The After movie series is one of the most emotionally charged romance franchises of the last decade. Based on the best-selling novels by Anna Todd, these films follow the intense, complicated love story between Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. But with multiple installments — and one final, controversial twist — it’s easy to get lost in the timeline. Whether you’re a newcomer or a devoted fan looking to revisit the chaos, heartbreak, and healing, here’s a complete guide to watching the After movies in the correct order, including everything you need to know about the surprise fifth film that shocked audiences around the world.
1. After (2019): Where It All Begins
This is the film that started the global obsession. In After, we meet Tessa Young, a smart, sheltered college freshman, and Hardin Scott, the tattooed bad boy with a tragic past. What begins as an enemies-to-lovers tale soon transforms into an all-consuming romance. Tessa quickly discovers that Hardin isn’t just mysterious—he’s hiding something that will break her heart.
This film introduces their dynamic, the challenges of first love, and the patterns of passion and pain that carry through the rest of the series. It’s raw, dramatic, and sets the tone for everything that comes after.
2. After We Collided (2020): The Fire Ignites
The second film picks up immediately where the first left off, as Tessa learns the devastating truth about how her relationship with Hardin began. Now heartbroken, she tries to focus on her career while fighting the pull of her undeniable connection with him.
Hardin, plagued by guilt and desperation, tries to win her back—but his anger and insecurity threaten to destroy everything. This installment brings even more drama, introducing new characters like Trevor (Dylan Sprouse) and raising the emotional stakes. It’s louder, messier, and full of fiery arguments and intense reconciliations.
3. After We Fell (2021): Love and Secrets Collide
By now, Tessa and Hardin are hopelessly in love — but that doesn’t mean things are easy. In After We Fell, Tessa prepares for a major move that could shape her future, while Hardin grapples with fear, jealousy, and deep family secrets that begin to surface. When she learns something life-changing about her father, and Hardin discovers a long-buried truth about his own, their relationship is tested like never before.
This film marks a turning point: it’s not just about whether they love each other, but whether love is enough to hold them together when life pulls them apart.
4. After Ever Happy (2022): Breaking Point
In the fourth film, the weight of everything that’s happened finally hits. Tessa is reeling from a personal tragedy, and Hardin is spiraling after uncovering the truth about his family. The two are forced to reckon with their own emotional wounds — and make difficult choices about their future.
After Ever Happy was initially thought to be the conclusion of the saga, and it plays that way for much of its runtime. There’s heartbreak, hope, and a feeling of finality — but the ending leaves the door slightly ajar. Are they really done? Or is there something more to say?
5. After Everything (2023): The Shocking Final Chapter
When After Everything was announced, fans were surprised — and some were skeptical. The fifth film focuses almost entirely on Hardin, now living in the aftermath of his breakup with Tessa. He travels to Lisbon in search of peace, redemption, and closure. The film explores his journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and maturity — all without Tessa by his side for most of the story.
This controversial shift in focus divided fans. Some praised the deeper dive into Hardin’s character and the emotional growth it showcased. Others felt the lack of Tessa made it feel like a different story entirely. But one thing is clear: After Everything provides the emotional closure that After Ever Happy left open.
