After (film series)

After
Official film series logo
Based onAfter series
by Anna Todd
StarringJosephine Langford
Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Release date
2019-present
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$42 million (3 films)
Box office$168.9 million (5 films)

The After film series consists of American romantic dramas based on the Anna Todd-authored After novels. The plot centers around the positive and negative experiences of a romantic relationship between a young couple named Tessa and Hardin. Over the events of their courtship, the pair overcome their various differences, all while strengthening their plans to build a future together.

Though the films have been met with negative reviews from critics, they have attained a fanbase and fared well financially. Their monetary successes have led the associated production studios to green-light production on multiple installments at the same time.[1][2]

The series will continue with another sequel and a prequel, both currently in development.[3]

Films

After (2019)

Tessa prides herself as an accomplished dedicated student and responsible daughter, and has always been a loyal girlfriend to her high school boyfriend. When she ventures away to college however, this is all called into question when she meets a brooding and mysterious guy named Hardin. Through an eventful series of romantic encounters, Tessa questions what she believed, her character, and what she wants in her future.[4][5]

After We Collided (2020)

Following a passionate start to their relationship, Tessa and Hardin have experienced tumultuous differences, and an on-off series of courtships. Despite this the pair repeatedly return to each other, believing that their love has helped them to find a pathway to building a lasting relationship. Though Hardin can be mean, Tessa is drawn to him. Hardin struggles to work through his dark familial past, and in managing his anger issues. As his life experiences come to light, Tessa questions their future together. When she crashes her car following an argument, Hardin begins to believe he will only bring her harm.[6][7]

After We Fell (2021)

When Tessa's alcoholic absent-father re-enters her life, she and Hardin try to develop a relationship with him. As Tessa plans to move away for a job opportunity, the pair's relationship once again grows strained. As they drift apart they begin to explore romantic interests in other people, all while becoming jealous of each other's potential suitors. Though they consider other options, they eventually reconcile. As they decide to get back together, revelations of Hardin's true family lead the couple on a new adventure.[8][9][10]

After Ever Happy (2022)

Though they have had a variety of difficulties throughout their relationship, Tessa and Hardin find their love has only grown stronger. When they discover that they both have secrets regarding their respective families and upbringings, they realize that they're not so different as they had initially thought. Their time together has balanced each of their strengths and weaknesses; Tessa is no longer the simple good girl and Hardin has overcome his cruel rigid exterior. Despite this, they continue to work through their new differences, while determined to create a family together.[9][11][12]

After Everything (2023)

Hardin is heartbroken that Tessa wants to move on and not be with Hardin while Hardin wants to be with her, Tessa tells Hardin to move on. Hardin goes to Lisbon, Portugal to make Natalie forgive him for everything he did to her, when he comes face to face with Natalie, Natalie wants him gone. Hardin comes across Sebastian (Natalie's friend) and hates Hardin and says to him "if it was up to me you would rot in jail" and later on Hardin ends up in jail because he keeps fighting Sebastian. Whether Hardin and Tessa will be together after these situations remains a mystery.[13]

Future (2024)

In April 2021, it was announced that two additional installments were in development, a prequel and a sequel scheduled to film back-to-back in fall 2021. The films were confirmed to be written and directed by Castille Landon.[3][14] In June of the same year, the filmmaker stated that she would continue work on the film series after first completing principal photography on an original script centered around a MMA love story.[15]

Before (2025)

In 2021, Landon revealed information about a prequel, Before, based on the novella of the same name, which revolves around Hardin before he met Tessa. The project will detail a "larger conversation", with a more expanded plot including the character's trauma and family life. As the film will portray the character at a younger age, Fiennes Tiffin will not reprise the role.[14]

Untitled sequel

Inspired by the details of the epilogue from After Ever Happy, the plot will center around the next-generation of the Scott family. The primary characters of the film will be Emery and Auden Scott, and their cousin Addy. Hardin and Tessa will feature into the plot, though as supporting characters as the parents of Emery and Auden; while Tiffin and Langford will not reprise the respective roles. Writer/director Landon stated the film will explore "carry[ing] the sins of [the] parents...trying to break out of that." Though the story will have less source material than the previous adaptations the filmmaker stated that it will "stay truthful" to past installments.[14]

Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Producers
After April 12, 2019 (2019-04-12) Jenny Gage Jenny Gage, Tom Betterton, Susan McMartin & Tamara Chestna Anna Todd, Aron Levitz, Mark Canton, Jennifer Gibgot, Meadow Williams & Courtney Solomon
After We Collided October 23, 2020 (2020-10-23) Roger Kumble Anna Todd & Mario Celaya Anna Todd, Brian Pitt, Aron Levitz, Mark Canton, Jennifer Gibgot, Nicolas Chartier & Courtney Solomon
After We Fell September 30, 2021 (2021-09-30) Castille Landon Sharon Soboil Brian Pitt, Aron Levitz, Mark Canton, Jennifer Gibgot, Nicolas Chartier, Courtney Solomon, Jonathan Deckter & Hero Fiennes Tiffin
After Ever Happy September 7, 2022 (2022-09-07)
After Everything September 13, 2023 (2023-09-13) Castille Landon Brian Pitt, Aron Levitz, Mark Canton, Castille Landon, Jennifer Gibgot, Nicolas Chartier, Courtney Solomon & Hero Fiennes Tiffin

Main cast and characters

Character Films
After After We Collided After We Fell After Ever Happy After Everything
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Main cast
Tessa Young Josephine Langford Josephine Langford
Samantha FriesY
Josephine Langford
Hardin Scott Hero Fiennes Tiffin Hero Fiennes Tiffin
John Jackson HunterY
Hero Fiennes Tiffin Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Franklyn KendrickY
Hero Fiennes Tiffin
Carol Young Selma Blair Mira Sorvino Mentioned
Landon Gibson Shane Paul McGhie Chance Perdomo
Karen Scott Jennifer Beals Karimah Westbrook Frances Turner Mentioned
Ken Scott Peter Gallagher Rob Estes
Supporting cast
Molly Samuels Inanna Sarkis  
Tristan Pia Mia  
Steph Jones Khadijha Red Thunder  
Zed Evans Samuel Larsen  
Noah Porter Dylan Arnold  
Trevor Matthews   Dylan Sprouse  
Trish Daniels   Louise Lombard
Christian Vance   Charlie Weber Stephen Moyer
Kimberly   Candice King Arielle Kebbel
Richard Young   Stefan Rollins Atanas Srebrev  
Robert Freeman   Carter Jenkins
Nora   Kiana Madeira
Smith Vance   Max Ragone Anton Kottas
Emery Young   Aya Ivanova
Nathalie   Mimi Keene
Sebastian   Benjamin Mascolo
Naomi   Ella Martine
Maddy   Jessica Webber

Additional crew and production details

Film Crew/Detail
Composer Cinematographer(s) Editor Production
companies
Distributing
companies
Running time
After Justin Burnett Adam Silver,
Tom Betterton
Michelle Harrison Voltage Pictures,
Offspring Entertainment,
CalMaple Media,
Diamond Film Productions,
Frayed Pages Entertainment,
Wattpad Entertainment
Aviron Pictures 106 minutes
After We Collided Larry Reibman Anita Brandt-Burgoyne Voltage Pictures,
Offspring Entertainment,
CalMaple Media,
Frayed Pages Entertainment,
Wattpad Entertainment
Open Road Films 105 minutes
After We Fell George Kallis Rob C. Givens,
Joshua Reis
Morgan Halsey Voltage Pictures,
Vertical Entertainment,
CalMaple Media,
Ethea Entertainment,
Wattpad Entertainment
Voltage Pictures 99 minutes
After Ever Happy Voltage Pictures,
CalMaple Media,
Wattpad Studios
95 minutes
After Everything Joshua Reis Joshua Kirchmer Voltage Pictures,
Wattpad Studios
93 minutes

