We’ve all seen, or at least heard, of Harry Potter. For many, the books and movies made up a big part of our childhood, from staying up late to read another chapter to going to the theaters with friends and family.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is one of the most popular and watched movie of the franchise. It is the start of the iconic series that defined a generation and where many of our unfinished Harry Potter marathons began.
So whether you’re looking to refresh your memory and pick up where you left off, or you want to see if your favorite scene made the cut, here’s some of the best and most memorable scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
10. Dudley Falls Into Snake Enclosure
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone(2001) - Dudley's Birthday
Everyone hates the Dursleys, so when Dudley falls into the snake enclosure, it feels like justice has been served. While Harry is making casual conversation with the python at the zoo, Dudley shoves him out of the way to get a better look at the reptile. Harry unintentionally uses magic, and the next thing Dudley knows he is the one in captivity.
This scene is so memorable, because not only do we get to see Harry use magic for the first time, we get a bit of foreshadowing and the Dursleys get a taste of their own medicine. Watching Dudley’s shocked face when he realizes the glass has reappeared and his parents screams of horror had us laughing with Harry.
This is the moment Dudley realizes he is trapped behind the glass, which had magically disappeared and then reappeared.
9. Hagrid Gives Dudley a Pig’s Tail
"Yer a wizard, Harry" | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Hagrid might not be the best at spelling, but he knows something about poetic justice. In this scene, Hagrid catches Dudley devouring the cake that he made for Harry’s birthday. Already annoyed by the Durleys’ selfishness, he uses magic to give Dudley a pig’s tail.
Hagrid is one of the most lovable characters in the series. Seeing him come to Harry’s defense, when no one else had before, is one of the many reasons why we all love Hagrid. Let’s also not forget about the fact that Hagrid later tells Harry he isn’t even allowed to use magic, another bit of foreshadowing for the second movie.
Here is the tail that Hargrid gives Dudley after he sees him eating Harry’s cake.
8. Harry Goes to Diagon Alley
"Yer a wizard, Harry" | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
The moment Harry steps foot into Diagon Alley, astonishment lights up his face, a feeling we all felt our first time getting a glimpse of the wizarding world with him. Wizarding shops of all kinds line the crowded streets, packed full of “bits and bobs,” as Hagrid so elegantly describes. There are broom sticks, owls, potion pots, and more stuff than Harry can look at in one go.
This is our first time seeing any part of the wizarding world. Diagon Alley is the setting of a lot of scenes later in the movies and books, and it’s the place every fan dreams of going almost just as much as Hogwarts.
This is the moment Harry sees all the galleons his parents left for him at Gringotts Bank.
7. First Years Arriving at Hogwarts
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - the first look at Hogwarts (HD)
It is tradition for the first years to take the boat from Hogsmeade Station to Hogwarts. They get to sail across the Blake Lake and see Hogwarts in all its glory.
In this scene, all the first years that have and haven’t been introduced yet are on their boats, led by Hagrid. Magic guides them across the water and to the castle standing high above them. The castle glows against the dark backdrop of night.
This moment is magical for so many reasons. For the characters, it’s their first time getting to see their new home, and for readers it’s their first time getting to see the castle they’ve read so much about.
The first years gliding across the Black Lake by boat to reach Hogwarts for the first time.
6. McGonagall’s Transformation
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Harry and Ron are late for McGonagall's class (HD)
McGonagall is stern, but she is one of the best teachers at Hogwarts. This scene doesn’t just add to the complexity of the wizarding world, but allows for a hilarious interaction.
Ron and Harry barge into the Transfiguration classroom, late for class, and they think they’ve got away with it, because McGonagall is nowhere in sight. Suddenly, the cat on McGonagall’s desk leaps off and turns into the Professor herself. Harry can only stare, jaw dropped, as she reprimands them.
Although we don’t quite get an explanation for what she is at first, animagus are important, especially in the third installment of the series. Also, getting to see McGonagall in action and the different forms of magic that exist in the wizarding world is always exciting.
Professor McGonagall in her animagus form right before she leaps off the desk and shifts back into her human form.
