The After franchise — based on Anna Todd’s wildly popular fanfiction-turned-book-series — has become a global teen romance phenomenon. With themes of passion, heartbreak, redemption, and toxic entanglements, the movies follow the tumultuous love story between the innocent and driven Tessa Young and the brooding, complicated Hardin Scott. Whether you’re new to the series or coming back for a rewatch, figuring out the correct order to watch the After films — especially with the surprise fifth installment — can be a bit confusing.
1. After (2019) – Where It All Began
The first movie introduces us to Tessa Young (Josephine Langford), a bright and ambitious college freshman, and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), a mysterious bad boy with a tragic past. Their lives collide in a whirlwind of desire and self-discovery. Based on the original Wattpad novel, this film sets the tone for the entire series: intense emotions, lots of steamy moments, and a relationship that’s as thrilling as it is destructive. While critics gave it mixed reviews, fans quickly made it a streaming hit, launching the franchise into full throttle.
2. After We Collided (2020) – More Drama, More Fire
The sequel, After We Collided, dives deeper into the fallout of Tessa discovering the truth behind Hardin’s initial intentions. Their relationship is tested by jealousy, old flames, and emotional trauma. It also introduces new characters and expands the universe, including Dylan Sprouse as Trevor, who adds to the tension. This installment is packed with more adult content, making it a clear shift in tone from the first. The fanbase became even more divided over the depiction of Hardin and Tessa’s increasingly toxic dynamic.
3. After We Fell (2021) – Secrets and Separation
In After We Fell, the couple’s relationship is strained by long-distance challenges, family drama, and even deeper secrets. Tessa faces a major life decision, while Hardin confronts his emotional volatility and unresolved trauma. While the film leans heavily into melodrama, it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the stakes of their love story. This third movie also started to see a change in the supporting cast due to filming complications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. After Ever Happy (2022) – A Turning Point
Serving as the emotional climax of the main saga, After Ever Happy is where things get real. After a devastating family revelation rocks Hardin to his core, Tessa and Hardin must decide whether love alone is enough to keep them together. It’s more introspective than previous films, giving the characters a chance to grow — finally addressing the damage caused by their earlier toxic behaviors.
5. After Everything (2023) – The Controversial Final Film
After Everything wasn’t originally part of the book series, and that’s where the controversy begins. Instead of adapting Anna Todd’s final written story (Before, a prequel from Hardin’s POV), the filmmakers created a completely new continuation that wasn’t based on the books.
This fifth movie follows Hardin as he travels to Lisbon in search of closure and possibly a chance at redemption. Tessa takes a back seat in this film, and many fans felt blindsided by her minimal screen time. For others, it was refreshing to see Hardin evolve on his own.
The After movies are far from your typical love stories. They’re messy, emotionally charged, and often controversial — which is exactly what has kept millions of fans hooked. Watching them in order lets you witness the evolution (and often the regression) of two characters who’ve grown up, hurt each other, and, at times, redeemed themselves. So, whether you’re in it for the romance, the drama, or the sheer curiosity of how a One Direction fanfiction turned into a five-film franchise, buckle up. Watching After in the right order is the only way to truly experience the rollercoaster ride that is Hardin and Tessa’s love story.
