Warner Bros. Discovery plans global celebration for 25 years of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Warner Bros. Discovery is preparing a year-long celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the film that launched one of the most successful franchises in movie history.

The movie was first released on Nov. 16, 2001. Directed by Chris Columbus and based on the best-selling novel by J.K. Rowling, it became the first of eight films that together earned more than $7.7 billion worldwide. The Wizarding World will continue to expand with a new TV adaptation planned for HBO, set to debut in 2027.

Global events and fan celebrations

The anniversary celebrations will begin this spring. From March through May, butterbeer trucks will travel to cities around the world, selling themed drinks and exclusive merchandise.

On July 31, official Harry Potter stores and attractions worldwide will mark the character’s birthday with special events and products. The annual Back to Hogwarts celebration will follow in August and September, bringing fans together ahead of the new school year.

Special movie screenings

Fans will also be able to see Sorcerer’s Stone back on the big screen. The film will return to theaters in multiple countries from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3, featuring 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage that has never been shown theatrically before. Warner Bros. Discovery has promised additional surprises closer to the release dates.

The movie will also be presented in “Shared Reality” at Cosm venues in Los Angeles and Dallas, with new locations opening this year in Atlanta and Detroit. Tickets for these immersive screenings go on sale March 4.

New merchandise and experiences

A wide range of new products will launch to celebrate the milestone. Brands including Spin Master, Loungefly, Timex, Crocs and Vera Bradley will release special collections, all featuring a 25th anniversary logo. The Lego Group will debut new Harry Potter sets, while MinaLima will introduce exclusive artwork and prints.

Harry Potter Shops in the U.S., London and Tokyo, as well as online, will sell limited-edition anniversary items, including a collectible celebration bear.

The festivities also extend to the Warner Bros. Studio Tours in London and Tokyo, with London unveiling a new summer feature focused on Sorcerer’s Stone. Meanwhile, Universal theme parks will mark the anniversary at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with limited-time experiences such as Butterbeer Season and Back to Hogwarts events.

A film that launched a generation

The movie introduced audiences to Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, alongside Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith. It went on to become the highest-grossing film of 2001 worldwide and helped turn Harry Potter into a global cultural phenomenon.

Twenty-five years later, Warner Bros. Discovery is using the anniversary to bring fans back to where the magic first began.