Every great love story on screen finds its heartbeat in music. In the case of the After film series—adaptations of Anna Todd’s bestselling novels—the soundtrack has become an essential companion to the turbulent romance of Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. From the very first film to the emotionally charged conclusion in After Everything, music has served not merely as background decoration but as a narrative force, capturing the passion, heartbreak, and redemption that define the saga.
When After premiered in 2019, audiences were immediately struck by how carefully chosen tracks elevated the story’s emotional intensity. The films revolve around Tessa and Hardin’s messy, intoxicating relationship—one filled with heated arguments, tender reconciliations, and moments of quiet vulnerability. To express those shifting moods, the filmmakers turned to contemporary pop, indie ballads, and moody alternative songs, creating soundscapes that spoke directly to the characters’ inner worlds.
One of the most iconic musical choices in the first film was Selena Gomez’s “Good for You.” Played during one of Tessa and Hardin’s intimate scenes, the song’s sensual rhythm perfectly mirrored their chemistry. It was a track that instantly connected with the younger audience, grounding the movie in modern pop culture while also giving the love story a haunting, sultry tone. From that moment on, the After films built a reputation for selecting songs that linger long after the credits roll.
As the series progressed with After We Collided (2020), After We Fell (2021), and After Ever Happy (2022), the soundtracks became richer, reflecting not only the evolution of the characters but also the darker, more complicated themes of love and betrayal. Songs such as “Afraid of Myself” by EXES and “Take You Dancing” by Jason Derulo layered emotional highs and lows, creating contrasts between youthful desire and the painful consequences of toxic love. The mixture of mainstream hits and indie gems allowed the films to resonate across audiences—some tracks pulling viewers into the raw physicality of Hardin and Tessa’s relationship, others underscoring the loneliness and heartbreak that often followed.
What makes the After soundtrack especially powerful is its role in amplifying the silence between words. In moments when Hardin struggles to articulate his emotions, when Tessa hesitates before forgiving yet another betrayal, the music speaks for them. The rise of a slow ballad or the crash of an emotional chorus provides a voice to feelings that remain unspoken, drawing the audience closer to the intensity of their bond. For fans, these songs have become inseparable from the scenes themselves. Hearing them outside the films often triggers instant memories of the characters’ most unforgettable moments.
By the time the series reached After Everything (2023), the soundtrack had matured alongside its characters. This final installment carried a sense of closure, with songs carefully chosen to balance nostalgia and hope. The music underscored themes of healing and self-discovery, reminding fans that while Hardin and Tessa’s journey was marked by pain, it was also about growth. The soundscape of After Everything felt like a farewell gift, weaving together tones of sorrow and redemption in a way that perfectly reflected the story’s bittersweet conclusion.
Beyond its narrative function, the music of the After films has also played a key role in the franchise’s cultural impact. Fans often share playlists on Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok, keeping the emotional core of the films alive in everyday life. These playlists allow audiences to relive the intensity of the story long after they leave the theater. For many, the soundtrack has become a personal companion, helping them navigate their own heartbreaks, passions, and moments of healing. Just as Tessa and Hardin’s story mirrors the turbulence of young love, the music gives fans a soundtrack for their own experiences.
The diversity of the soundtrack choices also deserves recognition. The films did not rely solely on major pop stars but also gave space to rising artists and lesser-known tracks, introducing fans to new music they may not have discovered otherwise. This blend of mainstream and indie reflects the dual nature of the After series itself—both a global phenomenon and a deeply personal love story.
In hindsight, the After soundtracks are as much a part of the series’ identity as the characters themselves. Without the music, the films would lack the same depth of emotion. The carefully curated songs not only set the mood but also created an immersive atmosphere that drew audiences into Tessa and Hardin’s world. Every whisper of a lyric, every swell of a chorus, reminded viewers of the stakes of their love story—that despite the chaos, despite the darkness, love could still be transformative.
