The first Harry Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," hit U.S. theaters on Nov. 16, 2001. USA TODAY is republishing articles from its archives to mark the movie's 20th anniversary.

First published in 1997, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (originally named "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" for British audiences) was made into a movie in 2001.

It was the first time most American readers ever saw an image of Harry Potter, and yet 20 years later, the cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone still holds some surprises. Illustrator ...

One of the two Stone's protections that were left out of the movies is Quirrell's protection of the Stone. Professor Quirrell, the Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, used a troll to defend ...

As the world celebrates the 20th anniversary, we sat down with director Chris Columbus to ask die-hard Potterheard questions about ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ – and beyond!

On Nov. 16, 2001, Warner Bros. launched J.K. Rowling’s wizarding universe in wide release with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which grossed more than $970 million worldwide.

After making “Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Chamber of Secrets” back to back, Columbus stepped back into a producer role on the third film, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” ...

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” ruined Daniel Radcliffe’s expectations for what is normal on a film set. The Great Hall, where he shot many of the scenes from the first of eight ...

Charisse Meloto/Scholastic. It was the first time most American readers ever saw an image of Harry Potter, and yet 20 years later, the cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone still holds ...