The film begins with a scene of a large, mysterious owl delivering a letter to the Dursleys, a family living in a suburban neighborhood. Vernon Dursley notices strange occurrences throughout the day, such as owls flying during the day and people in unusual clothing celebrating in the streets. That night, Albus Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall meet outside the Dursleys' home. Dumbledore explains that they are waiting for Hagrid, who arrives on a motorcycle, carrying a baby. The baby is revealed to be Harry Potter, whose parents were killed by the dark wizard Voldemort. Dumbledore leaves a letter for the Dursleys, explaining Harry's background and instructing them to take care of him.

The story jumps to ten years later, where Harry lives with the Dursleys, who treat him poorly. He sleeps in a cupboard under the stairs and is bullied by his cousin Dudley. On his eleventh birthday, Harry receives a letter addressed to him, but the Dursleys prevent him from reading it. They flee to a remote shack to escape the letters, but Hagrid bursts in on Harry's birthday, delivering the letter in person. Hagrid reveals to Harry that he is a wizard and has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hagrid also tells Harry about his parents and their legacy.

Harry travels to Diagon Alley with Hagrid, where he is introduced to the wizarding world. They visit Gringotts Bank, where Harry learns about his inheritance from his parents. Hagrid helps Harry purchase school supplies, including a wand from Ollivanders, where Harry discovers that his wand shares a connection with Voldemort's wand. Afterward, Harry boards the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9¾, where he meets Ron Weasley, who becomes his first friend. They share a compartment and discuss their backgrounds, with Ron introducing Harry to the wizarding world.

Upon arriving at Hogwarts, the students are sorted into houses by the Sorting Hat. Harry is sorted into Gryffindor, alongside Ron and Hermione Granger, who is initially seen as a know-it-all. The trio quickly becomes friends and begins to navigate their new school life. They attend various classes, including Potions with Professor Snape, who seems to have a particular disdain for Harry. During a Quidditch match, Harry discovers he is a natural Seeker, helping Gryffindor win the game.

As the school year progresses, Harry, Ron, and Hermione uncover the mystery of the Philosopher's Stone, a magical object that grants immortality. They learn that the stone is hidden within Hogwarts and that someone is trying to steal it. The trio investigates and discovers that the stone is protected by a series of enchantments. They face various challenges, including a three-headed dog named Fluffy, a deadly plant called Devil's Snare, and a life-sized chess game that they must win to proceed.

After overcoming these obstacles, they reach the final chamber where the stone is hidden. There, they encounter Professor Quirrell, who reveals that he is working for Voldemort, who is living on the back of his head. Quirrell attempts to take the stone from the Mirror of Erised, which reflects the desires of the heart. Harry, who is drawn to the mirror, finds that he can possess the stone because he is protected by his mother's love. Quirrell tries to seize Harry, but when he touches him, he is burned by the protective magic.

In the aftermath, Harry loses consciousness and wakes up in the hospital wing, where Dumbledore explains what happened. He tells Harry about the power of love and how it protected him from Voldemort. Dumbledore also reveals that the stone has been destroyed to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. As the school year comes to an end, Harry returns to the Dursleys for the summer, but he is now aware of his true identity and the magical world that awaits him. The film concludes with Harry looking forward to returning to Hogwarts for his second year.

The Sorting Hat ceremony is a pivotal moment in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' where first-year students are assigned to one of the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Each house has its own values and characteristics, and the Sorting Hat uses the students' thoughts and feelings to determine the best fit for them. Harry Potter is sorted into Gryffindor, which sets the stage for his friendships and rivalries throughout the series.

Harry discovers he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday when Hagrid arrives to deliver his acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hagrid reveals Harry's true heritage, explaining that he is famous in the wizarding world for surviving an attack by the dark wizard Voldemort. This revelation changes Harry's life forever, introducing him to a world of magic and adventure.

The Philosopher's Stone is a magical object that has the ability to grant immortality and turn any metal into gold. In the story, it is sought after by Voldemort, who wishes to regain his power and life. The Stone is hidden within Hogwarts, and Harry, along with his friends Hermione and Ron, must navigate various challenges to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

Throughout 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone', Harry is supported by several key characters. His best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, play crucial roles in helping him navigate the challenges at Hogwarts. Additionally, figures like Albus Dumbledore, the wise headmaster, and Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds, provide guidance and support to Harry as he learns about his identity and the wizarding world.

The Mirror of Erised is a magical mirror that shows the deepest desires of a person's heart. Harry first encounters it in an abandoned classroom at Hogwarts, where he sees his parents, whom he lost as a baby. The mirror serves as a symbol of longing and desire, and Dumbledore later explains to Harry that it does not show reality, but rather what one wishes for most. This encounter helps Harry understand his own desires and the importance of facing reality.

In "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," there are several scenes that may be considered potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some examples:

1. The Dursleys' Treatment of Harry: Early in the film, there are scenes depicting the neglect and mistreatment Harry receives from his aunt, uncle, and cousin, which may be distressing.

2. The Arrival of Hagrid: Hagrid's entrance is loud and somewhat intimidating, as he breaks down the door to deliver Harry's letter. This scene may be startling for younger viewers.

3. The Wizarding World Creatures: There are various magical creatures, such as trolls and a three-headed dog, that may be frightening to some children.

4. The Troll in the Dungeon: A scene in which a troll attacks students in the Hogwarts castle can be intense and suspenseful.

5. The Mirror of Erised: The mirror shows deep desires and can evoke feelings of longing and sadness, particularly in the context of Harry's backstory.

6. Confrontation with Voldemort: There are moments that involve the dark presence of Voldemort, particularly in the climax, which may be unsettling due to the portrayal of evil.

7. The Quidditch Match: While exciting, the Quidditch match includes moments of danger, such as players falling and the risk of injury.

These scenes contribute to the film's overall sense of adventure and fantasy but may require parental guidance for younger or more sensitive viewers.