Opened: November 16, 2001

Directed by: Chris Columbus

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Ian Hart, John Hurt, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Harry Melling, Verne Troyer, Geraldine Somerville, Bonnie Wright, Chris Rankin, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Devon Murray, Alfie Enoch, David Bradley, Zoë Wanamaker, Luke Youngblood, Sean Biggerstaff & Adrian Rawlins

The boy wizard of the wildly popular book series comes to life on the screen for the first time in this Chris Columbus-directed movie.

Unbeknownst to him, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is a wizard. Once he turns 11, he begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When a secret item kept at the school threatens to get into the wrong hands, Harry and his friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) work together to take down forces of evil.

Years after arriving in theaters, this film is still an incredible journey. The action is thrilling and the plot is intriguing. Some of the UK’s best talent makes up the adult cast while newcomers Radcliffe, Grint, Watson & Tom Felton hold their own.

You’ll be transported to a world unlike any you’ve imagined.

Final say: A masterful adaptation. ★★★★★