Who directed the first Harry Potter film based on J.K. Rowling’s books?

Chris Columbus directed the first Harry Potter film based on J.K. Rowling’s books.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in 2001 and adapted the first novel. Columbus also served as a producer and directed the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. His approach helped establish the visual style, cast, and tone of the early screen adaptations.

Daniel Radcliffe played Harry Potter, Rupert Grint played Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson played Hermione Granger. Rowling was involved in the film’s production and retained important creative influence over the adaptation of her fictional world.

The later films were directed by different filmmakers. Alfonso Cuarón directed the third film, Mike Newell directed the fourth, and David Yates directed the final four. Because Yates directed more entries than anyone else, he is sometimes incorrectly named as the director of the first film.