On his eleventh birthday, Harry Potter learns that he is a wizard and
​has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

FAMILY/FANTASY

Harry Potter and the
​Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Directed by Chris Columbus

Written by Steve Kloves

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson,
Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, ​Robbie Coltrane,
Tom Felton, Ian Hart, Richard Griffiths, ​Fiona Shaw,
Harry Melling, John Hurt, David Bradley

Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling

Oscar Nominations - Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design,
​Best Original Score (John Williams)

---

Connor Eyzaguirre

August 22, 2015

8/10

This is the film that started it all. The epic Harry Potter franchise begins here with this timeless classic that shows just how real magic can be. While the acting from the three leads can be less than believable at times (they're children, after all), the movie engrosses you in a magical world full of wondrous creatures, colorful characters, and stunning visuals. It's one of my favorite franchises for a reason.

First of all, Daniel Radcliffe was clearly born to play Harry Potter. No other child actor would have done the character justice, but Radcliffe pulls it off. He joins veteran British thespians like Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, John Hurt, and Richard Griffiths in the first film of a franchise that would take over the world. While there was a bit cut out of the first book, the overall story remains intact and Chris Columbus does it justice (unlike what he would later do to Percy Jackson).

It's safe to say the Harry Potter franchise would never have got the critical and fan response it received if this film hadn't been as great as it was. Even now, over a decade later, it still holds up to remind everybody where it all began. I fell in love with this franchise from the very beginning and it still puts a smile on my face upon every viewing.

Caleb Leger

8/10

The very first film in one of the greatest franchises of all time is an absolute hit. This is the film that will make you wish magic was an actual thing. It also makes you wish that Hogwarts, Quidditch, Platform 9 3/4, and many other things were real. The acting from the adult performers is excellent, making all the characters from the book come to life perfectly. The three main leads (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) do suffer slightly from less than convincing acting at times, they still do a phenomenal job of bringing the characters to life.

This still stands as one of my personal favorites films in one of my favorite franchises of all time. A magical film that will continue to enchant viewers for years.