Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

A young boy discovers his true identity and embarks on a magical journey that will change his life forever.

Critics praise the film's richly realized wizarding world and faithful spirit of the source novel, while noting that the young leads are uneven and the story serves mainly as an introduction.

• Harry is taken from his mundane life into Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, a world foreign to him and the viewer
• Harry makes friends easily at school and is guided by Hagrid and Dumbledore after years of mistreatment
• Hogwarts classes, houses and the arrival ceremony structure the story

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeshared whimsical boarding school fantasy, child hero discovering hidden magical world, friendship-driven adventure
• The Worst Witchshared coming of age magical school setting, mentor figures, friendship and danger within a wizarding world
• Matildashared orphan child protagonist discovering special destiny, whimsical wonder and found family warmth

Director

Chris Columbus

Release Date

2001-11-16

Runtime

152 min

Rating

7.9 / 10 (30521)

What is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone about?

An orphaned boy learns he is a wizard and enters a hidden magical school where he discovers both friendship and a dangerous secret.

What is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as mild.

What did critics think of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Critics praise the film's richly realized wizarding world and faithful spirit of the source novel, while noting that the young leads are uneven and the story serves mainly as an introduction.

Which films are like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Films with a similar feel include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Worst Witch, and Matilda.

How long is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone runs 152 minutes.

Where can I watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

In United States, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone streams on fuboTV, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Peacock Premium, HBO Max, Peacock Premium Plus.