Where to Watch Barack Obama’s Favorite Movies of 2021, Including ‘West Side Story’ and ‘The Last Duel’
Every year, former President Barack Obama reveals his favorite movies and television shows. He always shows a variety of films that span genres in a way that all audiences can find something to enjoy. 2021 is an odd year for cinema because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But, the art of film is still alive and well. Here’s where you can watch each of Obama’s favorite movies of the year.
Barack Obama announced his favorite movies of 2021
Obama’s favorite movies of 2021 once again show a diverse palette from independent film to foreign motion pictures to Hollywood studio releases. Drive My Car is for more patient movie lovers, but movies such as West Side Story and Passing are much more accessible.
1. ‘Drive My Car’
Drive My Car is one of two Ryûsuke Hamaguchi movies released this year. It follows a widowed actor and director whose life takes a sudden turn after a 20-year-old chauffeur starts driving him to and from work.
Drive My Car is currently playing in limited theaters.
2. ‘Summer of Soul’
Summer of Soul is a music documentary that explores the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The event celebrates African American music and culture, uplifting Black pride and integration.
Summer of Soul is available to stream on Hulu.
3. ‘West Side Story’
West Side Story is an adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical. It explores another take on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A forbidden love blossoms between Tony and María, but they come from opposite sides of teenage street gangs.
West Side Story is playing in theaters everywhere.
4. ‘The Power of the Dog’
The Power of the Dog follows a charismatic rancher who intimidates all those around him. His more proper brother marries a woman and brings her son along with them. The rancher initially dislikes them until he begins to develop an unexpected relationship.
The Power of the Dog is available to stream on Netflix.
5. ‘Pig’
Pig follows a truffle hunter who lives a life of solitude. His beloved foraging pig is stolen, so he must pursue the captors to retrieve his beloved companion.
Pig is currently streaming Hulu. The movie is also available to rent or purchase through digital retailers, such as Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV.
6. ‘Passing’
Passing picks up when a couple of old high school friends happen to run into one another in public. Their reignited friendship unravels both of their realities as they grew into adulthood pursuing entirely different lives.
Passing is available to stream on Netflix.
7. ‘The Card Counter’
The Card Counter is Paul Schrader’s latest movie. It’s a revenge thriller that follows an ex-military interrogator who now pursues the thrill of gambling. However, he’ll soon learn that it isn’t enough to escape the horrors of his past.
The Card Counter is available for rent or purchase through digital retailers, such as Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV.
8. ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’
Judas and the Black Messiah follows William O’Neal, who works out a deal with the FBI to gain access into the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. His mission is to collect knowledge on Chairman Fred Hampton.
Judas and the Black Messiah is available to stream on HBO Max.
9. ‘The Worst Person in the World’
The Worst Person in the World explores Julie’s life over the course of four years. She’s trying to seek her place in the world as she wrestles with family, love interests, and her career path.
The Worst Person in the World will hit limited theaters on Feb. 4.
10. ‘Old Henry’
Old Henry is a western that explores the life of a farmer who brings in an injured man who has a bag full of money. However, a group is coming for the money and he must figure out who he can trust in this situation. His entire reality unravels in the process.
Old Henry is available for rent or purchase through movie digital retailers, such as Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV.
11. ‘The Last Duel’
The Last Duel takes place in medieval France when a knight’s wife accuses a squire of raping her. The knight challenges the squire to a duel that explores three different perspectives of the events.
The Last Duel is available for rent or purchase through digital retailers, such as Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV.
12. ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. A Scottish lord encounters three witches who convince him that he will be the next King of Scotland. His wife pushes him to pursue his goal of assuming power.
The Tragedy of Macbeth hits theaters on Dec. 25 and will stream on Apple TV+ starting on Jan. 14.
13. ‘C’mon C’mon’
C’mon C’mon explores the life of a radio journalist who travels from New York to Los Angeles to care for his estranged nephew. They set out on a cross-country adventure together to show him another side of life.
C’mon C’mon is currently playing in limited theaters.
14. ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?’
Quo Vadis, Aida? follows a translator for the United Nations in a small town. The Serbian army takes over, which places thousands of people seeking shelter at the UN.
Quo Vadis, Aida? is streaming on Hulu. It’s also available for rent or purchase through digital retailers, such as Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV.
