Tom Selleck’s Best Movies & TV Shows

From breakout stardom in the 1980s to steady network headliner status in the 2010s, Tom Selleck has moved between television and film with an easygoing authority, piling up iconic roles, hit franchises, and acclaimed TV movies. Below are 25 notable credits that map his range—detectives and commissioners, cowboys and ballplayers, even a U.S. president—along with concise context about creators, networks, co-stars, and what each project’s about.

‘Magnum, P.I.’ (1980–1988)

Selleck plays private investigator Thomas Magnum, a Vietnam veteran who lives on the Robin Masters estate in Oahu and takes high-risk cases across Hawaii. The series was created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson and aired on CBS. Selleck won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1984. John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, and Larry Manetti co-starred across its eight seasons.

‘Blue Bloods’ (2010–2024)

On this CBS police procedural, Selleck portrays Frank Reagan, the New York City Police Commissioner and patriarch of a multigenerational law-enforcement family. The show was created by Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess. It centers on weekly cases alongside family dinner scenes that frame ethical debates. Co-stars include Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan, Will Estes, and Len Cariou.

‘3 Men and a Baby’ (1987)

This comedy follows three Manhattan roommates—a trio of bachelors—who unexpectedly have to care for an infant left at their door. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, it co-stars Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg. The film was adapted from the French hit ‘Trois hommes et un couffin’. It became the highest-grossing film at the U.S. box office for its release year.

‘Quigley Down Under’ (1990)

Selleck headlines as Matthew Quigley, an American sharpshooter hired by an Australian rancher and drawn into conflict over the treatment of Aboriginal people. The film was written and directed by Simon Wincer. It was shot extensively in Australia’s outback locations. Co-stars include Alan Rickman and Laura San Giacomo.

‘Mr. Baseball’ (1992)

This sports comedy-drama casts Selleck as Jack Elliott, a fading MLB slugger who signs with the Chunichi Dragons in Japan. Directed by Fred Schepisi, it explores culture shock and adjustments to Nippon Professional Baseball. The movie filmed on location in Nagoya and Tokyo ballparks. Dennis Haysbert and Ken Takakura are key supporting players.

‘An Innocent Man’ (1989)

In this crime thriller, Selleck plays Jimmie Rainwood, a blue-collar man wrongly convicted after a police setup. The film was directed by Peter Yates. It tracks his character’s time in prison and efforts to expose corruption upon release. Co-stars include F. Murray Abraham and Laila Robins.

‘Her Alibi’ (1989)

Selleck stars as a mystery novelist who shelters a Romanian suspect while trying to clear her name. Directed by Bruce Beresford, the film blends romantic elements with whodunit beats. It features a score by Georges Delerue. Paulina Porizkova co-stars in her first major acting role.

‘High Road to China’ (1983)

Set in the 1920s, this adventure film teams a pilot and a headstrong socialite on a search across Asia for her missing father. Directed by Brian G. Hutton, it features aerial set-pieces and period production design. Filming took place in Yugoslavia, Ireland, and England. Bess Armstrong co-stars with Selleck.

‘Runaway’ (1984)

This near-future thriller casts Selleck as a police sergeant specializing in malfunctioning robots that endanger the public. Written and directed by Michael Crichton, it examines technology crime involving microchips and weaponized devices. Kirstie Alley and Cynthia Rhodes co-star. Gene Simmons appears as the film’s antagonist.

‘Lassiter’ (1984)

Selleck plays a suave cat burglar forced by authorities to pull a high-stakes heist against Nazi operatives in 1939 London. Directed by Roger Young, the film mixes period caper dynamics with espionage. It features location work and vintage wardrobe to recreate pre-war Britain. Jane Seymour and Lauren Hutton co-star.

‘In & Out’ (1997)

Selleck portrays Peter Malloy, a national TV journalist whose coverage intersects with a teacher’s sudden public scrutiny after an awards speech. Directed by Frank Oz and written by Paul Rudnick, the film situates media attention within a small-town setting. Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, and Matt Dillon lead the ensemble. The movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Joan Cusack).

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Selleck recurs as Dr. Richard Burke, an ophthalmologist and love interest for Monica Geller. He appeared across multiple seasons on the NBC sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman. Episodes track the couple’s age-gap dynamics and later reunions. The core cast includes Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.

‘Las Vegas’ (2003–2008)

Selleck joins later seasons of this NBC ensemble as A.J. Cooper, a billionaire who purchases the Montecito Resort and Casino. Created by Gary Scott Thompson, the series focuses on security operations and high-roller storylines. It blends case-of-the-week plots with serialized arcs about the staff. James Caan, Josh Duhamel, and Vanessa Marcil are among the stars across the run.

