Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
The enchanting film that introduced the world to Hogwarts, launching one of cinema's most beloved fantasy franchises.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Movie Information
- Original Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- Release Year: 2001
- Directed by: Chris Columbus
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 16, 2001 (Canada), November 16, 2001 (United States - PG), November 16, 2001 (United Kingdom - PG), November 22, 2001 (Germany - 6), December 5, 2001 (France - TP), April 12, 2002 (India), November 29, 2001 (New Zealand - PG), November 29, 2001 (Australia - PG), November 23, 2001 (Brazil - L), November 30, 2001 (Mexico - A), December 6, 2001 (Italy - T), November 30, 2001 (Spain - 7), December 14, 2001 (South Korea - ALL), January 26, 2002 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (US), Harry Potter en de Steen der Wijzen (BE), Хари Потър и философският камък (BG), Harry Potter ja tarkade kivi (EE), ハリーポッターと賢者の石 (JP), Hari Poter i Kamen mudrosti (RS), 해리포터와 마법사의 돌 (KR), 哈利·波特与魔法石 (CN)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Plot
Harry Potter has lived under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's house his whole life. But on his 11th birthday, he learns he's a powerful wizard—with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he learns to harness his newfound powers with the help of the school's kindly headmaster, Harry uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths—and about the villain who's to blame.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and step into the magical world of Hogwarts for the very first time.
Let the magic begin.
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Chris Columbus
Main Cast
- Daniel Radcliffe
- Rupert Grint
- Emma Watson
- Richard Harris
- Tom Felton
- Alan Rickman
- Robbie Coltrane
- Maggie Smith
- Richard Griffiths
- Ian Hart
Writers
- Steve Kloves
Producers
- David Heyman
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - FAQs
Where can you watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is available to stream on HBO Max and Peacock Premium. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone based on a book?
Yes, the film is based on J.K. Rowling's 1997 debut novel of the same name. Screenwriter Steve Kloves adapted the book for the screen, staying closely faithful to the source material. The novel launched one of the best-selling fantasy series in publishing history.
Who are the main actors in this film?
The film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. The supporting cast includes Richard Harris as Dumbledore, Alan Rickman as Snape, Maggie Smith as McGonagall, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, and Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy.
What is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone about?
The film follows Harry Potter, an orphan who discovers on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. He enrols at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, forges lasting friendships, and begins uncovering the dark truth about his parents' deaths and the powerful villain responsible.
Why is the US title different from the original?
For the US release, the title was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Publisher Scholastic and Warner Bros. felt American audiences might be less familiar with the term 'Philosopher's Stone' as a reference to alchemy, so 'Sorcerer's Stone' was substituted to better convey a sense of magic.
What is the age rating for this movie?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested for younger children. The film contains mild fantasy peril, some scary imagery, and themes of loss, but remains broadly family-friendly throughout.
How long is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes (152 minutes). It is one of the longer entries in the Harry Potter franchise, dedicating substantial time to world-building, introducing Hogwarts, its faculty, and the magical universe that would span seven subsequent films.
Did Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone win any awards?
The film received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Score for John Williams, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design. It also won a BAFTA for Best Production Design. Commercially, it grossed over $976 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2001.
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