Barack Obama shares his favourite movies, music and…

Barack Obama shares his favourite movies, music and books of 2025

It’s the December tradition that restores some sanity. As one Instagram comment reads: “Aw I miss having a president who can read.”

Former United States President Barack Obama has unveiled his annual list of his favourite movies, music and books of the year, which includes the likes of Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, Jafar Panahi's It Was Just An Accident and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners; Ian McEwan, Beth Macy and Michelle Obama ("obviously I’m biased" writes Obama) in books; and Olivia Dean, Chappell Roan and Rosalía for music.

And as if to prove that this is a man who takes bipartisan matters and peace seriously, he even chose a Kendrick Lamar AND a Drake song.

Writing alongside his 2025 posts, Obama says: “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!”

Donald Trump may have labelled him "one of the most polarising political figures in American history" on his partisan plaques to portraits of all former commanders in chief – a move which has been called out online as “petty”, “moronic” and “unpresidential” - but safe to say that Barack Obama continues to impress with his cultural wrap ups.

What do you make of his picks? Stay tuned to Euronews Culture to find out whether some of his songs and films made our very own Best Movies of 2025 and Best Albums of 2025 lists.

Without further ado, here are Barack Obama’s 2025 favourites: