Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone

2001 · Directed by Chris Columbus

What is it?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone follows eleven-year-old Harry as he discovers that he is a wizard and begins his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

Atlas note

Is it the best Harry Potter film? Probably not. Is it the one I want to watch every September?Absolutely. It is the beginning. Everything is still new. Of course, after all these years, none of it is new to me. I know the story. I know the music. There are scenes I could probably watch with my eyes closed. But at the beginning of September, the soundtrack comes out. My Gryffindor scarf appears on the sofa. And I want to watch the first film again.Every year.

On the Table

My Harry Potter dinners usually start with leek soup. Smooth and hot, with crisp little pieces of bacon on top. It’s simple, warming and exactly what I want with the first Harry Potter film on an autumn evening.

Leek Soup →