Which Harry Potter film was the first directed by Chris Columbus?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was the first Harry Potter film directed by Chris Columbus.

Released in 2001, the film adapted J.K. Rowling’s first novel and starred Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. Columbus helped establish the visual tone, casting, sets, and family-friendly style of the film series.

Columbus also directed the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, released in 2002. He did not direct the later entries. Alfonso Cuarón directed the third film, Mike Newell directed the fourth, and David Yates directed the final four. The first film’s title follows the British wording; in the United States it was released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.