There are five films in the After movie series, adapted from Anna Todd’s young adult romance novels of the same name. This saga follows the tumultuous relationship between Tessa Young and Hardin Scott, navigating love, betrayal, and personal growth across a backdrop of college life and dramatic secrets.
The After Cinematic Universe: A Complete Breakdown
The After movie series, based on the popular book series by Anna Todd, has captivated a young adult audience with its dramatic portrayal of first love and its complexities. While the initial book series spanned four main novels and several prequels and sequels, the film adaptation has, to date, focused primarily on the central relationship between Tessa and Hardin.
The Five Films in Chronological Order
Here’s a list of the films in the order they were released, which generally corresponds to the chronological order of the core narrative:
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After (2019): Introduces Tessa and Hardin, showcasing their initial meeting, attraction, and the drama that unfolds as their relationship begins.
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After We Collided (2020): Explores the fallout from the events of the first film, delving deeper into Hardin’s past and the challenges their relationship faces.
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After We Fell (2021): Continues their story, highlighting new obstacles, family secrets, and the intensifying complications in their romance.
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After Ever Happy (2022): Brings the core Tessa and Hardin narrative to a conclusion, addressing long-standing issues and exploring their commitment to each other.
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After Everything (2023): Though marketed as the final film, this one shifted focus significantly, focusing primarily on Hardin as he deals with writer’s block and reflects on his past relationship with Tessa while trying to move on and find love again.
Diving Deeper into Each Film
Each film in the series builds upon the previous one, developing the characters and exploring the complexities of their relationship. While the books provide a more extensive backstory and nuanced perspective, the films attempt to capture the essence of the core narrative.
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After (2019): This first film acts as an introduction. While it’s considered the closest adaptation to the novel, it still takes liberties with the plot.
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After We Collided (2020): Many consider this movie the fan-favorite, introducing popular characters from the book like Trevor Matthews.
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After We Fell (2021) and After Ever Happy (2022): These films were filmed back-to-back, though this was not initially known by many fans. This film faced a few problems, including Covid-19 restrictions and a change in locations.
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After Everything (2023): This film was released much later than the previous films, and primarily focuses on Hardin, shifting away from Tessa. Some view this as a spin-off rather than a true sequel.
FAQs About the After Movie Series
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the After film series:
What order should I watch the After movies in?
The best order to watch the After movies is the order they were released: After, After We Collided, After We Fell, After Ever Happy, and finally, After Everything. This will ensure that you follow the storyline and character development in the intended sequence.
Are the After movies faithful adaptations of the books?
While the movies are based on the books, they are not entirely faithful adaptations. Certain plot points, characters, and even entire storylines have been altered or omitted for the sake of pacing and cinematic storytelling. Fans of the books should approach the movies with the understanding that they are interpretations, not direct translations.
Will there be any more After movies?
Currently, there are no official plans for additional After movies beyond the five already released. After Everything was marketed as the final chapter, concluding the main arc of Tessa and Hardin’s story. However, the potential for spin-offs or adaptations of other books within the After universe remains a possibility, although nothing has been officially confirmed.
Where can I watch the After movies?
The After movies are available on various streaming platforms, depending on your region. You can often find them on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. They are also typically available for purchase or rental on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.
Who are the main actors in the After movies?
The main actors are Josephine Langford, who plays Tessa Young, and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who plays Hardin Scott. These two actors carry the core of the series, and any deviation in cast would throw fans off.
What is the age rating of the After movies?
The After movies are generally rated PG-13 for sexual content, some language, and thematic elements. However, it is always advisable to check the specific rating for your region, as regulations may vary.
Are the After movies worth watching?
Whether the After movies are “worth watching” is subjective and depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy young adult romance dramas with plenty of angst, passion, and dramatic twists, you may find them entertaining. However, if you are looking for complex character development, intricate plot lines, or highly faithful adaptations, you may be disappointed.
Do I need to read the books to understand the movies?
No, you do not need to read the books to understand the movies. While reading the books can provide a richer understanding of the characters and storylines, the movies are designed to be accessible to viewers who are unfamiliar with the source material. However, reading the books before watching the movies can enhance the viewing experience for many fans.
What themes are explored in the After movies?
The After movies explore a range of themes, including first love, identity, personal growth, forgiveness, family secrets, and the complexities of relationships. The central theme revolves around the intense and often turbulent relationship between Tessa and Hardin, and the challenges they face as they navigate their personal demons and try to build a future together.
Is the After movie series based on a true story?
No, the After movie series is not based on a true story. The books, and consequently the movies, are works of fiction created by author Anna Todd. While the characters and situations may resonate with some viewers, the story itself is entirely fictional.
Did all the same actors portray the roles throughout the entire series?
For the main roles of Tessa and Hardin, the actors Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin remained the same throughout all five films. However, several supporting roles were recast between movies, which caused some discontent among fans of the series.
Are there any spin-off movies planned from the After series?
While there are no concrete plans for official spin-offs, the ending of After Everything leaves the door open for potential future stories focusing on other characters within the After universe, or even continuations exploring Hardin’s life after the main series. However, as of now, these are merely speculative possibilities.
Conclusion
The After series consists of five movies that tell the story of Tessa and Hardin’s complicated relationship, from their initial meeting to their eventual separation and reconciliation (to some degree). While not perfect adaptations, the films have resonated with a dedicated fan base. While the main story is concluded, the world of After could potentially return in the future in some form. Only time will tell if we see more stories based on Anna Todd’s works.