Barack Obama shared his favorite films of 2025 as part of his annual year-end roundup, a tradition that highlights notable books, music, and movies from the past year. The list was released through his social media accounts and the Obama Foundation’s platforms, continuing a practice he began while in office that has become widely followed in cultural circles.

The 2025 list includes eleven films spanning multiple genres, countries, and formats: One Battle After Another, Sinners, It Was Just an Accident, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, No Other Choice, The Secret Agent, Train Dreams, Jay Kelly, Good Fortune, and Orwell: 2+2=5. Each entry was highlighted in media coverage and represents a selection of films that drew attention in 2025.

Barack Obama – Instagram

One Battle After Another is a black-comedy thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film received coverage for its blend of action and dark humor. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, also received widespread media attention. Historical drama is represented by Hamnet and Train Dreams, which were noted for their storytelling and period settings.

International cinema features prominently on the list. No Other Choice is a South Korean drama that was covered in international film reporting, while the Iranian film It Was Just an Accident received attention for its themes and direction. The Secret Agent, another highlighted feature, and Orwell: 2+2=5, a documentary revisiting George Orwell’s work, round out the globally minded selections.

Barack Obama

Other entries include Jay Kelly, led by George Clooney, as well as Good Fortune and Sentimental Value. These films were also recognized by press outlets and cultural reporting throughout the year.

Obama’s 2025 list does not rank the films. Instead, it presents a curated selection of works he found notable or enjoyable over the year. Following the release, the list was widely shared and discussed online, reflecting the continued interest in his year-end cultural picks.

Barack Obama – Instagram

Taken together, the list covers a diverse mix of genres and styles, including studio films, independent productions, international cinema, historical drama, and documentary. It provides readers with a snapshot of the films that drew attention in 2025, offering a factual guide to notable works from a wide range of filmmakers.

By sharing this list, Obama continues a tradition that blends personal taste with public cultural reporting, giving audiences insight into the films that shaped his year.

The first official trailer for “MICHAEL”, the Michael Jackson biopic, premiered in November 2025 and immediately sparked debate. Set to hit theaters on April 24, 2026, the film follows Jackson’s journey from child prodigy to global superstar. From the trailer alone, it’s clear the movie prioritizes spectacle over exhaustive biography, highlighting iconic performances and career milestones while leaving many personal and controversial moments unexplored.

Photo Credit: Glen Wilson

Michael Jackson, portrayed by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, dominates every frame. The trailer moves quickly through familiar milestones: early rehearsals, packed arenas, signature dance moves, and legendary stage costumes. Cinematography and editing emphasize precision and energy, mirroring the pop star’s own attention to detail. The trailer’s score subtly incorporates familiar tracks, creating a sense of continuity without relying solely on full-length songs.

The filmmakers, led by director Antoine Fuqua and writer John Logan, appear focused on capturing the performer rather than the private individual. The trailer is a high-energy highlight reel, moving rapidly between triumphs and performances. Brief glimpses of Jackson’s personal life are included, but they’re fleeting and largely symbolic rather than revealing. This deliberate focus sets audience expectations: this is a celebration of talent and charisma, not a detailed biography.

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Audience reaction has been intense. Within 24 hours, the trailer amassed over 116 million views, breaking records for music-biopic previews. Viewers and critics alike praised Jaafar Jackson’s physicality and ability to embody Michael’s movement and presence. Some describe the trailer as more of an extended tribute than a nuanced biography, which aligns with the filmmakers’ apparent approach.

Controversy has also emerged. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, publicly stated that she was not involved in the project and expressed concerns about its accuracy. Her comments have fueled debate about authenticity versus entertainment, highlighting the tension between the film’s celebratory tone and the complex realities of Michael Jackson’s life.

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The trailer highlight performances, rehearsal moments, and Jackson’s public persona. It deliberately avoids delving into the controversies or personal struggles that defined his later life. While this approach guarantees broad appeal, it also signals that the film may prioritize admiration over investigation. Viewers should expect a cinematic experience that showcases the performer’s energy and charisma rather than a detailed exploration of his private life.

Overall, the MICHAEL trailer frames the film as a high-impact celebration of one of pop culture’s most influential figures. It succeeds in generating excitement and anticipation, but it leaves significant questions about narrative depth and personal context unanswered. The full story, and how it balances spectacle with substance, will only emerge when the film hits theaters in April 2026.

Chadwick Boseman received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 20 November 2025, marking a formal recognition of his impact on film and global culture. His widow, Simone Ledward-Boseman, led the unveiling and accepted the honour on his behalf.

She spoke plainly about Boseman’s approach to work and life, describing him as someone who viewed acting as responsibility rather than performance. Outlets such as People and Yahoo News reported her calling him a “spiritual teacher,” a reference to his disciplined and intentional way of navigating the industry.

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A small but notable detail drew attention during the ceremony. Simone placed a pair of Boseman’s shoes on the star, items he personally owned. Complex highlighted the gesture and noted its personal significance.

The event included tributes from colleagues who worked closely with him. Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther, spoke about Boseman’s consistency on set and his direct working style. Entertainment Weekly noted that Viola Davis, who starred with him in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, struggled at points during her speech as she reflected on his influence and the difficulty of speaking about him in the past tense.

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The audience included family members, collaborators and fans. Some attendees from the African diaspora pointed out how Boseman’s portrayal of King T’Challa changed perceptions of African representation in mainstream film, a view widely shared in South Africa where Black Panther became a cultural touchpoint.

After the ceremony, the star quickly became a focal point for visitors who left flowers and notes. It now stands as an official addition to Hollywood Boulevard and marks Boseman’s place in the industry’s history.