In which 2001 film does an 11-year-old orphan discover he is a wizard, attend Hogwarts, and, with his friends Ron and Hermione, unravel a mystery involving a magical object that can grant immortality, also known as 'The Sorcerer's Stone' in the United States?

The 2001 film you're thinking of is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Review), known in the United States as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This cinematic debut brought J.K. Rowling's beloved novel to life, introducing audiences worldwide to the magical world of an 11-year-old orphan who discovers his true heritage. The movie faithfully adapts the story of Harry's first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he quickly befriends fellow first-years Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

Together, the trio embarks on an adventure to unravel the mystery surrounding a powerful magical object hidden within the school. This object, capable of granting eternal life and transmuting base metals into gold, is the Philosopher's Stone. Their investigation leads them to confront the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who is attempting to steal the Stone to regain his full power, using Professor Quirrell as his host.

An interesting piece of trivia surrounding this film is its dual title. When J.K. Rowling's book was first published in the United Kingdom in 1997, it was titled "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." However, when Scholastic Corporation acquired the rights to publish the book in the United States, they opted to change the title to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The American publisher believed that "philosopher" might sound too archaic or less appealing to young American readers, and a more overtly magical title would be better for sales. Rowling later expressed regret over this alteration, as the Philosopher's Stone has a rich history in alchemy and mythology, unlike the fabricated "Sorcerer's Stone." This title difference also meant that scenes in the film had to be shot twice, with actors saying both "Philosopher's Stone" and "Sorcerer's Stone" to accommodate both versions of the movie.