Barack Obama Shares His Favorite Books, Movies, and Songs of 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, former U.S. President Barack Obama is once again continuing a tradition he began during his time in the White House — sharing his annual list of favorite books, movies, and music.
In a message shared with followers, Obama said he hopes the list helps people discover something new and invited readers to send him recommendations of their own.
“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,” Obama wrote. “I hope you find something new to enjoy — and please send any recommendations for me to check out!”
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🎵 Barack Obama’s Favorite Songs of 2025
Obama’s music picks this year span a wide range of genres, reflecting his long-standing appreciation for both global sounds and chart-topping artists. His 2025 playlist includes:
- “NICE TO EACH OTHER” — Olivia Dean
- “LUTHER” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- “TATATA” — Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott
- “JUMP” — BLACKPINK
- “FAITHLESS” — Bruce Springsteen
- “PASAYADAN” — Ganavya
- “99” — Olamidé ft. Daecolm
- Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young Jonn — collaboration track
- “PENDING” — Lil Naay & Myke Towers
- “SEXO, VIOLENCIA Y LLANTAS” — Rosalía
- “METAL” — The Beths
- “ABRACADABRA” — Lady Gaga
- “JUST SAY DAT” — Gunna
- “THE GIVER” — Chappell Roan
- “AURORA” — Mora & De La Rose
- “SILVER LINING” — Laufey
- “NO MORE OLD MEN” — Chance the Rapper & Jamila Woods
- “BURY ME” — Jason Isbell
- “I WISH I COULD GO TRAVELLING AGAIN” — Stacey Kent
- “PLEASE DON’T CRY” — Kacy Hill
- “STAY” — ROE
- “NEVER FELT BETTER” — Everything Is Recorded ft. Sampha & Florence Welch
- “IN THE NAME OF LOVE” — Victoria Noelle
- “ANCIENT LIGHT” — I’m With Her
- “VITAMINA” — Jombriel, DFZM & Jetta
- “FLOAT” — Jay Som ft. Jim Adkins
- “ORDINARY” — Alex Warren
- “SYCAMORE TREE” — Khamari
- “NOKIA” — Drake
- “EN PRIVADO” — Xavi & Manuel Turizo
- “NOT IN SURRENDER” — Obongjayar
🎬 Favorite Movies of 2025
Obama also revealed his list of films that stood out to him this year, ranging from literary adaptations to original dramas:
- One Battle After Another
- Sinners
- It Was Just an Accident
- Hamnet
- Sentimental Value
- No Other Choice
- The Secret Agent
- Train Dreams
- Jay Kelly
- Good Fortune
- Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5
📚 Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2025
His book recommendations include acclaimed novels, nonfiction, and political history:
- Paper Girl — Beth Macy
- Flashlight — Susan Choi
- We the People — Jill Lepore
- The Wilderness — Angela Flournoy
- There Is No Place for Us — Brian Goldstone
- North Sun — Ethan Rutherford
- 1929 — Andrew Ross Sorkin
- The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny — Kiran Desai
- Dead and Alive — Zadie Smith
- What We Can Know — Ian McEwan
- The Look — Michelle Obama
A Cultural Tradition Continues
Obama’s annual lists have become a widely followed cultural moment, often influencing reading habits, movie watchlists, and music playlists around the world. His 2025 selections once again highlight a blend of mainstream favorites and lesser-known works across global cultures.