5. Ron Defeats a Troll
Troll Scene - Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone
From the beginning of the movie, Ron is portrayed as the character that’s not very good with magic. An especially challenging spell for him is Wingardium Leviosa, the levitation charm.
When a troll has mysteriously been let loose in the castle, Harry and Ron rush to find Hermione. The troll has made its way to the girls bathroom, where Hermione had been crying. She is attacked and Harry’s wand ends up in the troll’s nose. It is up to Ron, using the levitation charm, to save them.
Ron proves his bravery and capability during this scene. He comes through for the others and mends his relationship with Hermione after saying some hurtful words earlier on. This moment is pivotal, as it is the first time the trio fights together. In the face of danger, their friendship is born.
The troll, who was supposed to be in the dungeon, right before it is knocked out by its own club in the girls bathroom.
4. Harry Catches the Snitch
Harry's First Quidditch Match Against Slytherin - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Quidditch takes all the stereotypical aspects of Witches and Wizards and makes an entire sport out of it.
During Harry’s first Quidditch match, he must fight off an experienced Seeker, dodge Bludgers, and try not to fall off a jinxed broomstick. Despite all the obstacles, the youngest Seeker in a century catches the snitch, albeit in an unconventional sort of way. He topples off his broom, after standing on it in midair, and swallows the golden snitch.
Shall I mention more foreshadowing?
Getting to see the Quidditch match is an exciting experience. There is so much action and tension that leaves us hanging onto the edge of our seats (brooms?) as Harry sores through the sky, which makes it one of the best scenes in the movie.
Harry holding the snitch that he catches, with his mouth, during his first Quidditch match.
3. Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest
The Forbidden Forest (Part 2) | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Everyone knows that the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden. But that doesn’t stop the teachers from sending students into these woods after they’ve broken the rules.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco Malfoy were all caught out of their rooms after hours, and McGonagall gave them detention. They serve it with Hagrid, who needs to venture into the forest to look for unicorns. After splitting up, putting rivals Harry and Malfoy together with Hagrid’s dog, Fang, they come across a terrifying scene.
A dark figure leans over a unicorn, drinking its blood. Fang and Malfoy flee the scene while Harry falls over. He is saved by a pack of centaurs.
This is the first time we get to see Voldemort, even if he is barely a shadow of his former self. He is found committing an atrocious act that shows how terrible he really is, since we had only heard about him through stories so far. This is the moment the trio realizes that Voldemort wasn’t killed.
Harry, Draco Malfoy, and Fang in the Forbidden Forest right before they find Voldemort.
2. Wizard’s Chess Battle
Wizard's Chess Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone HD
Wizards Chess, a barbaric form of muggle chess, is already violent enough. Now make the statues ten feet tall with deadly weapons and give them something to protect at all cost.
That is what Harry, Ron, and Hermione must face in order to stop the antagonist from stealing the philosopher’s stone. During the most epic battle in the movie, the trio faces off against these statues. Ron takes the lead here, doing everything he can to keep his friends alive while also winning the game.
This scene is creative, intense, and shows how valuable and brave each character is. During the trials to stop the thief, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all had their time to shine, but Ron’s is by far the best. Ron proves he is just as capable as his friends.
The Golden Trio bravely pressing on, despite the giant chess pieces waiting to battle.
1. Harry Defeats Quirrell
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Kills Quirrell
Who would have expected that the thief was “poor, stuttering, Professor Quirrell”? Throughout most of the movie, the trio suspected the potions teacher, Professor Snape, whose demure was suspicious enough. Add on a few coincidences, and you’ve got yourself a villain.
Yet, it is Quirrell who stands before the Mirror of Erised, attempting to steal the stone. The stone is given only to one who doesn’t intend on using it, which is how it ends up in Harry’s pocket. Quirrell reveals himself to be a host for what remains of Voldemort and attacks Harry.
This scene is one of the best, because it is the first of many showdowns between Harry and the Dark Lord. It is another defeat for Voldemort at the hands of a child. It is also pretty dark for what is considered a movie for children since Harry, in his pursuit to stop Voldemort, ends up destroying Quirrell in the process.
Harry’s touch burns Quirrell, aka Voldemort, during their showdown.
