Poster for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Director: Chris Columbus
Released: 2001
Duration: 152 min
Rating: 7.9

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Harry Potter has lived under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's house his whole life. But on his 11th birthday, he learns he's a powerful wizard—with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he learns to harness his newfound powers with the help of the school's kindly headmaster, Harry uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths—and about the villain who's to blame.

Rated PG • 2001 • 2h 32m

Directed by Chris Columbus

7.9

25K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

This first entry in the Harry Potter series is rated PG for its fantasy action, scary moments, and some mild thematic elements. Parents should be aware of several scenes of peril involving children, including a battle with a large troll, an encounter with a three-headed dog, and a climactic confrontation where a character is seen with a disfigured, parasitic face on the back of his head and is later turned to ash. The film also depicts… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe

Rupert Grint

Emma Watson

Richard Harris

Tom Felton

Alan Rickman

Robbie Coltrane

Maggie Smith

Richard Griffiths

Ian Hart

Fiona Shaw

John Hurt

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Is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Sex None 0/10

Violence Strong 6/10

Language Mild 2/10

Substances Mild 1/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, moment by moment

0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
0:18 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10

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Sex and nudity in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

None. This film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

Violence and gore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Violence is persistent but generally fantasy-based and not graphic. Scenes include children being threatened by magical creatures like a giant three-headed dog and a large troll, which they defeat by knocking it out. A magical sports game (Quidditch) involves players being knocked off brooms, and one sequence shows a character's broom being jinxed, putting him in peril. The climax features the most intense violence: a character is revealed to have a monstrous face on the back of his head, and he is later…

Language in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Language is extremely mild. There is a single use of 'hell' uttered in a moment of surprise, but no other profanity.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Substance use is minimal and incidental. An adult character is briefly seen smoking a pipe in one scene. In another, a student comically fails in a magical attempt to turn water into rum.

Mature themes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

The film's primary themes involve the death of parents, child neglect, and good vs. evil. Harry is shown living in a closet and is emotionally mistreated by his guardians. He learns his parents were murdered, a fact explored in a flashback (a green flash of light) and a poignant scene where he sees them in a magical mirror. A dark and tense scene in a forest depicts a cloaked figure drinking the silvery blood of a slain unicorn. The film’s climax includes frightening imagery and deals with themes of sacrifice and…

Scary moments in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is best for ages 8+. It's rated PG. This first entry in the Harry Potter series is rated PG for its fantasy action, scary moments, and some mild thematic elements. Parents should be aware of several scenes of peril involving children, including a battle…

What age rating does Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone have?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.

What is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone about?

Is there sex or nudity in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

None. This film contains no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.

How violent is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Is the language in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone appropriate for kids?

Language is extremely mild. There is a single use of 'hell' uttered in a moment of surprise, but no other profanity.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Substance use is minimal and incidental. An adult character is briefly seen smoking a pipe in one scene. In another, a student comically fails in a magical attempt to turn water into rum.

What mature themes appear in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

How long is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone runs 152 minutes, directed by Chris Columbus, released in 2001.

Where can I read the full Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.