J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, premiered in 2001.
Directed by Chris Columbus, the film adapted the first novel and introduced Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. It brought Rowling’s fictional school and characters to a worldwide cinema audience.
The movie’s title follows the British edition of the book. In the United States and some other markets, it was released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, even though the story is the same first installment.
The film’s 2001 release is distinct from the novel’s 1997 publication. The four-year gap reflects the time needed to develop, cast, film, and release a major feature adaptation.