As 2025 draws to a close, former US President Barack Obama has shared his annual list of favourite books, films, and music, a tradition that started during his White House years. Posting on X, he invited followers to explore new discoveries and share recommendations for him to check out.
The list reflects Obama’s diverse taste across genres and cultures, prominently featuring Indian American and Indian-origin creators alongside global talents. In music, the Indian-origin singer Ganavya made the list with the track “Pasayadan,” alongside artists like Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Lady Gaga, Drake, and BLACKPINK, showcasing Obama’s interest in varied musical traditions.
Indian American authors were also highlighted in his reading list. Anita Desai’s Rosarita and Kiran Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny were named among his favourite books, joining works by Beth Macy, Susan Choi, and Jill Lepore. Michelle Obama’s The Look received a special mention, with Obama acknowledging his “obvious bias” in praising her work.
On the film side, Obama included One Battle After Another, Sinners, It Was Just an Accident, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, No Other Choice, The Secret Agent, and Train Dreams. Several of these titles are expected to be strong contenders in the upcoming awards season.
His music list featured 30 tracks, including songs by Olivia Dean, Bruce Springsteen, Rosalía, Chappell Roan, and Drake, demonstrating his eclectic tastes. Obama’s annual list has become a major cultural moment, often boosting attention for the authors, filmmakers, and musicians he highlights. Through this tradition, he continues to celebrate global creativity while encouraging readers and listeners to explore new voices, including Indian American creators.
