In 2001, several notable films were released that left a significant impact on cinema. Among them, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone marked the beginning of the beloved franchise based on J.K. Rowling's novels. Another major release was The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which introduced audiences to Middle-earth and set the stage for an epic trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. Additionally, A Beautiful Mind, starring Russell Crowe, portrayed the life of mathematician John Nash and won multiple Academy Awards. The year also saw the release of Shrek, an animated film that became a cultural phenomenon, known for its humor and unique take on fairy tales.