Barack Obama’s 2024 must-watch movies and top songs include 'Dune: Part two' and Kendrick Lamar

Barack Obama’s 2024 picks spotlight top books, movies like 'Dune: Part two,' and must-hear songs of the year.

Former President Barack Obama has unveiled his highly anticipated 2024 list of favorite books, movies, and music. In an Instagram post, the former president shared his picks, highlighting works that left a lasting impression.

“I always look forward to sharing my annual list of favorite books, movies, and music,” Obama wrote, offering fans a glimpse into his personal pop culture highlights.

This year’s book list features Sally Rooney's latest novel Intermezzo, Samantha Harvey’s Booker Prize-winning Orbital, and Jonathan Haidt’s thought-provoking The Anxious Generation, which explores the impact of social media on youth mental health. The titles, Obama noted, “have stuck with me long after I finished reading them.”

Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2024

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
• Patriot by Alexei Navalny
• Orbital by Samantha Harvey
• The Anthropologists by Ayşegül Savaş
• Stolen Pride by Arlie Russell Hochschild
• In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
• Growth by Daniel Susskind
• Someone Like Us by Dinaw Mengestu
• The Work of Art by Adam Moss

On the big screen, Obama praised Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve’s epic sequel starring Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet. Other notable mentions include Dìdi 弟弟, a coming-of-age comedy, and Sugarcane, a Sundance Festival documentary shortlisted for an Oscar.

Barack Obama’s favorite movies of 2024

• All We Imagine As Light
• Conclave
• The Piano Lesson
• The Promised Land
• Dune: Part Two
• Anora
• Dìdi 弟弟
• Sugarcane
• A Complete Unknown

Obama also shared a dynamic array of tracks that defined his year. From Billie Eilish’s catchy Lunch to Kendrick Lamar’s  Squabble Up and Rema’s Yayo, the playlist spans genres and global influences. Highlights include Beyoncé’s upbeat Texas Hold ’Em and Hozier’s soulful Too Sweet.

Barack Obama’s favorite songs of 2024

• Squabble Up by Kendrick Lamar
• Lunch by Billie Eilish
• Yayo by Rema
• Active by Asake and Travis Scott
• God Gave Me Feet For Dancing by Ezra Collective and Yazmin Lacey
• Texas Hold ’Em by Beyoncé
• Peaceful Place by Leon Bridges

Obama’s annual list continues to inspire fans with its blend of thought-provoking stories, cinematic artistry, and diverse musical excellence, offering a cultural roadmap for the year ahead.