Fan fiction often begins as a humble hobby, anonymous chapters scribbled in the dead of night under an online username. But some of these stories catch fire and evolve into full‑blown franchises. Anna Todd's After was one such phenomenon, transforming Harry Styles fan fiction into a film series. And E. L. James's Fifty Shades of Grey began as Twilight fan fiction before becoming a billion-dollar trilogy.
Robinne Lee's The Idea of You had fan fiction origins, too, striking a deeper chord with critics. And Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis, born from Star Wars fan fiction about Rey and Kylo Ren, is on its way to the big screen. So let's take a look at what makes these films, which can be found on streamers like Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video, so popular.
After (2019)
After follows Tessa Young (Josephine Langford) as she enters a tumultuous romance with brooding Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). Despite narrative clichés and toxic relationship tropes that were slammed by almost everyone, the series eventually found its audience. If you're the kind of viewer drawn to raw energy, roller‑coaster emotion, and messy young adult romance, the story delivers consistent intensity.
After has fueled tons of online fan chatter and is great viewing for a lazy weekend. It might not be perfect, but the story gives off a kind of reckless honesty that's weirdly compelling. If you lovedTwilight (2008) and its passionate but chaotic vibe or the ups-and-downs of The Kissing Booth (2018), this movie is an absolutely brilliant choice.
After We Collided (2020)
Set a few years after the original film, After We Collided throws Tessa into the fallout of her relationship with Hardin. She tries to move on, only to find herself drawn back. But a new friend complicates matters. The movie leans heavily into dramatic confrontations and broodiness, which is exactly what fan fiction readers live for.
It's messy and over-the-top, but that's exactly what makes it hard to look away from. It may lack subtlety or polish, but the story gives fans an addictive mixture of longing, toxicity, and so-wrong-it's-right passion. After We Collided is ideal for viewers who crave emotional swings and enjoy seeing the drama escalate. It's an excellent choice for folks who enjoyed To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018).
After We Fell (2021)
After We Fell deepens in story complexity. This time, Tessa prepares for her dream job in Seattle, while Hardin struggles with revelations about his family. But jealousy, secrets, and instability test their bond. Despite some mild narrative fatigue, the story managed to sustain fan engagement. At this point in the series, you're either fully in or fully out.
For most, it had enough angst and emotional escalation to justify the story, even if the plot sometimes takes a backseat to the drama showcase. If you're drawn to emotional strain and unresolved tension, After We Fell offers a "hope against all odds" trope that kind of makes it necessary viewing for fans of movies like The Notebook (2004).
After Ever Happy (2022)
After Ever Happy brings resolution to the story (or something close to it). A tragedy results in Tessa pulling away from Hardin, who is wrestling with the guilt of not being there when she needed him. They ultimately decide whether to mend their relationship or move on, punctuating toxicity with sacrifice and identity exploration.
The movie's ending might not resonate with everyone, but it contains just the right amount of catharsis to make the entire ride feel very worthwhile. After Ever Happy is perfect for viewers invested in bittersweet love stories and fans who want emotional payoff after a roller-coaster romance sort of like the film Me Before You (2016).
After Everything (2023)
After Everything closes out the saga with a quieter, more introspective tone than its predecessors. Set after the events of After Ever Happy, the film follows Hardin as he tries to make peace with his past and win back Tessa once and for all. While it trades some of the earlier films' drama for reflection, there's something refreshing about watching Hardin grow up.
The romance is more restrained, but longtime viewers will appreciate the emotional payoff. It doesn't undo the messiness of Tessa and Hardin's love story, but acknowledges it with surprising grace. After Everything is best suited for fans who appreciate character growth, reflection, and quieter moments of romance. If you enjoyed seeing couples evolve in Before Midnight (2013), you will like this.
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Fifty Shades of Grey introduces us to shy college grad Ana Steele (Dakota Johnson), who is drawn into a steamy relationship with Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), a wealthy entrepreneur with a taste for control. The film luxuriates in slow tension, whispered seduction, and glossy cinematography, offering an erotic charge that fans of the source material craved.
The dialogue falters in a few places, but the visual and atmospheric pull is very intoxicating. The movie is less about realism and more about the allure of indulgence. Despite its flaws, it started a franchise that audiences can't help but keep watching. Fifty Shades of Grey is ideal for adults looking for a glossy, erotic romance story like Secretary (2002).
Fifty Shades Darker (2017)
Fifty Shades Darker does a deep dive into Christian's backstory as Ana pushes boundaries and demands more, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The story unfolds with richer character exploration, maintaining momentum from the first film. The relationship between Ana and Christian starts feeling more mutual, and that makes it easier to invest in.
It's still fantasy, but the story attempts to ground itself in something more than just desire. For fans of the evolving role of power in relationships, Fifty Shades Darker delivers just enough depth to keep the trilogy moving. It's a must watch for viewers invested in complex romantic dynamics similar to Cruel Intentions (1999).
Fifty Shades Freed (2018)
The trilogy concludes with Fifty Shades Freed, where Ana and Christian deal with the complexities of marriage, jealousy, betrayal, and threatening outside forces. This installment leans into the romance‑drama spectacle a lot more than the previous entries. While this movie might be the most over-the-top of the three, there's a certain joy in watching the characters find some version of peace.
It's gratifying for viewers invested in the couple's final evolution, wrapping up with style for fans committed to the ride and the eroticism. Fifty Shades Freed is a must for fans committed to seeing a romance saga through to the end, with all its drama and steamy payoff. If you love epic love stories like Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012), this movie was made for you.
The Idea of You (2024)
The Idea of You follows Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40‑year‑old single mom who unexpectedly falls for 20-something‑year‑old boy band frontman, Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), at Coachella. Unlike other films with fan fiction origins, the chemistry between its lead stars is palpable, and the mature storytelling feels thoughtful, which makes the final product more polished, with emotional resonance.
The Idea of You is also the most critically respected entry in the fan fiction turned movie genre and is a must-watch for viewers who want romance that transcends clichés while still offering a steamy, uplifting payoff. If you tend to escape to a mental fantasy world, and love Music and Lyrics (2007), you will really appreciate this film.
The Love Hypothesis (upcoming)
The Love Hypothesis will follow biology PhD candidate Olive Smith (Lili Reinhart) and her professor, Dr. Adam Carlsen (Tom Bateman), who she pretends to date only to prove that she can be in a long-term relationship. Fans of the source material can expect smart banter, slow-burn chemistry, and a fake-dating trope that plays perfectly into both academic awkwardness and simmering tension.
The movie does not have an official release date at this time, but it is tentatively expected to hit cinemas in 2026. The Love Hypothesis will likely be a great choice for romantic comedy fans who found themselves drawn to the story in The Hating Game (2021).
