Philosopher's Stone
The film that launched the Harry Potter franchise and became the second highest-grossing film of all time upon release.
The 2001 film *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* grossed $974 million worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing film of all time at that point. It was the highest-grossing film in the Harry Potter franchise until *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2* surpassed it in 2011. The film passed over $1 billion in a re-release in 2020.
- Type
- Film
- Release Date
- November 16, 2001
- Worldwide Gross
- $974 million
- Franchise
- Harry Potter
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Released on November 16, 2001, *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* was the first installment of the Harry Potter film series. Along with *The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring* (released December 19, 2001), it marked the beginning of two acclaimed fantasy film series based on best-selling novels. The film prompted a shift in both the film and literary communities by propelling fantasy into mainstream culture, popularising young adult novels, and reforming the blockbuster to promote film franchises and cater to fandom communities. It was one of two films released in 2001 that grossed more than $800 million at the box office, the first time two films in the same year achieved that milestone.
In Their Own Story
The film follows Harry Potter, an orphaned boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he makes friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Together, they uncover a plot to steal the Philosopher's Stone, a magical object that grants immortality. The trio must navigate enchanted obstacles, including a giant chess set and a potion puzzle, to protect the Stone from the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
Reader's Guide
The film is the first entry in the Harry Potter film series. It was directed by Chris Columbus and based on J.K. The film's worldwide gross of $974 million made it the second highest-grossing film of all time at release. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and was nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Supporting Actor (Robbie Coltrane). The film's success launched a franchise that would span eight films over a decade.
Did You Know?
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone passed over $1 billion in a re-release in 2020.
- It was the highest-grossing film in the Harry Potter franchise until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 surpassed it in 2011.
- 2001 was the first year that two films released in the same year grossed more than $800 million at the box office: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
- The film won the first Academy Award for Best Original Score for composer John Williams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Philosopher's Stone exist in Beware of Chicken?
No, the Philosopher's Stone is not part of the Beware of Chicken universe. It is a Western alchemical concept that does not appear in this story, which focuses on farming and cultivation instead.
What role does the Philosopher's Stone play in the series?
This artifact has no role or function within the narrative because it is entirely non-canon to the world of Beware of Chicken. The plot revolves around spiritual pill refinement and agricultural struggles rather than transmuting metals into gold.
Who seeks the Philosopher's Stone in the novel?
No characters in the story seek this item, as it is a fictional invention from outside the series' lore. Protagonists are instead dedicated to raising well-fed chickens and achieving good harvests.
Why do some fans mistakenly believe the Philosopher's Stone exists here?
Confusion likely stems from mixing up general cultivation tropes with this specific series, which strictly avoids Western alchemical artifacts. The only true treasures in Beware of Chicken are related to farming success and pill-making mastery.
Is there any equivalent artifact to the Philosopher's Stone in the book?
There is no direct equivalent, as the story replaces magical transmutation with the humble art of agriculture and spiritual cultivation. Readers will find value in a good harvest rather than legendary alchemical stones.
More in Powers & Artifacts
Elsewhere in the Beware of Chicken universe
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