In an era where film franchises are often built on superheroes, dystopian worlds, or high-octane action, the After film series has carved out a surprising niche for itself. Based on Anna Todd’s bestselling novels, the saga of Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) and Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) has grown into one of the most enduring teen romance franchises of the past decade.
What began with the modestly budgeted After in 2019 quickly evolved into a cultural touchstone for a generation of young viewers. The film, made for just $14 million, went on to gross over $69 million worldwide, proving there was still a strong appetite for emotionally charged love stories outside of mainstream blockbusters. More importantly, it set the stage for a phenomenon that few could have predicted.
The series expanded with After We Collided (2020), After We Fell (2021), and After Ever Happy (2022), each installment sustaining momentum with its core audience despite mixed critical reception. By the time After Everything—a spinoff and quasi-epilogue—was released in 2023, the franchise had solidified its status as a global success, particularly in Europe and Latin America, where its themes of passion, heartbreak, and redemption resonated deeply with fans. In total, the films have collectively earned more than $150 million worldwide, a remarkable achievement for a romantic drama series.
But beyond the box office, the After brand represents something even more significant: staying power. In a genre that often struggles to launch more than one or two installments before fading away, After managed to build a five-film arc that kept audiences invested in the central love story for years. This level of longevity is rare for teen romance properties, especially in today’s fast-paced media landscape.
The franchise’s impact has also extended to its stars. Hero Fiennes Tiffin, previously best known for playing young Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, became a leading man with global recognition. Meanwhile, Josephine Langford, sister of 13 Reasons Why star Katherine Langford, established herself as a compelling screen presence in her own right. Together, their on-screen chemistry became the heartbeat of the series, fueling both its popularity and its fan-driven momentum.
Equally important is the cultural footprint the series leaves behind. After demonstrated that passion-driven fandoms—especially those born from fanfiction origins—can still drive significant success in Hollywood. Its transition from Wattpad phenomenon to global film franchise underscores how modern storytelling platforms can birth enduring cinematic brands.
As the dust settles on the five-part saga, After may not stand alongside the most critically acclaimed films of its era, but it doesn’t need to. Its legacy lies in its ability to connect with audiences who saw themselves reflected in Tessa and Hardin’s turbulent yet magnetic relationship. In doing so, it has proven that teen romance, when delivered with authenticity and emotional resonance, can become more than just a fleeting trend—it can be a lasting franchise.
