The After franchise has captured the attention of millions with its emotional intensity, complex relationships, and dramatic storytelling. Based on Anna Todd’s viral fanfiction-turned-novel series, the story follows Tessa Young and Hardin Scott as they navigate love, identity, betrayal, and personal growth across multiple films and spin-offs. For new fans, jumping into this universe can feel overwhelming—especially with conflicting release orders, prequels, and layered character backstories. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to watch the After movies and related content in a way that maximizes understanding, emotional impact, and enjoyment.
Understanding the After Universe: Origins and Evolution
The After series began not as a traditional novel but as online fanfiction on platforms like Wattpad, where Anna Todd reimagined members of the British boy band One Direction in a fictional romance. What started as a creative exercise evolved into an original story centered around Tessa, a reserved college freshman, and Hardin, a brooding, emotionally turbulent writer with a troubled past. The novels were published between 2014 and 2016, followed by a film adaptation of the first book in 2019.
The cinematic universe expanded with four main films: After (2019), After We Collided (2020), After We Fell (2021), and After Ever Happy (2022). In addition, Netflix released Afterlife of the Party in 2022—a standalone film sharing only thematic elements—and more recently, a prequel series titled After: The Next Chapter, which explores Hardin’s high school years.
Unlike some franchises, the After series does not follow a strict chronological timeline in its releases. This makes viewing order crucial for new viewers who want to avoid spoilers and fully grasp character motivations.
Recommended Viewing Order for Maximum Impact
To experience the full arc of Tessa and Hardin’s relationship without confusion or premature spoilers, follow this structured viewing sequence. This order aligns with narrative progression and emotional buildup, ensuring key revelations land with intended impact.
- After (2019)
- After We Collided (2020)
- After We Fell (2021)
- After Ever Happy (2022)
- After: The Next Chapter (2023–present, optional prequel series)
Watching the main films in release order is ideal because each installment builds directly on the previous one, both emotionally and plot-wise. The prequel series, while insightful, reveals details about Hardin’s past that are meant to be discovered gradually. Watching it too early diminishes the mystery and tension carefully constructed in the films.
| Content Type | Title | Release Year | Best Watched When? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movie | After | 2019 | First |
| Movie | After We Collided | 2020 | Second |
| Movie | After We Fell | 2021 | Third |
| Movie | After Ever Happy | 2022 | Fourth |
| Series | After: The Next Chapter | 2023 | Last (optional) |
Deepening Your Experience: Beyond the Screen
For fans eager to go deeper, the source material offers richer internal monologues and extended scenes not included in the films. Anna Todd’s original five-book series—After, After We Collided, After We Fell, After Ever Happy, and Before—provides context that enhances the viewing experience. Before is particularly valuable as it retells the events from Hardin’s perspective, offering empathy for his actions and insight into his trauma.
“Reading Before changed how I saw Hardin completely. It wasn’t just about Tessa’s journey—it was about two broken people trying to heal together.” — Sarah Lin, Book Club Moderator & Longtime Fan
Additionally, engaging with the fan community through platforms like Reddit (r/After_Films), dedicated Facebook groups, or fan fiction sites such as Archive of Our Own (AO3) can enrich your appreciation. Fans often analyze symbolism, dissect dialogue, and create alternate endings that explore unresolved questions.
Mini Case Study: Maria’s Journey from Skeptic to Superfan
Maria, a 24-year-old graduate student, initially dismissed the After series as “just another teen drama.” Out of curiosity, she watched After during a weekend break. Though skeptical at first, she found herself drawn to Tessa’s transformation from a rule-following student to someone embracing independence. She continued with After We Collided and was shocked by Hardin’s betrayal—then confused by their reunion in the next film.
After pausing to read Before, Maria revisited the movies with new eyes. “I realized Hardin wasn’t just toxic—he was deeply wounded. His fear of abandonment explained so much.” She joined an online fan group, participated in weekly discussions, and even started writing short analyses on Tumblr. What began as casual viewing turned into a meaningful exploration of love, mental health, and self-discovery.
Essential Tips for New Fans
- Pace yourself. The films are emotionally intense. Allow time between viewings to process the story.
- Don’t judge characters too quickly. Both Tessa and Hardin make questionable choices, but their growth is central to the narrative.
- Watch with subtitles if needed. Hardin’s soft-spoken delivery and overlapping dialogue can be hard to catch.
- Avoid spoilers. Major twists—like revelations about parentage and infidelity—are designed to unfold gradually.
- Be open to discomfort. The series doesn’t shy away from toxic dynamics, making it a conversation starter about healthy relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the After series based on a true story?
No, the After series is fictional. However, author Anna Todd has said that her own experiences with love and heartbreak influenced the emotional authenticity of the characters.
Do I need to read the books before watching the movies?
No, the films are designed to stand alone. However, readers often report a deeper connection to the characters after reading the novels, especially Before, which provides Hardin’s point of view.
Will there be more After movies or seasons?
As of 2024, no official announcements have been made about a fifth main film. However, the success of After: The Next Chapter suggests potential for further expansion, possibly exploring other characters like Landon or Steph.
Your After Viewing Checklist
Follow this simple checklist to ensure you get the most out of your After journey:
- ✔️ Watch After (2019) as your starting point
- ✔️ Continue in release order: After We Collided, After We Fell, After Ever Happy
- ✔️ Take notes on key moments or confusing plot points
- ✔️ Read Before after finishing the films for Hardin’s perspective
- ✔️ Watch After: The Next Chapter to explore Hardin’s backstory
- ✔️ Join a fan community to discuss theories and emotions
- ✔️ Reflect on the themes: identity, trauma, forgiveness, and growth
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
The After series isn’t just about romance—it’s about transformation. Whether you’re drawn to the angsty chemistry, the literary references, or the raw portrayal of emotional turbulence, there’s value in engaging with the story mindfully. By following the right viewing order, supplementing with books, and connecting with fellow fans, you turn passive watching into an immersive experience.
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