Robert B. Parker’s novels have been inspiration for the Jesse Stone movie franchise. Where fans were really into the novels, the movies based on the novel were really up to the mark and fans really loved the fact that Harry Potter & Twilight Movies aren’t the only novel based movie franchise that came out to be a real gem.
Jesse Stone movie series is one of the best crime-drama gems which was played Tom Selleck. The movies are about Jesse Stone, a former LAPD homicide detective who leaves behind his big-city badge to start over as police chief in the quiet coastal town of Paradise, Massachusetts.
Each film peels back another layer of his life, balancing slow-burn mystery with introspection, loneliness, and moral struggle. And if you have decided to rewatch the movie or just discovered the franchise, you can watch the movies in chronological order.
In this post, we have shared a complete list of Jesse Stone movies in order, including release dates and IMDb ratings, followed by a detailed look at each film in the series.
Jesse Stone Movies in Chronological Watch Order –
| No. | Movie Title | Release Date | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jesse Stone – Night Passage | January 15, 2006 | 7.2/10 |
| 2 | Jesse Stone – Stone Cold | February 20, 2005 | 7.1/10 |
| 3 | Jesse Stone – Death in Paradise | April 30, 2006 | 7.1/10 |
| 4 | Jesse Stone – Sea Change | May 22, 2007 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | Jesse Stone – Thin Ice | March 1, 2009 | 7.1/10 |
| 6 | Jesse Stone – No Remorse | May 9, 2010 | 7.1/10 |
| 7 | Jesse Stone – Innocents Lost | May 22, 2011 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Jesse Stone – Benefit of the Doubt | May 20, 2012 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Jesse Stone – Lost in Paradise | October 18, 2015 | 7.2/10 |
Jesse Stone Movies in Order of Release
1. Jesse Stone: Stone Cold
| IMDb rating | 7.1/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | February 20, 2005 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
The first film introduces Jesse Stone, a former LA detective who becomes the police chief of a small Massachusetts town. He investigates a chilling double murder while battling his own personal demons and alcoholism. The film sets the foundation for his methodical, introspective character.
2. Jesse Stone: Night Passage
| IMDb rating | 7.2/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | January 15, 2006 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
A prequel to Stone Cold, this film explores how Jesse Stone first arrived in Paradise and took the role of police chief. As he uncovers corruption and criminal activity within the town, his sense of justice and intuition start to take shape.
3. Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise
| IMDb rating | 7.1/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | April 30, 2006 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
When a young girl’s body washes ashore, Jesse investigates a complex case involving family secrets and the darker side of small-town life. His empathy and persistence drive the story, revealing the cost of seeking the truth.
4. Jesse Stone: Sea Change
| IMDb rating | 7.2/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | May 22, 2007 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
Feeling isolated, Jesse reopens a cold case about a mysterious bank robbery while juggling tension with town officials. The film deepens his character, showing the toll of solitude and the quiet strength in perseverance.
5. Jesse Stone: Thin Ice
| IMDb rating | 7.1/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | March 1, 2009 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
After a fellow officer is shot, Jesse finds himself entangled in both a personal and professional crisis. As he chases answers, the story reveals his loyalty, resilience, and instinct for uncovering buried truths.
6. Jesse Stone: No Remorse
| IMDb rating | 7.1/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | May 9, 2010 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
Suspended from duty, Jesse unofficially investigates a string of murders in Boston. Balancing intuition and compassion, he works with old friends while confronting moral dilemmas that test his integrity.
7. Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost
| IMDb rating | 7.0/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | May 22, 2011 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
Jesse looks into the death of a young acquaintance while struggling with guilt and self-reflection. The film focuses on redemption, loss, and the thin line between justice and obsession.
8. Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt
| IMDb rating | 6.9/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | May 20, 2012 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
When two officers are killed, Jesse is reinstated as chief to solve the case. He uncovers corruption within his own department, forcing him to rely on intuition rather than politics to uncover the truth.
9. Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise
| IMDb rating | 7.2/10 |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 18, 2015 |
| Director | Robert Harmon |
Description
In his latest case, Jesse investigates an old serial murder file while mentoring a young officer. The film ties together his experience and wisdom, showing how far he’s come while hinting at the cost of carrying so many unresolved memories.
And that’s pretty much. If you want to watch the whole franchise according to the release order, it’s completely fine. There isn’t much difference as we compare the watch order to the chronological order.
Also, watching according to the release order is more fun sometimes.
Whatever, be your choice, happy watching!
Namrata is a nature lover and frequently spends their time making elaborate plans of settling near the banks of Manasarovar lake with their best friend. If not, then they can be found reading mangas, books, comics, or science journals. Quite interested in science and will start talking about its endless theories if given the opportunity.