How To Watch The After Movies In Order

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As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for romantic dramas, I must say that the “After” series has been quite a rollercoaster ride! Each installment offers a unique glimpse into the tumultuous relationship between Tessa and Hardin, with their love story unfolding against the backdrop of life’s trials and tribulations.

The series is a testament to the resilience of young love, as well as the power of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s not just about two people falling in and out of love; it’s about their journey towards becoming better individuals, learning from past mistakes, and ultimately growing together.

However, I must admit that the lack of Josephine Langford in “After Everything” left me a bit perplexed. As a fan who has followed Tessa’s journey since the beginning, it felt odd to see the story unfold without her. But hey, they say every ending is just a new beginning, right? And with a prequel and sequel in the works, we’ll get to see more of their story soon enough!

On a lighter note, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if Tessa and Hardin started their own bookstore after all this drama – perhaps called “Afterwords”? They could sell books that teach people about love, loss, and everything in between! Now, that’s a business I’d definitely visit!

Since the debut of the initial “After” film in 2019, these movies have gained significant popularity among specific audiences. The adaptations are based on books that share the same title, which initially began as One Direction fan fiction on Wattpad. As a result, the films developed a devoted fan base eager to see each novel unfold on screen. Although it received negative reviews from critics, the first movie still performed well on Netflix, and the franchise continues to expand its audience with new releases.

This series chronicles the journey of Tessa (Josephine Langford), a college student who is relatively innocent about life’s complexities, yet rapidly expands her horizons as she engages with diverse individuals. Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) embodies the archetypal rebellious young man, from his brash demeanor to his heavily-inked arms and torso. Their paths cross through mutual acquaintances, and this encounter sets off a chain of events that significantly impact them, some positive and some negative. Spanning across five films, Tessa and Hardin navigate their tumultuous romance marked by frequent breakups, but also provide unwavering support during challenging family secrets and circumstances.

As a lifelong fan of romantic dramas, I can confidently say that the “After” franchise is a must-watch for any enthusiast seeking a captivating and emotional journey. Having read the books and watched the movies, I can attest to the fact that watching the films in the chronological order of their release provides an immersive experience into Tessa and Hardin’s tumultuous relationship, allowing viewers to witness their ups and downs from the very beginning.

Although I initially read the books before watching the movies, I can assure you that even if you decide to skip the novels and go straight for the films, you won’t be missing out on anything substantial. Star Fiennes Tiffin, who portrays Hardin, didn’t read the books either, yet he delivers an exceptional performance that brings the character to life in a way that is both authentic and compelling.

To fully immerse yourself in this passionate tale of young love, I recommend watching the movies in the following order:

1. After (2019)
2. After We Collided (2020)
3. After We Fell (2021)
4. After Ever Happy (TBA)

Each installment delivers a gripping narrative that captures the highs and lows of Tessa and Hardin’s on-again, off-again relationship, providing a satisfying viewing experience for fans of romance and drama alike. So, if you’re ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to fall in love with Tessa and Hardin all over again!

After (2019)

In the initial installment of the series titled “After”, the audience encounters the primary characters – Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. As a college freshman, Tessa embarks on a new journey when she bumps into Hardin at a party her roommate, Steph (Khadijha Red Thunder), coaxes her into attending. Unbeknownst to Tessa, Hardin wagers with his circle of friends that he can charm her and make her sleep with him. In the course of this courtship by Hardin, Tessa strays from her high school boyfriend, Noah (Dylan Arnold), before learning about the bet and ending things with Hardin.

Following this, a recurring pattern unfolds in Tessa and Hardin’s relationship, marked by periods of reconciliation and separation due to actions that cause pain on either side. Although it may not be as apparent in the initial film, Tessa is depicted returning to Hardin, who had previously shown her the lake, after he submitted an essay for their joint English class. This act hints at the sincerity of his feelings for her, despite them not being present when he made his wager.

Despite being labeled as one of the least critically acclaimed college movies ever, “After” garnered mixed reviews, scoring a low 18% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it found favor with audiences, earning a 64% rating on the Popcornmeter. This positive audience response was evident in its box office success, where it raked in approximately $70 million against a budget of only $14 million. The film further impressed viewers by winning a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Drama and being named the drama movie of 2019 at the People’s Choice Awards, outshining movies like “Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood,” “Us,” and “Five Feet Apart.” Now, you can watch “After” on Netflix or purchase it on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Starring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Selma Blair
  • Director: Jenny Gage
  • Year: 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 46m
  • Rating: PG-13
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 18%

After We Collided (2020)

The sequel, titled “After We Collided,” continues right where the first film ended. In this installment, Tessa starts her publishing internship as planned, while Hardin is seen napping in his car. Their tumultuous relationship persists, with Tessa attending a work function in Seattle and Hardin arriving later following a tipsy phone call from her. This situation deepens a fresh conflict: Hardin’s growing jealousy towards Tessa’s colleague, Trevor (Dylan Sprouse).

Throughout the film, the pair repeatedly switch between maintaining a facade of their relationship for Trish, Hardin’s mother (played by Louise Lombard), and seemingly rekindling their romance as Tessa gains insights into Hardin’s nightmares. However, they break up once more due to misunderstandings at a New Year’s Eve gathering. Eventually, Trish’s visit sheds light on the origins of Hardin’s nightmares and the traumatic incident behind them. The movie keeps both characters and viewers on an emotional tightrope, particularly when Tessa’s missing father is unveiled and she suffers a car accident at the end of the storyline, leaving her relationship with Hardin uncertain yet again.

