'Harry Potter' turns 25 this year and there are big plans to celebrate

Time, like magic, sure does fly because the first film in the “Harry Potter” series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” turns 25 this year.

The studio behind the films, Warner Bros. Discovery, has big plans in store to make it a magical year for the movie, which was officially released on Nov. 16, 2001.

The Hollywood Reporter had the details, including an army of butterbeer trucks popping in cities around the world form March to May.

Later in the year, official Harry Potter locations and retail stores will celebrate the character’s birthday on July 31 with special products and events. And just in time for school in August and September, there will be a Back to Hogwarts celebration for fans.

Around that time, from Aug. 27-Sept. 3, there will be theatrical screenings of the first “Harry Potter’ movie that will include 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage not previously seen in theaters. Expect additional surprises to be announced later too.

And get your wallets ready because there is going to be A LOT of commemorative merchandise from a variety of brands, including Spin Master, LUG, MGA, Jazzwares, Alex and Ani, Hallmark, Reyn Spooner, Pyramid, Loungefly, Timex, Crocs and Vera Bradley, per THR. Lego is also launching new sets, and MinaLima will have new artwork and prints as well.

If travel is in your future, there will be special experiences at the Spin Master, LUG, MGA, Jazzwares, Alex and Ani, Hallmark, Reyn Spooner, Pyramid, Loungefly, Timex, Crocs and Vera Bradley in London, as well as special events at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal theme parks.

All this excitement started back in 2001 when Daniel Radcliffe starred in the first film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s hit book series. The series ended up including 8 films total and earned $7.7 billion at the global box office.

If a solid year of “Harry Potter” celebrations aren’t enough, HBO’s TV series adaptation of the books will launch in 2027.

Follow us on Instagram @tnndentertainment for all your pop culture obsessions.