The After movie series has captured the hearts of millions around the world, becoming one of the most talked-about romantic film franchises of the past decade. Based on Anna Todd’s bestselling novels, which themselves began as fanfiction, the movies transformed an online phenomenon into a global cinematic experience. With its mixture of passionate romance, turbulent relationships, and the raw journey of two young lovers trying to figure out who they are, After resonates deeply with audiences, especially those navigating their own paths through love and adulthood.
At its core, After tells the story of Tessa Young, played by Josephine Langford, and Hardin Scott, portrayed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Tessa begins as a bright, driven college student with a seemingly perfect life. Hardin, on the other hand, is the quintessential brooding rebel with a complicated past. Their worlds collide, sparking a relationship that is at once intoxicating and destructive. What makes this story compelling is not the simplicity of boy meets girl, but the intense emotional rollercoaster they both ride. Their love is filled with breathtaking highs and devastating lows, mirroring the raw unpredictability of real young relationships.
The series began with After (2019), introducing audiences to the spark between Tessa and Hardin. It quickly became clear that their story was not one of a fairytale romance but of a complicated, often toxic entanglement that forced both characters to confront themselves. The sequels — After We Collided (2020), After We Fell (2021), After Ever Happy (2022), and After Everything (2023) — expanded on their relationship, showing its evolution as both Tessa and Hardin grew older and faced life’s relentless challenges. Each film explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and the painful process of self-discovery, all while keeping fans invested in the question: Can their love truly survive?
Part of the magic of the After movies lies in their relatability. For many viewers, Tessa and Hardin’s relationship reflects the complexities of love in their own lives. Love isn’t always perfect. It can be messy, painful, and full of mistakes, yet it can also be transformative. Through their toxic fights and reconciliations, the films don’t shy away from portraying the darker sides of love while still offering moments of beauty and tenderness. That honesty is what draws people in — the reminder that love is as much about growth as it is about passion.
Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin deserve much of the credit for bringing these characters to life. Their chemistry is undeniable, creating a connection that feels both electric and believable. Langford portrays Tessa with quiet strength and vulnerability, while Tiffin gives Hardin a depth that makes audiences empathize with his troubled soul, even when his actions are questionable. Together, they embody the duality of love — the struggle and the hope.
The global success of the After series also highlights the changing landscape of cinema. Born from Wattpad fanfiction, the franchise shows how stories from online communities can reach mainstream audiences and become cultural phenomena. Fans who first discovered the characters in written form have grown alongside them, creating a passionate community that fuels the films’ popularity. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and how it can transcend platforms.
Critics may point out the flaws in the series — its melodrama, its repetition of toxic patterns — but for fans, that is part of the appeal. The movies are not meant to be polished love stories; they are raw, emotional, and imperfect, just like the characters themselves. That authenticity is what keeps audiences coming back, eager to see what happens next.
By the time After Everything concluded the saga, fans had been taken on a journey spanning love, heartbreak, forgiveness, and the lingering question of whether two people can truly overcome their demons for the sake of love. Whether or not viewers agree with how Tessa and Hardin’s story ended, one thing is clear: the After movies left a mark on modern romance cinema.
