The Complete Guide to the Jesse Stone Movies: Plot, Cast, and Order
The crime genre has been blessed with some exceptional recent offerings in the form of the Jesse Stone films. Tom Selleck stars as the lead character, a detective investigating cases in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts.
These movies offer gripping storylines filled with suspense and unexpected turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, beyond just being crime dramas, they also offer valuable insights into human relationships and the darker aspects of humanity.
All nine films are equally enthralling, each providing a fresh perspective that will keep viewers engaged throughout their entire runtime. Below is a list of all nine Jesse Stone movies in order of their release date:
List of all the “Jesse Stone” movies
Here is a list of all the “Jesse Stone” movies in the order of their release date:
- 2005 – “Stone Cold”
- 2006 – “Night Passage”
- 2006 – “Death in Paradise”
- 2007 – “Sea Change” (2007)
- 2009 – “Thin Ice”
- 2010 – “No Remorse”
- 2011 – “Innocents Lost”
- 2012 – “Benefit of the Doubt”
- 2015 – “Lost in Paradise”
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Jesse Stone movies in chronological order
If you’re planning to watch the Jesse Stone movies in chronological order, it’s recommended that you start with “Jesse Stone: Night Passage,” which is actually the second film in the series. This movie takes place before the events of “Stone Cold,” which is the first film in the franchise, but watching them in this order will help you avoid any timeline issues or confusion as you progress through the series.
1. ‘Jesse Stone: Night Passage’ (2006)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Robert B. Parker (novel), Tom Selleck (teleplay), Michael Brandman (teleplay)
Released Date: February 15, 2006
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Night Passage” is the second movie in the “Jesse Stone” series, which stars Tom Selleck as the titular character. The movie was directed by Robert Harmon and released on February 15, 2006. The film follows Stone as he takes up a new job as a police chief in a small town in Massachusetts after being fired from his previous job due to his drinking problem.
The cast includes Saul Rubinek as Hasty Hathaway, Viola Davis as Molly Crane, Kohl Sudduth as Luther Simpson, Polly Shannon as Cissy Hathaway, and Mike Starr as Lou Carson. The movie was written by Tom Selleck and Michael Brandman, based on the novel by Robert B. Parker.
In “Jesse Stone: Night Passage,” Stone investigates a series of burglaries in the town, which leads him to uncover a complex web of corruption and deceit involving the town’s wealthy residents. Stone’s investigation also puts him in conflict with some of his own police officers, who are involved in the corruption.
The movie is a crime drama with elements of mystery and suspense, and explores themes such as addiction, corruption, and betrayal. With an IMDb rating of 7.2/10, “Jesse Stone: Night Passage” is a must-watch for fans of the crime genre and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.
2. ‘Jesse Stone: Stone Cold’ (2005)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Robert B. Parker and John Fasano
Released Date: February 20, 2005
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Stone Cold” is a 2005 crime drama mystery movie directed by Robert Harmon. The movie features Tom Selleck in the lead role as Jesse Stone, a former Los Angeles homicide detective who moves to a small town called Paradise in Massachusetts, hoping to escape his past and start afresh.
As Jesse settles into his new life, he finds that Paradise is not as peaceful as he had hoped. The town’s wealthy patriarch, Lou Carson, is found dead, and Jesse is hired to investigate the murder. His investigation leads him to a web of corruption and deceit, and he discovers that Lou’s death is just the tip of the iceberg.
Tom Selleck’s portrayal of Jesse Stone is outstanding, and he brings a depth and complexity to the character that is rarely seen in crime dramas. The supporting cast, including Mimi Rogers, Jane Adams, Reg Rogers, Viola Davis, and Saul Rubinek, is equally impressive, and they all give stellar performances.
Robert Harmon’s direction is top-notch, and he does an excellent job of creating a moody and atmospheric small-town setting that adds to the film’s overall tone. The script, written by Robert B. Parker and John Fasano, is sharp and clever, and it keeps the audience engaged throughout.
“Jesse Stone: Stone Cold” was released on February 20, 2005, and it has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10. The film is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, mystery movies, and Tom Selleck. It is an excellent start to the Jesse Stone movie franchise and sets the tone for the series.
3. ‘Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise’ (2006)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Robert B. Parker, Ronni Kern
Released Date: April 30, 2006
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise” is a 2006 American television film that follows the story of Jesse Stone, a former Los Angeles police officer who becomes the chief of police in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts. The film is the third in the Jesse Stone series, and it was directed by Robert Harmon.
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone, Viola Davis as Molly Crane, Kohl Sudduth as Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson, Orla Brady as Abby Taylor, Gary Basaraba as Anthony D’Angelo, Mae Whitman as Emily Bishop, and Saul Rubinek as Hasty Hathaway.