The second installment, titled “After We Collided,” was unveiled in September 2020 amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Originally planned for a spring release that year, the filmmakers had to adjust due to the pandemic circumstances. Unlike the first movie, which was exclusively shown in theaters, “After We Collided” debuted both in cinemas and on video on demand services simultaneously. Although critics were less favorable towards the sequel, audiences appreciated it more, as reflected by a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – a significant 31% improvement over the original. Currently, you can stream “After We Collided” on Netflix or purchase it from the Google Play Store.

  • Starring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dylan Sprouse
  • Director: Roger Kumble
  • Year: 2020
  • Runtime: 1h 47m
  • Rating: R
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 13%

After We Fell (2021)

In the sequel “After We Fell,” the storyline becomes more somber, focusing on Tessa and Hardin grappling with challenges stemming from their families and future aspirations. Tessa is determined to aid her alcohol-dependent father by offering him a roof over his head, suggesting they let him move into their apartment. However, Hardin is skeptical of this approach, fearing it could lead to complications. When he attempts to resolve the situation by providing money for lodging instead, Tessa’s father rejects his offer.

The couple argues over Tessa’s imminent relocation to Seattle, prompted by her employer shifting offices. Following an abrupt end to their vacation due to Hardin’s frustration over Tessa potentially having feelings for Trevor, they fall silent while she adjusts to city life. Despite reconciling, their relationship encounters another hurdle at Trish’s wedding in England. There, Hardin learns the identity of his biological father, a disclosure that unsettles him. Simultaneously, while apart from Hardin in Seattle, Tessa discovers she might never be able to conceive, news that triggers a range of feelings within her.

The third installment of the “After” series, titled “After We Fell,” followed the pattern of diminishing critical acclaim, earning an 8% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes in 2021. Unlike its predecessors, “After” and “After We Collided,” this movie was the first in the franchise to receive a negative response from audiences, with a score of 38%. The film had a restricted theatrical debut, premiering exclusively through Fathom Events on specific nights and times. Despite its limited screenings, “After We Fell” managed to generate a global box office revenue of $21 million. Now, you can stream this movie on Netflix or purchase it on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Starring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Louise Lombard, Rob Estes
  • Director: Castille Landon
  • Year: 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 39m
  • Rating: R
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 8%

After Ever Happy (2022)

Following “After Ever Happy,” the narrative delves deeper into the more serious storylines established in the prior movie. Upon learning that Vance is his biological father, Hardin slips into a lifestyle of partying, which ultimately leads Tessa to depart from him in England and return to the United States. Upon her homecoming, she discovers that her father has tragically passed away due to an overdose in their shared apartment. Despite Hardin’s swift return, it proves too late for him to offer the solace she requires.

Throughout the film, Hardin persistently attempts to persuade Tessa that they are meant for each other, yet she feels the need to be on her own. She chooses to relocate to New York with Landon (played by Chance Perdomo) in search of a new beginning and asks Hardin not to pursue her if he genuinely cares about her feelings. After some time, Hardin appears in town and they reestablish contact. However, once she learns that he’s marketing their relationship as a book for public consumption, she ends their relationship again. The book becomes successful following its release, and Tessa attends an event where Hardin is present but the two do not converse.

In the movie, Hardin keeps trying to make Tessa believe they should be together, but she wants some space. She moves to New York with Landon and asks Hardin not to chase her if he truly cares for her. After a while, Hardin shows up in town, and they talk again. But when she finds out he’s selling their story as a book, they break up. The book does well after it’s published, and Tessa goes to an event where Hardin is present, but they don’t speak to each other.

Following the 2022 release of “After Ever Happy”, the franchise’s annual installments continued. Despite a dismal 0% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it garnered a stellar 92% approval from audiences – a testament to the franchise’s usual public acclaim. Similar to “After We Fell”, the fourth film in the series was released in select theaters by Fathom Events, earning a global box office revenue of $19 million. Currently, “After Ever Happy” can be streamed on Netflix or purchased through Amazon Prime Video.

  • Starring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Louise Lombard, Rob Estes
  • Director: Castille Landon
  • Year: 2022
  • Runtime: 1h 35m
  • Rating: R
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 0%

After Everything (2023)

In contrast to the first four books in the series, “After Everything” explores a new perspective. Although Tessa and Hardin’s relationship remains central, this time the focus shifts to Hardin as he grapples with his past to envision a potential future with Tessa. Overcoming his writer’s block is also a significant part of his journey. It has been a year since their last separation, but Hardin continues to strive to become the man worthy of Tessa and clings to the hope that they will reunite someday.

In his pursuit of writing another book, Hardin finds himself reflecting on past mistakes. This introspection leads him to reach out to Nathalie, whom he had hurt in their teenage years. With her approval, he completes his new work and attends Landon’s wedding, where he meets Tessa after a two-year absence. Their relationship is rekindled, and the movie concludes by giving us a glimpse into their lives a few years down the line, with the addition of one child and another on the way.

As a dedicated fan of the “After” series, I eagerly awaited the release of the fifth movie, “After Everything,” in September 2023. However, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I learned that it would only be available for a limited theatrical release through Fathom Events and that there was no critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite the low expectations, I decided to give it a chance and watched it with a heavy heart. The movie received an 80% rating from audiences on Popcornmeter, but that didn’t do much to lift my spirits. My disappointment stemmed mainly from the lack of Tessa and actress Josephine Langford in the film. I felt like something was missing, and it left me feeling unsatisfied.

Despite the negative aspects, I remain hopeful for the future of the franchise. The movie marked the end of the current story arc, but there is a prequel focusing on a young Hardin and a sequel featuring Tessa and Hardin’s children in the works. As a fan who has followed the series since its beginning, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next and hope that it will be more satisfying than “After Everything.

  • Starring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Mimi Keene
  • Director: Castille Landon
  • Year: 2023
  • Runtime: 1h 35m
  • Rating: R

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2025-01-01 00:30