go. It starts with ‘Jesse Stone: Night Passage’, which sets up his move to Paradise, and flows through to ‘Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise’. This order tracks his life step by step, making the stakes and his personal battles hit harder. Let’s walk through each one.

1. ‘Jesse Stone: Night Passage ‘(2006)

This is where it all begins. Jesse Stone, fresh off a rough exit from the LAPD due to his drinking, lands in Paradise, Massachusetts, as the new police chief. He’s got his dog Boomer with him and a hope for a quieter life, but trouble finds him fast. A murder tied to the old chief pulls him into a web of local corruption, with bank manager Hasty Hathaway in the mix.

Selleck nails Jesse’s mix of grit and vulnerability here. The film sets up his rocky start—think domestic abuse cases and mob connections—while showing his knack for cutting through the noise. It’s a solid kickoff that plants the seeds for everything to come, even though it hit screens after ‘Stone Cold’.

2. ‘Jesse Stone: Stone Cold‘ (2005)

Next up, Jesse’s already settled in Paradise, five years after his divorce. This time, he’s tackling a string of brutal murders—couples shot with a .22 caliber—and a separate rape case involving a high school girl, Candace. The killers, a twisted pair named Andrew and Brianna, keep him on edge, especially when they take out his friend Abby.

This was the first Jesse Stone movie to air, and it hooks you with its dark vibe. Selleck’s Jesse is steady but haunted, juggling the case and his nightly calls with ex-wife Jenn. It’s a tense ride that shows why he’s the guy you want running the show in a crisis.

3. ‘Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise‘ (2006)

Now we’re deeper into Jesse’s time in Paradise. A teenage girl’s body turns up in a lake, and Jesse digs into her story—she’s Billie Bishop, estranged from her family and on a dark path. At the same time, he’s dealing with a wife-beater case that’s got the town buzzing.

The investigation leads to a sleazy writer, Norman Shaw, and a mob angle with Leo Finn. Selleck brings out Jesse’s empathy here, pushing hard for justice while starting therapy with Dr. Dix to keep his drinking in check. It’s a heavy one, but it shows his heart.

4. ‘Jesse Stone: Sea Change‘ (2007)

Jesse’s still fighting the bottle in this one, and his ex-wife Jenn’s drama isn’t helping. To stay busy, he reopens an old case—a bank teller’s murder that’s been cold for years. It pulls him into a tangle of secrets, with mobster Gino Fish making his first appearance.

This film leans on Jesse’s detective chops, and Selleck shines as he pieces it together. The stakes feel personal, especially with his therapy sessions digging into his past. It’s quieter but packs a punch, showing Jesse at his stubborn best.

5. ‘Jesse Stone: Thin Ice‘ (2009)

Things get messy here. Jesse and Captain Healy get shot during an off-the-books stakeout in Boston, tied to Healy’s nephew. Back in Paradise, a mother begs him to reopen her son’s kidnapping case, convinced he’s still alive despite the official word.

Selleck’s Jesse is battered but relentless, digging into both mysteries while dodging his ex’s calls. The action ramps up, and we see him lean on his team—Luther and Rose—more than ever. It’s a turning point that tests his limits.

6. ‘Jesse Stone: No Remorse‘ (2010)

Jesse’s suspended from the Paradise force, leaving him restless and drinking too much. Healy, still healing from the shooting, pulls him in as a consultant on a Boston murder spree linked to Gino Fish. Meanwhile, a robbery-murder back home keeps his old crew busy.

This one’s raw—Selleck plays Jesse as a guy on the edge, solving crimes despite the odds. He’s got his first cellphone now, dodging Jenn, and facing hard truths about his dog Reggie. It’s a shift, showing him outside the badge but still in the fight.

7. ‘Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost‘ (2011)

Jesse’s out of the job after forced retirement, but he can’t sit still. A young friend’s suspicious death drags him back into action, while Paradise struggles under a smug new chief tied to the town council. His old team’s gone quiet, leaving him solo.

Selleck brings a weary edge here—Jesse’s adrift but driven. The case hits close, and his clashes with the new chief add heat. It’s a slower burn, but it shows how he keeps going, even when the system kicks him out.

8. ‘Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt‘ (2012)

The new chief’s car blows up, taking another officer with it, and Paradise is a mess. Jesse steps back in, alone since his old crew quit, to solve the bombing. It points to Gino Fish, but there’s a bigger player pulling strings.

Selleck’s Jesse is all grit here, piecing it together with no backup. The pace drags a bit, but the reveal of a shadowy mastermind keeps you hooked. It’s a dark chapter that proves he’s still got it, badge or not.

9. ‘Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise‘ (2015)

Jesse’s in Boston now, consulting on the ‘Boston Ripper’ case for an old flame, Lt. Greenstreet. Back in Paradise, he’s mourning Reggie and digging into a serial killer’s victim who might not fit the pattern. It’s the only Hallmark entry, but it holds up.

Selleck’s quieter here, reflective but sharp. The dual cases—big city and small town—show his range, and the emotional weight of losing Reggie hits hard. It’s a strong cap to the series, leaving you wanting more.

Will there be more ‘Jesse Stone’ movies?

It’s been a decade since ‘Lost in Paradise’ aired, and we’re all wondering if Jesse’s coming back. Selleck’s hinted at wanting to return, especially now that ‘Blue Bloods’ is winding down, freeing up his schedule. Hallmark picked up the ninth film after CBS bowed out, and there was talk of a tenth in 2017. Nothing’s locked in yet, but with Selleck’s love for the role and a loyal fanbase, I’d bet we’ll see Jesse tackle another case soon. Keep your fingers crossed!