Philosopher's Stone
The film that launched the Harry Potter franchise and became the second highest-grossing film of all time upon release.
The 2001 film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone grossed $974 million worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing film of all time at that point. It was the highest-grossing film in the Harry Potter franchise until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 surpassed it in 2011. The film passed over $1 billion in a re-release in 2020.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Film
- Released
- November 16, 2001
- Worldwide gross
- $974 million
- Franchise
- Harry Potter
Lore & Background
Released on November 16, 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was the first installment of the Harry Potter film series. Along with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (released December 19, 2001), it marked the beginning of two acclaimed fantasy film series based on best-selling novels. The film prompted a shift in both the film and literary communities by propelling fantasy into mainstream culture, popularising young adult novels, and reforming the blockbuster to promote film franchises and cater to fandom communities. It was one of two films released in 2001 that grossed more than $800 million at the box office, the first time two films in the same year achieved that milestone.
Reader's Guide
The film is the first entry in the Harry Potter film series. It was directed by Chris Columbus and based on J.K. The film's worldwide gross of $974 million made it the second highest-grossing film of all time at release. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and was nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Supporting Actor (Robbie Coltrane). The film's success launched a franchise that would span eight films over a decade.
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