‘Ike: Countdown to D-Day’ (2004)

This TV movie casts Selleck as General Dwight D. Eisenhower in the tense months leading to the Normandy invasion. Produced for A&E, it emphasizes command decisions, planning, and allied diplomacy. The film avoids combat scenes, focusing instead on strategy and leadership. It was directed by Robert Harmon.

‘Monte Walsh’ (2003)

A western TV movie remake, this project follows an aging cowboy confronting the decline of open-range life. Directed by Simon Wincer, it originally aired on TNT. Selleck co-stars with Isabella Rossellini and Keith Carradine. The production uses Alberta locations to stand in for the American West.

‘Crossfire Trail’ (2001)

Based on a Louis L’Amour novel, the film centers on a drifter who honors a dying friend’s request to protect his ranch and widow. Directed by Simon Wincer, it premiered on TNT. The movie features shootouts, ranch politics, and frontier justice themes. Virginia Madsen and Mark Harmon co-star.

‘Last Stand at Saber River’ (1997)

Selleck plays a Confederate veteran who returns home to reclaim his land after the Civil War. The TV movie is adapted from Elmore Leonard’s novel. It first aired on TNT and emphasizes family stakes and regional tensions. Suzy Amis and Haley Joel Osment appear in supporting roles.

‘Reversible Errors’ (2004)

This television adaptation of Scott Turow’s legal thriller stars Selleck as a police officer entangled in a death-penalty case. The miniseries explores prosecutorial conduct, appeals, and new evidence. It aired on network television in two parts. William H. Macy, Felicity Huffman, and Monica Potter round out the cast.

‘The Sacketts’ (1979)

A western miniseries based on Louis L’Amour’s novels, it follows frontier brothers navigating cattle drives, feuds, and lawlessness. It aired on ABC and was directed by Robert Totten. Selleck stars alongside Sam Elliott and Jeff Osterhage. The production is noted for location shoots that evoke post-Civil War expansion.

‘The Shadow Riders’ (1982)

Reuniting Selleck and Sam Elliott, this TV western features brothers who set out to rescue kidnapped family members after the Civil War. Based on another Louis L’Amour story, it aired on CBS. Andrew V. McLaglen directed the film. Katharine Ross co-stars, adding to the project’s ensemble draw.

‘Stone Cold’ (2005)

In the first installment of the TV-movie series based on Robert B. Parker’s novels, Selleck plays Paradise, Massachusetts police chief Jesse Stone. The film introduces Stone’s move from the LAPD, his struggles with alcohol, and a town beset by violent crime. It originally aired on CBS. Mimi Rogers and Viola Davis appear in key roles.

‘Jesse Stone: Night Passage’ (2006)

This prequel details Stone’s hiring in Paradise and the political pressures around the police department. It explores his backstory, including the circumstances that led him east. The production continues the collaboration between Selleck and director Robert Harmon. It first aired on CBS.

‘Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise’ (2006)

Stone investigates the death of a high-school student, leading to threads that touch organized crime and local institutions. The film expands recurring characters on the Paradise force. It maintains the series’ New England setting and measured, character-driven pacing. CBS served as the original broadcaster.

‘Jesse Stone: Sea Change’ (2007)

This entry intertwines a cold case with Stone’s mandated administrative changes from town leaders. It emphasizes procedural legwork, forensics leads, and political friction. The movie continued the franchise’s hallmark coastal atmosphere. It premiered on CBS with Robert Harmon directing.

‘Jesse Stone: No Remorse’ (2010)

Suspended from duty, Stone informally assists on Boston robberies while mentoring his former team in Paradise. The film uses parallel investigations to track Stone’s methods. It aired on CBS and keeps the ensemble of recurring colleagues. Kathy Baker and Kohl Sudduth return in supporting roles.

‘Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost’ (2011)

Following the forced retirement of Stone, the story centers on the suspicious death of a young woman he once helped. The film examines jurisdictional conflicts and Stone’s off-the-books inquiries. It premiered on CBS with the series’ established creative team. William Sadler and Saul Rubinek are among the guest cast.

‘Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt’ (2012)

Stone is temporarily reinstated to probe the deaths of officers, revealing corruption tied to town politics. The narrative combines internal affairs angles with small-town power struggles. It aired on CBS, continuing the character’s arc of strained authority and persistence. The film brings back core Paradise personnel.

‘Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise’ (2015)

Now consulting for the Massachusetts State Police, Stone pursues a suspected serial killer while balancing new responsibilities. The TV movie premiered on Hallmark Channel. It retains the franchise’s coastal New England mood and methodical casework. Leslie Hope and Luke Perry appear in significant roles.

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