Barack Obama Reveals His 2025 Film Favourites

Each year, Barack Obama offers a glimpse into his cultural tastes by sharing his selection of standout films. For 2025, his list once again draws attention, not least because it features Park Chan-wook’s much-discussed new dark comedy, No Other Choice, which takes a sharp look at the harsh realities of late-stage capitalism. This particular title finds itself in sixth place, as Obama continues his tradition of highlighting the works that have resonated with him over the past twelve months.

Highlights from Obama’s 2025 Film List

Among the other notable inclusions are Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a major original success this year, Chloé Zhao’s Oscar-winning Hamnet, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s most commercially successful project to date, One Battle After Another. The latter, in fact, claims the top spot on Obama’s list, a choice that will surprise few given the film’s critical acclaim and awards momentum. The production has been widely praised for its meticulous score by Jonny Greenwood and a cast delivering performances of the highest order.

Obama’s full list is as follows:

1. One Battle After Another – Paul Thomas Anderson
2. Sinners – Ryan Coogler
3. It Was Just An Accident – Jafar Panahi
4. Hamnet – Chloé Zhao
5. Sentimental Value – Joachim Trier
6. No Other Choice – Park Chan-wook
7. The Secret Agent – Kleber Mendonça Filho
8. Train Dreams – Clint Bentley
9. Jay Kelly – Noah Baumbach
10. Good Fortune – Aziz Ansari
11. Orwell: 2+2=5 (Documentary) – Raoul Peck

Spotlight on One Battle After Another

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest effort has been the subject of much conversation since its release, with many tipping it as a frontrunner for major awards. The film’s technical and artistic achievements have not gone unnoticed, and it has already secured a place on several shortlists, including categories such as Best Original Score, Casting, Sound Design, Cinematography, and Makeup and Hairstyling. The consensus is that its nomination tally is likely to increase as the awards season progresses.

Anderson, who has long been considered overdue for recognition by the Academy, may finally see his work rewarded. However, he faces stiff competition, particularly from Park Chan-wook, whose No Other Choice has also been met with widespread acclaim. Both directors are seen as strong contenders for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, making for an intriguing race as the season unfolds.

Awards Season Anticipation

Many of the films on Obama’s list have already sparked considerable awards chatter, and it remains to be seen whether the Academy’s choices will mirror his preferences. For those seeking to catch up on the year’s most talked-about releases, this selection offers a reliable guide to the highlights of 2025.

For viewers eager to see what all the fuss is about, One Battle After Another will be available to stream on HBO Max from 19 December.