Taylor Swift’s ascent to music royalty began on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated September 23, 2006, when her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” entered at No. 86. This marked the inception of an extraordinary career, establishing Swift as a dominant force in popular music and on the very charts that measure success, particularly the Billboard Hot 100. Since that initial entry, Taylor Swift has not only become a household name but also one of the most decorated artists in the Hot 100’s history, achieving milestones that solidify her place among music legends.
As of the Hot 100 chart dated December 14, 2024, Taylor Swift’s catalog boasts an astounding 264 charted songs – a record for female artists, showcasing her consistent output and enduring appeal. Her dominance extends to the upper echelons of the chart, with 59 top 10 hits and 165 top 40 entries, both figures being the highest among women. “Tim McGraw,” her debut single, fittingly initiated her top 40 journey, eventually climbing to No. 40. Furthermore, her 12 No. 1 singles place her in a distinguished tie for the sixth-most chart-toppers among all artists, highlighting her consistent ability to produce songs that resonate with a massive audience.
Swift’s musical evolution, seamlessly transitioning through country, pop, adult alternative, and various other genres, has been instrumental in her sustained Hot 100 prominence. In 2012, she achieved her first No. 1 hit with “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” a defining moment in her crossover to mainstream pop. Demonstrating her finger on the pulse of popular music trends and fan desires, in 2021, she defied conventional notions of pop music’s short attention spans by reaching No. 1 with the extended version of a fan-favorite, “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version).” At an impressive 10 minutes and 13 seconds, it became the longest No. 1 single in Hot 100 history, proving her ability to captivate audiences with both concise hits and extended narratives.
In 2022, Taylor Swift achieved a historic and unprecedented feat, occupying the entire Hot 100 top 10 simultaneously on the chart dated November 5, 2022. This remarkable achievement was fueled by tracks from her critically acclaimed 2022 album Midnights, spearheaded by the No. 1 debut of its lead single, “Anti-Hero.” She then surpassed her own record on the May 4, 2024, Hot 100 chart, commanding the entire top 14 positions with songs from her LP The Tortured Poets Department, further cementing her unparalleled chart dominance in recent years.
Beyond her chart accolades, Taylor Swift was recognized as Billboard’s first Woman of the Decade at the 2019 Women In Music event. This honor celebrated not only her immense commercial achievements but also her unwavering commitment to creative rights advocacy, music education initiatives, literacy programs, cancer research, disaster relief efforts, and the Time’s Up movement. In a bold move to regain control over her artistic legacy, when faced with the inability to reclaim the masters of her initial six albums, Swift embarked on the ambitious project of re-recording her catalog. This strategic decision not only empowered her fanbase but also yielded further chart success, including her 2023 Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault],” showcasing her resilience and innovative approach to navigating the music industry.
Of Taylor Swift’s extensive and impressive catalog, which songs stand out as her biggest Hot 100 successes? Below is a countdown ranking her top 50 biggest Billboard Hot 100 hits, from No. 50 to No. 1, offering a retrospective on her most impactful songs on the definitive US chart.
Taylor Swift’s 50 Biggest Billboard Hot 100 hits ranking is compiled based on weekly performance on the Hot 100 chart (through December 14, 2024). Songs are ranked using an inverse point system, where weeks at No. 1 earn the highest value, and weeks at lower positions earn incrementally less. To account for evolving chart dynamics and turnover rates across different periods, chart eras are weighted to reflect methodological changes over the years.
50. “Fearless”
The title track from her Fearless album, “Fearless” is an anthemic country-pop song that resonated with listeners for its themes of courage and romance, reaching a commendable No. 9 peak position on the Hot 100.
49. “Bejeweled”
From her Midnights album, “Bejeweled” is a shimmering pop track that highlights self-worth and confidence. This dazzling song made its mark on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 6 and further showcasing Swift’s versatility in exploring pop sensibilities.
48. “Sparks Fly”
A fan favorite from the Speak Now era, “Sparks Fly” is a vibrant country-pop anthem that captures the exhilarating feeling of attraction. The song captivated audiences, climbing to a peak position of No. 17 on the Hot 100.
