Who directed the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?

Chris Columbus directed the 2001 film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The film was the first screen adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels and starred Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. Warner Bros. released it in November 2001.

Columbus was also a producer on the film and returned to direct Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second adaptation. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was then directed by Alfonso Cuarón, beginning a pattern of different directors across the series.

The film’s production had to establish Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Quidditch, and many other visual elements for audiences unfamiliar with the books. Its success helped turn Rowling’s literary phenomenon into a major film franchise.