Harry Potter is going back to theaters for one week. All eight films will screen around the world from August 27 to September 3 as Warner Bros. celebrates 25 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone first introduced movie audiences to Hogwarts.
The first movie is getting more than a standard rerelease. Its anniversary presentation includes 12 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage that has never been shown in theaters.
The Whole Series Is Coming Back
The event covers every film from Sorcerer's Stone through Deathly Hallows - Part 2. The official Harry Potter site lists the overall worldwide window as August 27 through September 3, but exact dates and movie selections depend on the country and theater.
In the United States and Canada, the currently announced dates are August 28 through September 3. AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Megaplex, Harkins, and Marcus Theatres are among the participating US chains. Fans elsewhere will need to check local listings as each market confirms its schedule.
The First Film Has 12 Minutes of New Material
The extra footage belongs only to Sorcerer's Stone, known as Philosopher's Stone in many countries. Warner Bros. describes it as behind-the-scenes material, so fans should not expect a longer cut with 12 minutes of deleted story scenes.
It is still a genuine addition to the theater experience. The footage will show more of how the 2001 film was made, giving longtime fans something they have not previously seen on the big screen.
Tickets Go on Sale on Harry's Birthday
Tickets go on sale July 31, the birthday Harry celebrates at the beginning of the first story. US fans will be directed to Fandango and participating theater chains, while international booking options will vary by location.
Because the event lasts only a week and individual theaters may not show every film at the same time, anyone planning a full marathon should check the schedule before choosing tickets.
A New Generation Can See Hogwarts in Theaters
Many younger fans discovered Harry Potter through streaming, television, games, or parents who grew up with the movies. This rerelease gives them the version older audiences remember: a dark room, a huge screen, and the first view of Hogwarts filling the wall.
The full series is available, but Sorcerer's Stone is clearly the main event. It started the film franchise in 2001, and the new footage gives fans a reason to return beyond nostalgia. The difficult part may be deciding whether to revisit one favorite or spend the entire week at Hogwarts.