47. “Begin Again”
“Begin Again,” another gem from Red, marked a thematic shift towards optimism and new beginnings after heartbreak. This song began its chart journey impressively, debuting and peaking within the top 10 at No. 7, reflecting its immediate impact upon release.
46. “Picture To Burn”
“Picture To Burn,” a fiery track from her self-titled debut album, showcases Swift’s early country sound with a rebellious edge. This song scorched its way up the charts, surpassing the top 40 milestone and reaching a peak of No. 28 in 2008, establishing her crossover potential early in her career.
45. “Should’ve Said No”
Swift’s “Should’ve Said No,” an upbeat country-pop jam from her 2006 self-titled debut, closes the album with a strong message of defiance and regret. As the final single from the album, it solidified her early success, peaking at No. 33 on the Hot 100.
44. “Midnight Rain”
“Midnight Rain,” a reflective track from Midnights, explores themes of ambition and diverging paths in relationships. This introspective and atmospheric song resonated with listeners, peaking at No. 5 on the Hot 100 in November 2022.
43. “Everything Has Changed” feat. Ed Sheeran
A collaboration with Ed Sheeran from the Red album, “Everything Has Changed” is a tender duet that captures the transformative feeling of new love. Released as a single in 2013, this song climbed to No. 32 on the Hot 100, blending their distinct musical styles.
42. “Tim McGraw”
Taylor Swift – Tim McGraw
“Tim McGraw,” Taylor Swift’s debut single, is the quintessential country love song that started her illustrious chart journey. This nostalgic track reached No. 40 on the Hot 100, marking her first entry and setting the stage for her future chart dominance. It also became her first of 36 top 10 hits to date on the Hot Country Songs chart, highlighting her roots in country music.
41. “Eyes Open”
“Eyes Open,” featured on The Hunger Games soundtrack, is a powerful and motivational pop song. As the second single from the soundtrack, “Eyes Open” captured attention, peaking at No. 19 on the Hot 100 following its 2012 release, showcasing her ability to create impactful songs for film soundtracks.
40. “Red”
The title track from her Red album, “Red” is an energetic and passionate rock-infused pop song that uses color as a metaphor for intense emotions. This promotional single from the 2012 album made a striking debut on the Hot 100, entering at No. 6 and showcasing her evolving sound.
39. “Down Bad”
“Down Bad,” a track from The Tortured Poets Department released in 2024, delves into themes of infatuation and vulnerability. Reflecting its immediate popularity upon release, “Down Bad” debuted at its peak position of No. 2 on the Hot 100, illustrating her continued chart relevance.
38. “Ours”
“Ours,” a heartfelt and gentle banjo-infused single from Speak Now, offers a comforting message of love amidst external disapproval. This song resonated deeply with fans, debuting and peaking at No. 13 on the Hot 100, highlighting her songwriting versatility.
37. “Mean”
Taylor Swift – Mean
“Mean,” a Grammy-winning track from Speak Now, serves as a direct response to critics and negativity. Swift claps back with wit and resilience in “Mean,” which debuted and peaked at No. 11 in 2010. The song’s empowering message earned Swift two Grammy Awards in 2012: Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance, solidifying its impact and critical acclaim.
36. “Highway Don’t Care” Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift
“Highway Don’t Care,” a collaboration with Tim McGraw, revisits Swift’s country roots while incorporating contemporary sounds. Teaming up with the namesake of her debut hit, this feature on McGraw’s 2013 album Two Lanes of Freedom drove to No. 22 on the Hot 100, bridging her past and present musical identities.
35. “Fifteen”
“Fifteen,” a confessional and nostalgic track from Fearless, vividly recounts the experiences of adolescence and first love. This song, which mentions her friendship with Abigail Anderson, resonated widely with teenagers, peaking at No. 23 and capturing the universal themes of youth.
34. “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)”
“All Too Well (Taylor’s Version),” from Red (Taylor’s Version), is an extended and emotionally charged rendition of a fan-favorite. When Swift re-recorded her 2012 LP Red in 2021, she expanded “All Too Well” to its original 10-minute length. The re-recorded version topped the Hot 100 and made history as the longest song to ever reach No. 1 on the chart, underscoring its powerful narrative and enduring appeal.
