Barack Obama names his top movie picks of 2023

2023 has been a rush of Hollywood blockbusters. 

From the movie-goers' anticipated double-header of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer", coined Barbenheimer, to Taylor Swift's release of "The Eras Tour" concert film grossing over $178 million on its opening weekend, it's been a busy 2023. 

December alone saw the releases of a slew of films in theaters and streaming services such as: "May December" (Netflix), "Saltburn" (Theatrical Release/Amazon Video), "Maestro" (Theatrical Release/Netflix), "Poor Things" (Theatrical Release), "The Iron Claw" (Theatrical Release), "Ferrari" (Theatrical Release) and "Wonka" (Theatrical Release). 

Furthermore, these films are sparking major Oscar buzz with "Riverdale's" Charles Melton (May December) on the docket for Best Supporting Actor and Bradley Cooper (Maestro) for Best Actor.

Variety listed their predictions for the 96th Oscars, which takes place on ABC Sunday, March 10. 

Wednesday, former U.S. President Barack Obama took to X to share his top film picks of 2023, listing "Rustin," "Leave the World Behind" and "American Symphony," all Netflix films produced by Higher Ground, a production company he shares with his wife. 

Each film leads Higher Ground's mission of telling powerful stories that entertain, inform and inspire. 

"Rustin," starring Chris Rock, is an American biographical drama telling the story of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin who organized the March on Washington in 1963. 

Other film favorites included "The Holdovers," "Oppenheimer" and "Past Lives." 

The former president is no stranger to listing his favorite films or books that he's dived into throughout the year. He recently posted about his top books in 2023 as well.