25 Years Later, The Greatest Fantasy Franchise of All Time Returns to Theaters With Added Magic

Twenty-five years after it first opened a Portkey to the wizarding world, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is officially back — and Warner Bros. Discovery is going all out to celebrate. The studio has announced a massive, fan-focused global celebration marking 25 Years of Magic, honoring the film that kicked off one of the most successful and beloved franchises in entertainment history.

When Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premiered on November 16, 2001 (released as Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S., India, and the Philippines), it shattered box office records and became the highest-grossing film of the year. That first spell eventually grew into an eight-film saga that pulled in more than $7.7 billion worldwide, cementing Harry Potter as a pop culture cornerstone that has somehow only grown more powerful with time. And with HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television reboot currently in production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden — and set to debut in 2027 — the timing couldn’t be better.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will return to cinemas worldwide for a limited theatrical re-release between August 27 and September 3, with dates varying by location across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC. The real hook is that the screenings will include 10 minutes of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, making this the most expansive theatrical version of the film ever shown. During this window, select locations will also screen all eight Harry Potter films, with immersive in-theater experiences designed to bring the magic to life.

What Other Harry Potter Events Will Happen This Year?

The celebration extends far beyond the cinema, with Warner Bros. Discovery rolling out a year-long slate of fan events and global experiences to mark 25 years of Harry Potter. Butterbeer Season (March–May) will send touring Butterbeer Trucks to cities worldwide, serving limited-edition drinks and exclusive merch, while Harry Potter’s Birthday on July 31 brings themed products and retail events, and Back to Hogwarts (August–September) returns bigger than ever, once again uniting fans across the globe.

Collectors are also eating well. A new 25th Anniversary logo, inspired by a Patronus glow, will feature across special collections from brands like LEGO, Loungefly, Crocs, Timex, Hallmark, MinaLima, and more. LEGO’s anniversary lineup includes a lavish Philosopher’s Stone Collector’s Edition and several new Hogwarts sets. Twenty-five years on, the magic is very much alive.