Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (released in the United States as
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) is a
2001 fantasy/
adventure film based on the
novel of the same name by
J. K. Rowling. Directed by
Chris Columbus, it is the first in the popular
Harry Potter films series. The story follows
Harry Potter, a boy who, on his eleventh birthday, discovers that he is a wizard and who is then sent to
Hogwarts — a school of magic — whereby he can complete his magical education.
The film stars
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, alongside
Rupert Grint and
Emma Watson as Harry's best friends
Ron Weasley and
Hermione Granger. The adult cast features
Richard Harris,
Maggie Smith,
Robbie Coltrane,
Alan Rickman and
Ian Hart.