The film follows Jesse Stone as he investigates the death of a young woman whose body was found floating in a lake. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that puts him in danger. Along the way, he also deals with personal issues, including his struggles with alcoholism and his complicated relationship with his ex-wife.
“Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise” received positive reviews from critics and viewers alike, with many praising Selleck’s performance as well as the film’s well-crafted plot and suspenseful atmosphere. The film was released on April 30, 2006, and has an IMDb rating of 7.2 out of 10.
Overall, “Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise” is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, mystery, and suspenseful storytelling.
4. ‘Jesse Stone: Sea Change’ (2007)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Ronni Kern
Released Date: June 22, 2007
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Sea Change” is the fourth movie in the Jesse Stone series, directed by Robert Harmon and written by Ronni Kern. Tom Selleck reprises his role as the titular character, Jesse Stone, a small-town police chief in Massachusetts. The film was released on June 22, 2007, and has an IMDb rating of 7.3/10.
In “Jesse Stone: Sea Change,” the town of Paradise is struck by a series of tragedies when a teenage girl is found murdered on a beach. As Stone investigates the case, he discovers that the victim had been involved with a drug dealer and had connections to some of the town’s most prominent citizens. Stone finds himself struggling to solve the case while also dealing with personal issues, including his ongoing battle with alcoholism and his relationship with his ex-wife.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Kathy Baker as Rose Gammon, Stone’s deputy, Kohl Sudduth as Luther Simpson, a young officer who looks up to Stone, and Rebecca Pidgeon as Abby Taylor, a journalist who takes an interest in the case. Sean Young, William Sadler, Mika Boorem, Stephen McHattie, Saul Rubinek, and Viola Davis also have supporting roles.
“Jesse Stone: Sea Change” is a gripping crime drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the dark side of small-town life. It offers a thought-provoking story, stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances from its cast, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and the Jesse Stone series.
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5. ‘Jesse Stone: Thin Ice’ (2009)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Ronni Kern
Released Date: March 1, 2009
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” is a crime drama film released in 2009, directed by Robert Harmon and written by Ronni Kern. Tom Selleck plays the lead character, Jesse Stone, a small-town police chief in Paradise, Massachusetts.
The film begins with Jesse Stone investigating the death of a teenage girl whose body was found floating in the lake. The case takes a personal turn for Stone when he discovers that the victim was the daughter of one of his old colleagues.
As Stone delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that threatens to tear apart the community. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end.
The cast of the movie delivers strong performances, with Tom Selleck portraying a complex and compelling character in Jesse Stone. Kathy Baker shines as Rose Gammon, Stone’s loyal assistant, while Kohl Sudduth delivers a powerful performance as Detective Luther ‘Suitcase’ Simpson.
“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” is a worthy addition to the franchise, offering a gripping storyline, a talented cast, and excellent direction. The movie was released on March 1, 2009, and has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10. It is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and mystery films.
6. ‘Jesse Stone: No Remorse’ (2010)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Michael Brandman and Tom Selleck
Released Date: May 9, 2010
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
“Jesse Stone: No Remorse” is a crime drama film that was released in 2010. It is the sixth film in the “Jesse Stone” series and follows the titular character, played by Tom Selleck, as he investigates a series of murders in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts.
The film begins with the discovery of a murdered teenager, which Jesse Stone takes on as his new case. However, as he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers that there may be a connection between this murder and an old case that he worked on years ago. Along the way, Jesse must navigate through a web of corruption and deceit in order to uncover the truth behind the murders.
In addition to Tom Selleck, “Jesse Stone: No Remorse” features a talented ensemble cast that includes Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Stephen McHattie, William Devane, Saul Rubinek, William Sadler, Leslie Hope, Gloria Reuben, Mae Whitman, and Mike Starr. The film was directed by Robert Harmon and written by Michael Brandman and Tom Selleck.
With an IMDb rating of 7.2/10, “Jesse Stone: No Remorse” is a gripping crime drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a must-watch for fans of the “Jesse Stone” series and anyone who loves a good mystery.
7. ‘Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost’ (2011)
Director: Dick Lowry
Writer: Tom Selleck and Michael Brandman
Released Date: May 22, 2011
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost” is a 2011 crime drama mystery film and the seventh installment in the Jesse Stone film series. Tom Selleck reprises his role as the titular character, a police chief in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts.
The film follows Stone as he investigates the murder of a teenage girl whose body is found floating in a local lake. As Stone delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead him to suspect the involvement of some of the town’s most prominent citizens.
