Former President Barack Obama shared his highly anticipated annual compilation of favorite songs, movies, and books for 2024 on his social media platforms on the evening of December 20. This yearly tradition not only reflects his personal tastes but also provides a curated selection that resonates with fans and followers eager to explore new artistic works. Each choice offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the year, making it a noteworthy event for both music and literature enthusiasts alike.

In his post, Obama enthusiastically invited his audience to discover his favorite tunes for the year, stating, “Here are my favorite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to.” This open invitation encourages engagement and interaction, inviting fans to share their own recommendations and contributing to a vibrant musical dialogue.

The first track highlighted on Obama’s esteemed list is Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” setting the tone for a diverse selection that includes popular hits like Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” and collaborations such as Asaka & Travis Scott’s “Active.” Other notable mentions feature Hozier’s “Too Sweet,” Leon Bridges’ “Peaceful Place,” Jack White’s “That’s How I’m Feeling,” and Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” This eclectic mix showcases the rich tapestry of contemporary music, appealing to a wide range of musical tastes and preferences.

Several standout tracks have successfully made it onto both Obama’s summer playlist, which was shared in August, and his current favorite music list for 2024. This consistency speaks volumes about the songs’ lasting appeal and cultural significance, highlighting tracks that not only resonated with Obama but also with a broader audience over the course of the year.

Among the artists whose songs appear on both playlists are Yayo’s “Rema,” Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng’s “Jump,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Bonny Light Horseman’s “Old Dutch,” and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Additionally, Artemas’ “I Like the Way You Kiss Me,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” and Myles Smith’s “Stargazing” also feature prominently in both lists, further underscoring their widespread popularity and appeal.

Several of Obama’s favorite tracks from 2024 have achieved remarkable success, ranking in the top 10 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart. Notably, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” clinched the No. 2 spot, while Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” and Hozier’s “Too Sweet” followed closely at No. 8 and No. 10, respectively. This accomplishment highlights the intersection of Obama’s musical preferences with mainstream success, showcasing how his choices often align with trending hits.

Obama also shared a carefully curated list of his top 10 favorite movies for 2024, which includes critically acclaimed titles like All We Imagine as Light, Conclave, The Piano Lesson, The Promised Land, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, Dune: Part Two, Anora, Dìdi, Sugarcane, and A Complete Unknown. This selection not only reflects his cinematic tastes but also highlights the diverse storytelling and innovative filmmaking that shaped the year.

Additionally, Obama compiled a list of his top 10 favorite books for 2024, emphasizing the importance of literature and encouraging support for independent bookstores and libraries. His literary picks include Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo, Alexei Navalny’s Patriot, Samantha Harvey’s Orbital, Aysegul Savas’ The Anthropologists, Arlie Russell Hochschild’s Stolen Pride, Martin MacInnes’ In Ascension, Daniel Susskind’s Growth, Dinaw Mengetsu’s Someone Like Us, and Adam Moss’ The Work of Art. These selections reflect diverse themes and perspectives, showcasing the literary richness of the year.

Discover the complete list of Obama’s favorite songs, movies, and books for 2024 below, and immerse yourself in the cultural highlights that define this year.