Barack Obama Shares Favorite Films, Songs, and Books of 2025

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former United States President Barack Obama has shared his annual list of favorite songs, books, and films. The practice began during his time in the White House and has continued in the years since, with Obama releasing similar lists toward the end of each year covering music, literature, and cinema.

In a post on social media, Obama said he would continue the tradition in 2025 and encouraged readers to explore the works he selected. He also invited followers to send their own recommendations.

"As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!" wrote Obama.

A Diverse Music Playlist

Obama’s music list spans genres, generations, and global influences. Among his favorite tracks are Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra from the album Mayhem, Olivia Dean’s Nice to Each Other, and Drake’s Nokia.

He also included Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, a chart-topping hit that dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks, as well as Chappell Roan’s The Giver.

The playlist reflects Obama’s openness to international and cross-genre sounds. He selected BLACKPINK’s Jump to represent K-pop, Bruce Springsteen’s Faithless, Rosalía’s Sexo, Violencia y Llantas, Gunna’s Just Say Dat, Laufey’s Silver Lining, and Alex Warren’s Ordinary.

Together, the choices highlight a mix of established icons and newer voices shaping contemporary music.

Obama also made room for indie and emerging artists. His list features Metal by The Beths, Float by Jay Som and Jim Adkins, and Sycamore Tree by Khamari.

He even added Pending by Lil Naay and Myke Towers, a track that recently gained viral traction, underscoring his attentiveness to evolving music trends.

Film and Literary Picks

Obama’s film recommendations cover a broad range of styles and storytelling. His favorites include One Battle After Another by Paul Thomas Anderson, Sinners by Ryan Coogler, Hamnet by Chlo Zhao, Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier, and No Other Choice by Park Chan Wook.

He also selected Train Dreams, Jay Kelly, Good Fortune, and the documentary Orwell 2+2=5 by Raoul Peck.

In books, Obama highlighted novels such as What We Can Know by Ian McEwan, Flashlight by Susan Choi, and North Sun by Ethan Rutherford.

His non-fiction picks include 1929 by Andrew Rose Sorkin, the memoir Paper Girl by Beth Macy, and Dead and Alive, a collection of essays by Zadie Smith.

He also included The Look, the latest book by his wife, Michelle Obama, noting with humor, “Of course, I’m biased.”