Kathy Baker returns as Rose Gammon, Stone’s deputy, and Kohl Sudduth plays Officer Luther “Suitcase” Simpson. The film also features Gloria Reuben as the victim’s mother, Stephen McHattie as the town’s wealthy benefactor, William Sadler as a mysterious stranger, and Saul Rubinek as a defense attorney.
Directed by Dick Lowry and co-written by Selleck and Michael Brandman, “Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost” was released on May 22, 2011. The film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, with many praising Selleck’s performance and the film’s gripping storyline. Its IMDb rating is 7.2 out of 10.
Overall, “Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost” is a compelling crime drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
8. ‘Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt’ (2012)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Michael Brandman, Tom Selleck
Released Date: May 20, 2012
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt” is a crime drama film that revolves around the character of Jesse Stone, played by Tom Selleck. Directed by Robert Harmon and written by Michael Brandman and Tom Selleck, the movie was released on May 20, 2012.
In this film, Jesse Stone is investigating a series of murders that have occurred in Paradise, Massachusetts. The situation becomes complicated when one of his own officers becomes a prime suspect in the case. Jesse must balance his loyalty to his friend and his duty as a law enforcement officer.
The film also explores Jesse’s personal life as he struggles with his relationship with his ex-wife and his feelings for his therapist. Meanwhile, a new attorney in town, played by Gloria Reuben, catches Jesse’s eye, and their budding romance adds a layer of complexity to the plot.
Tom Selleck delivers a strong performance as Jesse Stone, portraying him as a stoic and dedicated law enforcement officer. The supporting cast, including Kathy Baker as Rose and Kohl Sudduth as Luther, provide excellent performances as well, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, “Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt” is a well-crafted crime drama that keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end. With a solid plot, strong performances, and excellent direction, it’s no surprise that this film has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10.
9. ‘Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise’ (2015)
Director: Robert Harmon
Writer: Michael Brandman
Released Date: October 18, 2015 (USA)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
“Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise” is a crime drama film directed by Robert Harmon and written by Michael Brandman. It is the ninth and final film in the Jesse Stone series, released on October 18, 2015, in the United States. The film features an all-star cast, with Tom Selleck reprising his role as the titular character, alongside William Devane, Gloria Reuben, Leslie Hope, Luke Perry, and Mackenzie Foy.
In the movie, Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck) travels to Boston to investigate a series of murders that are linked to an old case he worked on. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of corruption that involves some of the city’s most prominent figures. Meanwhile, back in Paradise, Chief of Police, Healy (William Devane) is dealing with his own problems, as an old flame comes back into his life, threatening to disrupt his marriage.
“Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise” delivers the suspense and drama that fans of the series have come to expect. The film offers a fitting conclusion to the franchise, as it ties up loose ends and provides closure for the characters. The performances of the cast are outstanding, particularly that of Tom Selleck, who brings his trademark gravitas and charisma to the role of Jesse Stone.
Overall, “Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise” is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone who has followed the series. The movie is well-directed, well-written, and well-acted, and is a fitting end to a beloved franchise. It’s easy to see why it has an IMDb rating of 7.2/10.
Conclusion
The Jesse Stone movies are a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, mysteries, and well-written character-driven stories. With Tom Selleck’s outstanding performance as the titular character and a solid supporting cast, the movies deliver on suspense, drama, and intrigue. While each movie can be watched independently, watching them in order provides a more complete understanding of the character development and overarching storylines. With nine films in total, there is plenty of material to enjoy and revisit. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, the Jesse Stone movies are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Frequently asked questions about the Jesse Stone movies
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Jesse Stone movies
How many Jesse Stone movies are there?
There are a total of nine Jesse Stone movies.
Who plays Jesse Stone in the movies?
Tom Selleck plays the role of Jesse Stone in all of the movies.
What is the order of the Jesse Stone movies?
The order of the Jesse Stone movies, in terms of release date, is as follows:
“Stone Cold”
“Night Passage”
“Death in Paradise”
“Sea Change”
“Thin Ice”
“No Remorse”
“Innocents Lost”
“Benefit of the Doubt”
“Lost in Paradise”
What is the genre of the Jesse Stone movies?
The Jesse Stone movies fall under the crime, drama, and mystery genres.
Are the Jesse Stone movies based on books?
Yes, the Jesse Stone movies are based on a series of novels by Robert B. Parker.
Can the Jesse Stone movies be watched independently, or do they need to be watched in order?
While each movie has its own self-contained plot, it’s recommended to watch them in order to fully understand the character development and overarching storylines.
Where can I watch the Jesse Stone movies?
The Jesse Stone movies are available to stream on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play. Some cable networks may also air them from time to time.