Former U.S. President Barack Obama has shared his traditional year-end lists of favorite books, films, and songs for 2025, along with additional book recommendations for summer reading.
In a post on the social platform X, Obama revealed the cultural works that stood out to him this year.
“As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition I started during my time in the White House by sharing my annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send me any recommendations,” he wrote.
Favorite books of 2025
Among the books on Obama’s list are:
Paper Girl by Beth Macy
Flashlight by Susan Choi
We The People by Jill Lepore
The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy
There Is No Place For Us by Brian Goldstone
Also included is The Look by his wife, Michelle Obama. In addition to these titles, Obama shared a separate set of recommendations for summer reading.
Favorite films
Obama’s list of standout films for 2025 includes:
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, and Orwell: 2+2=5.
Favorite songs
His music picks span a wide range of genres, featuring tracks such as:
“Nice To Each Other” by Olivia Dean, “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, “Tatata” by Burna Boy and Travis Scott, “Jump” by Blackpink, “Faithless” by Bruce Springsteen, “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, “The Giver” by Chappell Roan, “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, among many others.
Obama’s annual lists have become a much-anticipated tradition, often sparking discussion and influencing reading, viewing, and listening choices around the world.
