Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is on tv today!
Harry Potter is on ITV1 and ITVX today at 4.40pm.
Based on the first of J.K. Rowling's internationally acclaimed Harry Potter novels, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the 2001 live-action fantasy adventure that introduced audiences to the magical world of Harry Potter and launched what would become one of the most successful and influential film franchises in cinematic history. Directed by Chris Columbus, the film follows Harry, a seemingly ordinary eleven-year-old boy who has grown up with his cruel aunt and uncle, unaware of his extraordinary heritage. On his eleventh birthday, Harry learns that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical abilities of his own. He receives an invitation to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a hidden and enchanting institution where young witches and wizards learn to harness their powers.
At Hogwarts, Harry quickly discovers a world filled with wonder, danger, and mystery. He makes close friends, including the loyal Ron Weasley and the brilliant Hermione Granger, and encounters mentors such as the wise and kind Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and the gentle gamekeeper Hagrid. Harry also confronts dark forces, uncovers secrets about his parents’ deaths, and faces the enigmatic Professor Snape and the dark legacy of Lord Voldemort, whose power and threat loom over the magical world.
The film not only faithfully adapts Rowling’s beloved novel but also establishes the visual style, tone, and narrative arcs that would carry through all eight films in the franchise. Its release marked the beginning of a worldwide cultural phenomenon, inspiring a generation of readers and moviegoers, generating massive box office success, and sparking an enduring fan community that spans books, films, theme parks, merchandise, and more. The magical creatures, spellbinding special effects, and rich, immersive set designs set a new standard for family fantasy films, while John Williams’ iconic musical score added a sense of grandeur and wonder that would become synonymous with the franchise.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is not just the story of a boy discovering he is a wizard; it is the cinematic event that introduced audiences to an extraordinary world, laid the foundation for one of the most beloved and enduring franchises in film history, and captured the imagination of millions worldwide. Its success paved the way for seven sequels, transforming Harry Potter into a global cultural phenomenon and cementing its legacy as one of the most impactful and cherished stories in modern literature and cinema.