Reception

Box office performance

Film Box office gross All-time ranking Budget Ref.
U.S. and Canada Other territories Worldwide U.S. and Canada Worldwide
After $12,138,565 $57,359,022 $69,497,587 #4,820 #1,984 $14,000,000 [16][17]
After We Collided $2,386,483 $45,603,931 $47,990,414 #7,457 #2,142 $14,000,000 [18][19][20]
After We Fell $2,170,750 $19,398,396 $21,569,146 #7,587 #3,539 $14,000,000 [21][22][23]
After Ever Happy $1,072,750 $18,165,323 $19,238,073 #8,717 #4,469 [24]
After Everything $10,628,992 $10,628,992 [to be determined] [to be determined] [25]
Totals $17,768,548 $151,155,664 $168,924,212 #7,145 #3,034 >$42,000,000

Critical response

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic
After 18% (39 reviews)[26] 30 (8 reviews)[27]
After We Collided 12% (17 reviews)[28] 14 (4 reviews)[29]
After We Fell 8% (12 reviews)[30]
After Ever Happy 0% (8 reviews)[31]
After Everything [to be determined] (4 reviews)[32]

References

  1. ^ Atom Insider staff (September 22, 2021). "'After We Fell': How The 'After' Franchise Became A Phenomenon". Atom Tickets Insider. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  2. ^ El-Mahmoud, Sarah (October 3, 2021). "After We Fell Has Already Hit A Box Office Milestone". CinemaBlend. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  3. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 19, 2021). "'After' Franchise Expands With Prequel & Sequel; Castille Landon Set As Director & Writer". Deadline. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  4. ^ Gleiberman, Owen (April 11, 2019). "Film Review: 'After'". Variety. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  5. ^ Dujsik, Mark (April 12, 2019). "After". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  6. ^ Kiang, Jessica (September 30, 2020). "'After We Collided' Review: You Know, Maybe 'Twilight' Wasn't So Bad After All". Variety. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  7. ^ "After We Collided". RogerEbert.com. October 23, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  8. ^ Budowski, Jade (January 17, 2020). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'After We Fell' On Netflix, Another Installment In The Sexy Harry Styles-Inspired Romance Series". Decider. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  9. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 8, 2020). "'After' Sequels 'After We Fell' & 'After Ever Happy' Going Into Production; Castille Landon To Direct – Updated". Deadline. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  10. ^ Freeman, Molly (October 19, 2021). "After We Fell Review: Only Franchise Fans Will Enjoy This Lackluster Drama". ScreenRant. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  11. ^ Kiang, Jessica (September 4, 2022). "'After Ever Happy' Review: OMG #Hessa is Back and Blander Than Ever!". Variety. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  12. ^ Fuentes, Tamara (February 14, 2022). "Everything We Know About 'After Ever Happy,' the Next Movie in the 'After' Series". Cosmopolition. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  13. ^ After Everything (2023) - IMDb, retrieved 2023-07-01
  14. ^ a b c Dodson, P. Claire (April 19, 2021). ""After" Movie Series Adds Hardin Prequel, Next-Generation Sequel: Exclusive". Teen Vogue. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  15. ^ Horst, Carole (June 23, 2021). "'After Ever Happy' Helmer Castille Landon Talks About Drama and Safe Sets". Variety. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  16. ^ "After". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  17. ^ "After (2019)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  18. ^ "After We Collided (2020)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  19. ^ "After We Collided (2020)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  20. ^ Atom staff (September 22, 2021). "'After We Fell': How The 'After' Franchise Became A Phenomenon". Atom Tickets Insider. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  21. ^ "After We Fell (2021)". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  22. ^ "After We Fell (2021)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  23. ^ "Everything you need to know about "After We Fell" on Netflix USA". New on Netflix USA. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  24. ^ "After Ever Happy". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  25. ^ "After Everything". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  26. ^ "After". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  27. ^ "After (2019)". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  28. ^ "After We Collided". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  29. ^ "After We Collided". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  30. ^ "After We Fell". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  31. ^ "After Ever Happy". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  32. ^ "After Everything". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved November 5, 2023.