Continuing a tradition initiated during his time in the White House, former President Barack Obama has once again shared his annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music as 2025 draws to a close. On Thursday, December 18, Obama revealed his top picks across various categories on social media, inviting others to discover new content and share their own recommendations.

His musical selections for 2025 showcased a diverse range of artists and genres that were frequently on repeat throughout the year. Among his favorite tracks were Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Olivia Dean’s “Nice to Each Other,” and Drake’s “Nokia.” He also highlighted Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s 13-week Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “Luther,” and Chappell Roan’s “The Giver.” Other notable mentions included BLACKPINK’s “Jump,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Faithless,” Rosalía’s “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas,” Gunna’s “Just Say Dat,” Laufey’s “Silver Lining,” and Alex Warren’s 2025 chart staple “Ordinary.”

Beyond music, Obama also shared his preferred films and literature for the year. His movie list featured titles such as “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” and “Hamnet.” In the literary realm, he enjoyed “Mark Twain” by Ron Chernow and “The Book of Records” by Madeleine Thien, among others. These selections underscore Obama’s consistent engagement with cultural offerings and his personal interest in sharing these recommendations with the public.

Obama is not alone in this practice, as Billboard also released its 2025 staff picks for songs and albums earlier in December, complementing its year-end charts. This annual tradition from the former president continues to provide a glimpse into his personal tastes and offers a curated list for enthusiasts to explore.