So, you are a movie buff and have seen lots of movies in your lifetime.
You have also watched lots of franchises like Terminator, Star Wars, Rocky Aliens, etc. But have you ever watched or heard about ‘After’ movies and its series?
If not, then in this article, one will explain what the After movies in order, and their plots, including how the characters are changing throughout the series.
Keep reading, keep learning!
Overview of Series: *After*
The *After* series originated from fanfiction on Wattpad based on the band One Direction. Anna Todd’s story gained such a following that she ended up publishing a novel series.
The first movie came out in the year 2019, followed by five films, and a prequel lined up for the future. Each film picks up the plot where the previous left, thereby providing continuity in the storyline.
After Movies in Order of Release
The After movies have to be watched in chronological order since each film continues from where the events of the last one are left off. Here’s a breakdown of the films in the franchise:
- After 2019
- After We Collided 2020
- After We Fell 2021
- After Ever Happy 2022
- After Everything 2023
Detailed Plot Summaries
After 2019
1. After (2019):
*After* introduces Tessa Young, played by Josephine Langford, a studious and shy college freshman who is just about to begin her journey at Washington Central University. In the company of her controlling mother and high school boyfriend, Noah (played by Dylan Arnold), Tessa is looking forward with eagerness.
When she arrives at college, she meets her roommate Steph, who comes with her girlfriend Tristan, and introduces Tessa into the party scene. It is at one of these parties that Tessa meets the enigmatic Hardin Scott, played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin, a brooding introverted dark character. From thereon, their romantic relationship begins.
As the relationship develops, Tessa finds out that Hardin’s emotions might not be real, since he had chased her as part of a bet in the first place. The heartbreak and feelings of betrayal are relatable but certain. Ending with an after-credits scene, the movie continues with Tessa trying to work out how much she feels for Hardin and whether their relationship is an emotion-based lie.
After We Collided 2020
2. After We Collided (2020)
The sequel, *After We Collided*, resumes where the first film had left off. A disheartened Tessa had finally realized Hardin’s deception against her and was keeping him at a distance because of it. but the undeniable chemistry between the two brought them together again.
The second series follows Tessa after landing an internship at Vance Publishing, where she gains new friends and tackling professional obstacles, while Hardin faces emotional turmoil over the outcome of what took place between him and Tessa. Using a theme of forgiveness, trust, and young love entanglements, the movie proceeds.
While Tessa and Hardin struggle to revive their romance, they face hurdles from the past and the difficulties with Hardin’s notoriously crazy family dynamics. All this started making Tessa more independent. The movie ends in suspense thus making the audience guess what happens to them.
After We Fell 2021
3. After We Fell (2021)
*After We Fell* becomes darker as the couple starts to deal with more complex issues. This time, a job is offered to Tessa in Seattle which challenges her relationship to Hardin. Later on, things get even more complicated when Tessa’s estranged father finally appears, resulting in very emotional fights and bringing up Hardin’s family history.
This installment puts the onus on communication in relationships, as Tessa and Hardin must face their insecurities and fears head-on. The movie ends with a major cliffhanger: a revelation that will shock fans into questioning what happens next in their relationship.
After Ever Happy 2022
4. After Ever Happy (2022)
In the fourth film, *After Ever Happy*, Tessa and Hardin are both still reeling from that shocking revelation which rounded out the previous installment. Both characters very much have to confront their pasts as they navigate the aftermath, a factor weighing in on their future together.
He struggles with the dark secrets of his family, which gets him into a web of despair, while Tessa tries to find a balance between wanting to take care of him and giving him space. The film is about resilience and personal growth in as much as the characters learn to battle with their demons.
This eventually leads to an emotional breakdown and, finally, that all-important moment that brings Tessa and Hardin back in time to reconsider their relationship. The movie ends with uncertainty, which will have fans waiting for the final installment.
After Everything 2023
5. After Everything (2023)
The last and fifth one is *After Everything*, where Hardin tries to get Tessa back. After their breakup, he goes to Lisbon as a last-ditch effort to try and fix things between them. The movie focuses a little on his journey to salvation and the depth of his love for her.
As Hardin comes to terms with his demons and asks for forgiveness, Tessa must decide whether she will take him back. This movie concludes this series by bringing closure to the characters and their very dramatic relationship, thus leaving fans with a sense of closure.
Themes and Character Development
The following are some of the major themes identified in the series *After*:
- Love and Heartbreak: Basically, love is the very foundation on which this series stands. It narrates different stories of how complicated relationships truly are and brings with it the pain of betrayal and the struggle to forgive.
- Personal Growth: There is immense character development in Tessa and Hardin’s personas throughout the series. Tessa develops from being a naive college student to being a very confident young woman; Hardin faces his emotional turmoil and learns to open up.
- Trust and Communication: The film highlights trust and communication as part and parcel of every relationship. Misunderstandings or secrets set fires of conflict, thus highlighting the need for honesty.
Reception and Impact
The *After* series, though received a lot of mixed critics’ reviews, it did click with the audiences, especially young adults. The films attracted a huge audience base that translated further into commercial success at the box office. Part of the reason this series has reached such a high level of success is because it epitomizes their emotional experiences.
Conclusion
The film series *After* is an adaptation of Anna Todd’s novels, which has grown to become a very huge cultural phenomenon. Passionate romance, besides being a drama, has captured the hearts of audiences in the series. In terms of character development, it is also very good to see how the development of the relationship between Tessa and Hardin unfolds by watching the film in order.
With *After Everything*, the *After* series concludes and allows fans to reflect on the character journeys and life lessons learned in love, trust, and personal growth. Whether you are a seasoned follower of the series or just entering the world of Tessa and Hardin, the *After* films represent an entertaining way to consider young love and its pitfalls.
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