I may have a little bit of an obsession with One Direction. OK, maybe I have a huge obsession with One Direction. The all-boy pop group started by Simon Cowell on the "X Factor" have not only grown musically since 2011, they have also gone from cute teens to handsome studs. I will have to admit that I've spent way too much time on their YouTube channel, and have finally decided on the definitive ranking of these international superstars.
Warning: Ex-group member Zayn Malik will in fact be featured in most of these. *sigh* Prepare your heart for aching.
14. "You & I" (2014)
This music video actually upsets me: it's such a great song, and
was given such a boring music video. I'm not sure if the director was going for
a "simple" approach, but this is definitely not how it should have
been done. This is personally one of my favorite One Direction songs, and this
video is an abomination (I may be exaggerating a little bit). Nonetheless, its
horrible animation and lack of fun make it the worst of all fourteen music
videos. Sorry, boys.
13. "Gotta Be You" (2011)
Terrible music video. But not the worst one, because even though
the music video isn't too grand, they were just so gosh-darn cute in 2011. This
is when the group was really first starting to take off, and I'll give them the
benefit of the doubt. The end of the video with the terrible campground green
screen in the dark is just too painful to watch. Also, I heard from the rumor
mill that the reason Harry is wearing a scarf in the video is because he had a
certain "bruise" that they didn't want young fans to see. Harry, you
dog.
12. "Drag Me Down" (2015)
Meh song, meh music video. "Drag Me Down" is No. 12 because it is just so not memorable. The song is really sweet, but no matter how much I want to love it, I can't. Not your best work, 1D.
11. "Live While We're Young" (2012)
This fun fall 2012 jam was a hit on the radio, and the video was a good step in the right direction (pun intended). You can tell the boys are having more fun filming the video, but the music video isn't anything too special. I think my main bone to pick with this video is Zayn's unveiling of his new hair—the gross blond streak that makes him look like a skunk. Seriously, Zayn?
10. "One Thing" (2012)
Cute song and super cute video. I love the very preppy Brit boy band feel of the video, but compared to the edginess the boys have been putting out lately, it doesn't seem very like them. But this video is adorable. I have no problem with this music video at all. There are just better ones. One of the videos had to be No. 10.
9. "Best Song Ever" (2013)
I won't lie to you, the music video starts out weird. I don't know who told them they could act well, but they definitely cannot. Love you Zayn, but you look insanely creepy as a woman. After the first two minutes, it starts to pick up, and the boys are so charmingly rambunctious as they destroy the studio and add a random flash mob into the mix. The message of the video is clear—the boys are going to be themselves and not sell out to "the man." I can't help but find that ironic.
8. "Steal My Girl" (2014)
Good news: Danny DeVito makes a guest appearance. Bad news: weird video. But Danny DeVito's appearance trumps the confusing nature of this video. What does standing on top of a giant birdcage in the middle of the desert have to do with some guy stealing your girl? I don't know why DeVito agreed to this video, but I'm sure glad he did. Plus, Harry's solo...*swoon*.
7. "What Makes You Beautiful" (2011)
What? Yes, that is what they used to look like! Babies! Infants! Too cute! I know, I freak out every time I watch this video too. Can you believe the song that made them what they are today was released four years ago? It's just such an innocent music video. Niall won't even take off his shirt with the rest of the boys! The feels!
6. "Perfect" (2015)
Risqué lyrics for their older audience, hotel room shenanigans. An edgier approach for the four remaining members, and I'm loving every minute of it! I mean, don't get ahead of yourself, 1D, you'll never be bad boys.
5. "Midnight Memories" (2014)
Such a fun video. You can tell that the boys loved every minute of filming it. The scene of them at the house party in the beginning is hilarious, too. The boys are definitely cute, fun, and flirty in this music video!
4. "Little Things" (2012)
This might have been the video where I found out I was in love. With all five of them. Zayn and Liam have the most beautiful voices, but they all do a great job looking lovable. Also, what a great message. You're perfect no matter what, ladies! xx 1D
3. "Story of My Life" (2013)
Talk about a major tear jerker. This video highlights the boys' roots and each one re-poses for a family photo from their childhood. I don't want to spoil the video, but prepare yourself for Louis' re-pose with a box of tissues at your side.
2. "Night Changes" (2014)
This music video is every girl's dream. Ever wondered what its like to go on a date with a member of One Direction? How about all five of them? You heard me right. The video makes you the object of their attention. Even cuter, each date is ruined in a funny way at the end, and their apologies are adorable. My personal favorite is the cozy cabin board games date with Niall. I guarantee you that's not the actual kind of date you'd go on with him, but a girl can dream.
1. "Kiss You" (2013)
Wow. Best song. Best video. Hands down. Zayn got rid of his heinous skunk hair (for most of the video at least). Harry looks great, and Liam is all grown up. The video is insanely fun to watch, and they are just too charming in the sailor suits and '80s ski outfits. I could probably watch a full-length movie of this music video on repeat. I really can't get over how perfect this video is! Congratulations, "Kiss You," you're No. 1 in my book.
Keep up the good work, boys! I know you're a man down now, but I know you still have a great videos in you!




