33. “22”
“22,” a collaboration with Max Martin from Red, is an upbeat and celebratory pop anthem about youth and carefree joy. As the sixth single from Red to reach the Hot 100 top 20, “22” peaked at No. 20, highlighting its infectious energy and broad appeal.
32. “…Ready for It?”
“…Ready for It?,” from Reputation, is a bold and assertive pop track with electronic influences. The song achieved a significant milestone when it debuted at its No. 4 Hot 100 peak in September 2017, marking Swift’s 72nd Hot 100 entry – surpassing The Beatles’ career total and showcasing her consistent chart presence.
31. “Cardigan”
Taylor Swift – cardigan
“Cardigan,” the lead single from Folklore, signaled a stylistic shift towards indie and folk music, reflecting a return to singer-songwriter roots. Co-written and produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, “Cardigan” topped the Hot 100, demonstrating her artistic evolution and ability to innovate while maintaining chart-topping success.
30. “Lover”
“Lover,” the title track from her seventh studio album Lover, is a romantic and heartfelt ballad that celebrates enduring love. Released in 2019, “Lover” gained momentum after a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. As the album impacted the Billboard charts, the song reached No. 10 on the Hot 100, becoming a wedding-song staple and fan favorite.
29. “White Horse”
“White Horse,” from Fearless, is a poignant country ballad that explores the disillusionment of fairytale romance. This Grammy Award-winning track (Best Country Song, Best Female Country Vocal Performance) resonated with its raw emotion, galloping to a No. 13 peak on the Hot 100.
28. “Today Was a Fairytale”
“Today Was a Fairytale,” originally from the Valentine’s Day soundtrack, is a dreamy and romantic song about a perfect date. Fittingly released for the 2010 Valentine’s Day soundtrack, this song debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, capturing the essence of romantic fantasy.
27. “Two Is Better Than One” Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift
“Two Is Better Than One,” a collaboration with Boys Like Girls, blends pop-punk energy with Swift’s songwriting. Power-pop band Boys Like Girls enlisted Swift for this 2009 single, which peaked at No. 18 on the Hot 100, expanding her reach into different pop subgenres.
26. “Willow”
Taylor Swift – willow
“Willow,” the lead single from Evermore, continues the folk and singer-songwriter direction established in Folklore. Debuting at No. 1 on the Hot 100, “Willow” solidified her successful exploration of understated folk-pop, maintaining her chart-topping status while evolving her sound.
25. “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” from The Tortured Poets Department, is a seemingly upbeat track that juxtaposes a bouncy rhythm with poignant lyrics about emotional resilience. Despite its upbeat tempo, the song is a confessional reflection on performing through heartbreak, peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100 upon debut and spending over six months on the chart as a promoted single.
24. “Back to December”
“Back to December,” from Speak Now, is a heartfelt ballad rumored to be about a past relationship with Taylor Lautner, expressing remorse and longing. This introspective ballad entered and peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 2010, showcasing her vulnerability and songwriting depth.
23. “Lavender Haze”
“Lavender Haze,” the opening track from Midnights, sets a dreamy and romantic tone, exploring the blissful early stages of love and relationship privacy. This loved-up song peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, setting the stage for the album’s chart dominance.
22. “Delicate”
“Delicate,” from Reputation, is a gentle and intimate ballad that marked a sonic departure from the album’s more assertive tracks. As the fourth single from Reputation, “Delicate” contrasted with its predecessors, resulting in a welcome reception, cruising to No. 12 on the Hot 100 and topping the Pop Airplay chart, demonstrating her versatility within pop music.
21. “Me!” feat. Brendon Urie
“Me!,” featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! at The Disco, is a vibrant and celebratory pop anthem that emphasizes individuality and self-love. Marking a 180-degree turn from the darker Reputation, “Me!” is saccharine and joyful, surging to No. 2 on the Hot 100 as the lead single from Lover.
20. “You Need To Calm Down”
“You Need To Calm Down,” from Lover, is an empowering pop anthem that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and self-acceptance, infused with political undertones. Reflecting Swift’s increasing political advocacy, this 2019 Lover cut supports LGBTQ+ causes, feminism, and self-empowerment. Its message resonated, securing a No. 2 Hot 100 hit and featuring a star-studded music video with LGBTQ+ icons and a reconciliation with Katy Perry.
