The After film series, adapted from Anna Todd’s bestselling novels, may not have been embraced by critics, but it has found resounding success where it matters most — with its fans. The franchise has collected an impressive slate of fan-voted awards, underscoring its popularity among younger audiences and the cultural footprint it has left in the romance genre.
From the very first installment in 2019, After demonstrated its ability to connect with a loyal global audience. The film, which chronicled the passionate and turbulent relationship between Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), quickly gained traction in fan communities both online and offline. Its impact was soon reflected in awards season, where it won categories at the Teen Choice Awards and the E! People’s Choice Awards.
The momentum carried into the sequel, After We Collided (2020), which continued the love story with even greater intensity and fan involvement. The film was not only a commercial success internationally but also earned further accolades from fan-driven platforms. Among its achievements were honors for Best Drama Movie and Best Drama Movie Star, with Hero Fiennes Tiffin recognized for his performance as the brooding and conflicted Hardin Scott.
What set the After franchise apart in these contests was not just its ability to win, but the passion of its supporters. The fan base, self-identified as the “Hessa” community — a nod to the couple’s ship name, Hardin and Tessa — mobilized across social media platforms, driving online votes and generating buzz around the films. This enthusiasm played a crucial role in securing victories over higher-profile Hollywood productions.
Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin have both become fixtures in fan-voted categories, with their on-screen chemistry often cited as one of the defining strengths of the series. Their dynamic performances brought Anna Todd’s characters to life in a way that resonated deeply with viewers, particularly young adults navigating their own ideas of love, heartbreak, and resilience.
These awards may not carry the same prestige as industry-recognized honors like the Academy Awards or Golden Globes, but for franchises like After, they represent something equally valuable: direct validation from fans. In an entertainment landscape where audience engagement often dictates longevity, the loyalty demonstrated through these awards has cemented the series’ reputation as a cultural phenomenon, despite critical skepticism.
The success of After in fan-voted arenas also speaks to the broader shift in entertainment culture, where platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter give audiences unprecedented influence over a film’s visibility and legacy. The franchise’s ability to dominate these spaces translated seamlessly into award wins, proving that digital popularity can have tangible real-world impact.
As the series concludes with After Everything (2023), its award history serves as a testament to the unwavering support of its audience. While critics may remain divided on its cinematic merits, the After films will be remembered for their ability to ignite passion, mobilize fans, and secure a place in the pop culture landscape through the power of fan-driven recognition.
