Barack Obama has released his personal list of favorite movies from 2025, continuing a tradition he started during his presidency. The list includes major releases like Ryan Coogler’s horror epic Sinners and Chloé Zhao’s historical drama Hamnet, showcasing a diverse range of acclaimed films from the year. The former president shared his selections for film, books, and music, offering a curated look at the year’s standout creative works.
The Complete List of Barack Obama’s Favorite 2025 Films
Former President Obama’s annual list highlights eleven notable films from 2025. His selections include both major studio productions and acclaimed works from celebrated directors.
- One Battle After Another: Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
- Sinners: A horror film directed by Ryan Coogler.
- It Was Just An Accident.
- Hamnet: A historical drama directed by Chloé Zhao.
- Sentimental Value: Directed by Joachim Trier.
- No Other Choice: Directed by Park Chan-wook.
- The Secret Agent.
- Train Dreams: Starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.
- Jay Kelly: Starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler.
- Good Fortune: Directed by Aziz Ansari, starring Keke Palmer, Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves.
- Orwell: 2+2=5.
Spotlight on ‘Sinners’: A Horror Film Recognition
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, stands out as a prominent horror selection on Obama’s list. The film is set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta and stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers who return to their hometown and face a supernatural evil. With a production budget reported between $90 million and $100 million, the movie was a significant box office success, grossing $368 million worldwide.
The film premiered in New York on April 3, 2025, and had a wide theatrical release in the United States on April 18, 2025. It is now available for streaming on HBO Max. Beyond its commercial success, Sinners has received substantial critical recognition, earning seven Golden Globe nominations and making the top ten lists of both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
Spotlight on ‘Hamnet’: A Historical Drama Selection
Another key film on the list is Hamnet, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao. The film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel and dramatizes the marriage between Agnes Hathaway (played by Jessie Buckley) and William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal), focusing on the impact of their son Hamnet’s death.
The film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on August 29, 2025, and won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. It received a wide theatrical release in the United States on December 5, 2025, and is scheduled for release in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2026. Critics have praised the film for its emotional depth and powerful performances, particularly from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
Books and Music on Obama’s 2025 List
In addition to films, Barack Obama shared his favorite books and songs of the year. His book list includes Paper Girl by Beth Macy, The Look by Michelle Obama, and works by authors such as Zadie Smith, Ian McEwan, and Kiran Desai.
The Total Books List Include:
- Flashlight by Susan Choi
- We the People by Jill Lepore
- The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy
- There Is No Place for Us by Brian Goldstone
- North Sun by Ethan Rutherford
- 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin
- The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
- Dead And Alive by Zadie Smith
- What We Can Know by Ian McEwan
- The Look by Michelle Obama
The music list features a wide array of artists and genres. Selections include “Luther” by SZA and Kendrick Lamar, “JUMP” by BLACKPINK, “Faithless” by Bruce Springsteen, and “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga. The former president also reminded followers of books he recommended earlier in the summer.
The Total Music List Include:
- Nice To Each Other by Olivia Dean
- Luther by SZA and Kendrick Lamar
- Silver Lining by Laufey
- Tatata by Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott
- Jump by BLACKPINK
- Faithless by Bruce Springsteen
- Stay by Roe
- Pasayadan by Ganavya
- 99 by Olamidé ft. Daecolm, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young John
- Please Don’t Cry by Kacy Hill
- Pending by Lil Naay & Myke Towers
- The Giver by Chappell Roan
- Sexo, Violencia Y Llantas by Rosalía
- Metal by The Beths
- Abracadabra by Lady Gaga
- Just Say Dat by Gunna
- Aurora by Mora & De La Rose
- In the Name of Love by Victoria Noelle
- No More Old Men by Chance the Rapper & Jamila Woods
- Bury Me by Jason Isbell
- I Wish I Could Go Travelling Again by Stacey Kent
- Never Felt Better by Everything is Recorded ft. Sampha & Florence Welch
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