The After series, based on the wildly popular novels by Anna Todd, has captivated audiences with its romantic drama. As of today, there are five core After movies, with one additional standalone film set within the same universe.
Unpacking the After Cinematic Universe
The After series translated its passionate fan base from Wattpad and novels into a successful film franchise. Its exploration of young love, complicated relationships, and personal growth has resonated with a large demographic. But understanding the order and scope of the series can be confusing. Let’s break down the films, and the FAQs surrounding them.
The Core Five: From Freshman Year to Forever After
The main sequence consists of five films that directly follow the tumultuous relationship between Tessa Young and Hardin Scott:
- After (2019): The film that started it all, introducing Tessa to the charismatic and brooding Hardin.
- After We Collided (2020): Exploring the aftermath of Hardin’s betrayal and their attempts at reconciliation.
- After We Fell (2021): As their relationship deepens, external forces and personal demons threaten their bond.
- After Ever Happy (2022): Hardin’s past comes to light, forcing them to confront their individual traumas.
- After Everything (2023): The final chapter of Tessa and Hardin’s story, exploring their individual growth and future.
Beyond Tessa and Hardin: Expanding the Universe
While the core series focuses on Tessa and Hardin, the After universe is expanding. Currently, there’s one additional standalone film:
- Before (TBA): A prequel centered around Hardin’s life before he met Tessa, exploring his struggles with a difficult childhood, substance abuse, and his volatile relationships. While details are still emerging, the film will provide critical context for understanding Hardin’s character.
This brings the total number of films currently released and planned in the After series to six.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the After Movies
This section will address some of the most common questions fans have about the After movie series, providing clarity and depth to the information already presented.
1. Are the After movies based on a book series?
Yes, the After movies are based on the bestselling After novel series written by Anna Todd. The first book, After, was originally published on Wattpad before being picked up for traditional publication.
2. In what order should I watch the After movies?
The best way to watch the After movies is in chronological order of their release:
- After (2019)
- After We Collided (2020)
- After We Fell (2021)
- After Ever Happy (2022)
- After Everything (2023)
- *Before (TBA) – Watch this *after* seeing the main series, as it reveals backstory elements that are better appreciated after knowing the main characters.
3. Who are the main actors in the After movies?
The main actors in the After movies are Josephine Langford as Tessa Young and Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Hardin Scott. These two actors have remained the leads throughout the core series.
4. Are the After movies faithful adaptations of the books?
While the movies are based on the books, they inevitably make changes and omissions due to the constraints of the film medium. Some plot points and character arcs are condensed or altered, which has caused some fan debate about the faithfulness of the adaptation. However, the core themes of love, passion, and personal growth remain central.
5. Where can I stream the After movies?
The availability of the After movies on streaming services varies by region and platform. They are often available on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Vudu, either for streaming with a subscription or for purchase/rental. Check your local listings for specific availability.
6. Is there going to be an After movie series reboot?
There are no confirmed plans for a reboot of the After movie series. The sixth film in the series Before is set to be released but is neither a sequel nor a reboot.
7. Why did some of the actors change between movies?
Certain supporting roles in the After series experienced recasting between films. This is not uncommon in film franchises and can be due to a variety of factors, including scheduling conflicts, creative decisions, or contractual issues. These casting changes sometimes altered fan perception of certain characters but did not affect the starring roles.
8. What age rating are the After movies?
The After movies are generally rated PG-13 or R depending on the specific film and region. This rating reflects the mature themes, some strong language, and implied sexual content present in the movies. Parents should consider these factors when deciding if the films are suitable for younger viewers.
9. Will there be more After movies focusing on other characters from the books?
While Before expands on Hardin’s backstory, there are currently no officially announced plans for further spin-offs focusing on other characters from the books. However, given the popularity of the series, it is possible that future projects could explore other characters and storylines from the After universe.
10. What are the main themes explored in the After movies?
The After movies primarily explore themes of young love, passion, relationships, personal growth, forgiveness, and dealing with trauma. The series delves into the complexities of relationships, the challenges of communication, and the importance of self-discovery.
11. How successful have the After movies been financially?
The After movies have been financially successful, particularly considering their relatively low production budgets. They have generated significant revenue at the box office and through streaming platforms, proving the strength of the fanbase and the appeal of the source material.
12. Is the Before movie a prequel or sequel?
The Before movie is a prequel to the main After series. It focuses on Hardin Scott’s life before he met Tessa Young, exploring his troubled past and the factors that shaped him into the person he is in the first After movie. This allows viewers to understand the events that led to him becoming who he is, and perhaps even evoke sympathy.
The Future of the Afterverse
With the release of After Everything, the main storyline of Tessa and Hardin has concluded. However, the upcoming Before film demonstrates that there is still interest in expanding the After cinematic universe. While future projects remain unconfirmed, the enduring popularity of the series suggests that fans may see more stories from this world in the years to come, and potentially even characters from the novels that didn’t make it to the big screen. The core appeal of raw, unfiltered love, though controversial, remains a powerful driver for the audience.