Which Harry Potter novel was the first in the series to be adapted into a film?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was the first Harry Potter novel adapted into a film.

The film was released in 2001 under the British title, while the United States release used Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Chris Columbus directed it, and Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson played Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The film brought Rowling’s fictional world to a mass cinema audience.

Its story follows Harry’s first year at Hogwarts, including his discovery of wizarding society, his friendship with Ron and Hermione, and the mystery surrounding the Philosopher’s Stone. The production established visual and casting conventions that continued through the later films.

Chamber of Secrets followed in 2002, so it was the second adaptation, not the first. The different British and American titles can also cause confusion when identifying the movie.