Maybe you were a Directioner at the beginning of the 2010s, or perhaps you're still crazy for the five boys that ruled the world for years. Nevertheless, being a fan doesn't change that their hits broke all the possible records. Claiming you never danced to "Best Song Ever" or that you never felt something inside your heart when "Story of My Life" came on the radio would be a lie. If you miss the band and still hope they will organize a reunion, check out our top ten list of the boys' best hits throughout their careers. Don't be afraid of getting too emotional – this is supposed to be a nostalgic journey, so let's go!
10. “Night Changes”
Album: Four | |
Chart success: Moderate to high | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: All five | |
Music video: One of their best! | |
Song facts
We might already notice your tears when we mention this at the beginning. However, we couldn't skip "Night Changes" at any cost! It's one of their most vulnerable ballads (it gets even more emotional in the acoustic version), showcasing their vocals only. However, it's the most painful single for Zayn's fans. His beauty and charm shine throughout this video more than ever.
The whole thing gets even more sensitive when you remember that this is the last One Direction single with Zayn Malik. We miss you, Zayn! Unfortunately, he doesn't desire a 1D comeback anytime soon.
9. “Drag Me Down”
Album: Made in the A.M. | |
Chart success: Exceptionally high | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: None | |
Music video: One of their best | |
Song facts
This might bring some bitter memories because it's the first lead single the guys dropped without Zayn Malik. Nevertheless, it's one of their most mature tunes, romantic but not too bubbly. It flows naturally and has that "hit" and mid-tempo vibe.
Without much promotion, this single became one of their most-watched videos on YouTube and one of their most-loved bangers. The music video might also be the most professional since it was filmed at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
8. “Perfect”
Album: Made in the A.M. | |
Chart success: Excellent | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson | |
Music video: Intimate, but fun | |
Song facts
The boys from 1D aren't bad, but playing that role is still very frequent in pop culture. In "Perfect," they portray those guys you "wouldn't take home to mother," and you wouldn't consider real gentlemen. However, the music video gets sweet as Niall plays the guitar in the hotel room window where the "bad things" happen.
While Niall looks too innocent for lyrics like this, Harry is the one who leads the team. It's almost impossible you've never heard anything about his relationship with Taylor Swift as the cameras flashed anywhere they went. Moreover, this is the exact lyric Harry Styles sings in this song. Are there any other guesses, or is this song 100% inspired by the girl who dedicated her hit "Style" to Harry?
7. “Little Things”
Album: Take Me Home | |
Chart success: Excellent | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: None | |
Music video: Most budget-friendly they ever made | |
Song facts
"You never love yourself as much as I love you, and you'll never treat yourself right, darling, but I want you to." These words are everything you'd want to hear from the person you love. It's hard to accept yourself the way you are, and the boys remember all the little things that make us insecure. However, they want you to know that you should embrace them.
These delicate feelings displayed in the song accompany the black-and-white, relatively simple music video. The boys only smile and sing, showing their compassion and understanding, and it's perfect enough.
6. “Live While We’re Young”
Album: Take Me Home | |
Chart success: Exceptional | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: None | |
Music video: Fast and fun! | |
Song facts
This song's message is pretty apparent and lies in the title. One Direction covered many themes regarding short-term relationships and joyfulness. Nevertheless, this single from the album "Take Me Home" is much more positive than "Night Changes," saying that you should stand your chance while you still can.
Sometimes it's hard to live the way you want and fulfill your wishes because you need more time. Nonetheless, trust the 1D boys and make some permanent memories while you're still young, wild, and free. The world is your oyster!
5. “Kiss You”
Album: Take Me Home | |
Chart success: Moderate | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: None | |
Music video: Pure fun in front of a green screen | |
Song facts
Many boy bands dream of achieving what One Direction did, but only some groups can make it as big as them. However, if there's any key to success in their genre, it's definitely the kind of song like "Kiss You!" It's lighthearted, romantic, and bubbly, displaying the boys' confident side.
The accompanying music video is pretty much Old Hollywood and British humor. Do you prefer the boys driving, in skiing outfits, or without any outfits? We're sure you will enjoy the whole video nonetheless! The "Kiss You" days make the best memories of being a Directioner.
4. “Best Song Ever”
Album: Midnight Memories | |
Chart success: Exceptional | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: None | |
Music video: Their first short movie | |
Song facts
Is this their best song ever? You decide! However, it's definitely one of the most famous chart-toppers One Direction ever released. It's hard to tell what makes this song "the best," as its title says. Is it the catchy vibe that captivates and invites you to dance? Is it the story of a mysterious night when they danced to the best song ever? Which song was that?
There are so many unanswered questions! Nevertheless, it could be how this song walked in "Straight into our hearts and stole them." It's infinitely unforgettable – you might just remember this tune forever.
3. “You & I”
Album: Midnight Memories | |
Chart success: Moderate | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: None | |
Music video: Emotional and fun | |
Song facts
"You & I" couldn't be anywhere lower on this list as it deserves the recognition it received. Moreover, it's also incredibly positive and sends the right message – if you fight for your love and give your whole heart, you can succeed. The boys gave theirs for this one, for sure.
The band members morphing into each other also manifest their unity and love. The smooth vibe of this song matches the purest sky-blue background. Everything is so harmonious as you can't stop listening to this divine track.
2. “Story of My Life”
Album: Midnight Memories | |
Chart success: Exceptional | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: All five members | |
Music video: Their most emotional one | |
Song facts
There are so many mesmerizing things about this powerful ballad. The whole immensity of its rhythm and lyrics collided so flawlessly that it remains one of the best moments of 1D's career ever, without any doubt. The critics also praise this single as their most mature one.
The song wakes up the most sentimental side of memories, including the little things we keep while old photographs hang on the walls. Zayn's sister, Harry Styles' mother, Liam Payne's parents and sisters, Niall Horan's brother, and Louis Tomlinson's grandparents also participated in this video.
1. “What Makes You Beautiful”
Album: Up All Night | |
Chart success: Exceptional | |
Members of the band credited as songwriters: None | |
Music video: Forever a fan favorite! | |
Song facts
A band should take it as a compliment if the general public adores its debut single as much as people cherish "What Makes You Beautiful" from their first studio album. It was a hit instantly, and it's still a banger that will remain so forever. There aren't many sweeter songs about a guy loving his girl the way she is, appreciating her beauty and energy.
The boys were massive hit-makers, with bubbly songs like "Kiss You,"" or "Steal My Girl" all over the charts. However, love-struck moments like "What Makes You Beautiful" made the band truly beautiful and emotional, showing what they are.
The news about One Direction coming back is still heating up the fans, as they believe that the band's time is not over. Maybe the boys themselves don't know what will happen, but we know that we miss them when we hear these memorable tunes.
Now that you've read our top ten One Direction nostalgic tunes, we hope to see your favorites in the comments section. Which song makes you miss this band the most?
Cover photo: YouTube screenshot