19. “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault]”
“Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault],” from 1989 (Taylor’s Version), is a re-recorded track that captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and reflection. This “From the Vault” track from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in November 2023, demonstrating the success of her re-recording project and continued chart-topping power.
18. “Our Song”
“Our Song,” from her self-titled debut, is a classic country-pop track that captures the simple joys of young love and everyday moments. As Swift’s third single released in 2007, “Our Song” climbed to No. 16 on the Hot 100 and became her first of nine No. 1s to date on Hot Country Songs, establishing her early crossover appeal.
17. “Fortnight” feat. Post Malone
“Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone, the lead single from The Tortured Poets Department, is a collaboration blending pop and alternative elements, exploring themes of fleeting romance. Chart enthusiasts noted that “Fortnight” spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, fittingly aligning with its title and demonstrating her ability to innovate and collaborate successfully.
16. “Karma” feat. Ice Spice
“Karma,” from Midnights, gained further momentum with a remix featuring Ice Spice, becoming a playful and empowering anthem about justice and positive energy. Boosted by the remix and music video with Ice Spice, this Midnights single peaked at No. 2 in June 2023, showcasing the impact of collaborations and remixes in modern chart success.
15. “Teardrops on My Guitar”
“Teardrops on My Guitar,” from her debut album, is a heartfelt and relatable pop-crossover ballad about unrequited love and teenage longing. Swift’s breakout pop crossover single peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100 in 2008, marking a significant step in her transition from country to mainstream pop.
14. “Mine”
“Mine,” the lead single from Speak Now, is an upbeat country-pop song that narrates a love story from initial hesitations to lasting commitment. This rollicking country breakup song made a No. 3 splash on the Hot 100 in 2010, setting the stage for the Speak Now era and showcasing her storytelling prowess.
13. “Look What You Made Me Do”
Taylor Swift – Look What You Made Me Do
“Look What You Made Me Do,” the lead single from Reputation, is a dark and dramatic pop track that marked a significant stylistic reinvention. The lead single from Swift’s fifth No. 1 Billboard 200 album, Reputation, similarly became her fifth No. 1 song on the Hot 100, reaching the summit in September 2017 and signifying a bold new chapter in her career.
12. “Style”
“Style,” from 1989, is a sleek and stylish synth-pop track that captures the allure of a captivating but tumultuous relationship. Gaining traction after Swift performed it at the 2014 Victoria’s Secret fashion show, the third single from 1989 peaked at No. 6, becoming a fan favorite for its sophisticated sound and memorable chorus.
11. “Wildest Dreams”
Taylor Swift – Wildest Dreams
“Wildest Dreams,” another hit from 1989, is a dreamy and cinematic pop ballad about longing for a memorable, albeit potentially fleeting, romance. The collaboration between Swift, Max Martin, and Shellback continued to prove successful with “Wildest Dreams,” which peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 in November 2015, solidifying 1989‘s status as a pop masterpiece.
10. “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker)” with Zayn
“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” a duet with Zayn for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, is a brooding and sensual pop ballad that explores themes of passion and intensity. Released as her first single after 1989, this Zayn duet rose to No. 2 on the Hot 100 in March 2017, showcasing her ability to collaborate across genres and maintain chart-topping relevance.
9. “Bad Blood” feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Bad Blood,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, from 1989, is a powerful pop anthem about betrayal and female solidarity, amplified by a star-studded music video. Fueled by a #squad-flaunting video and Kendrick Lamar’s feature, Swift’s diss track hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 for one week following the clip’s debut at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
8. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” from Red, is a critically acclaimed pop anthem that marked Swift’s first No. 1 on the Hot 100, solidifying her crossover success. Swift’s first Hot 100 No. 1 single confirmed her crossover appeal, staying at the top for three weeks following its 2012 release and becoming an iconic breakup anthem.
7. “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
“I Knew You Were Trouble.,” from Red, is an anthemic pop-rock track with dubstep influences, portraying a cautionary tale of a toxic relationship. This irresistible anthem from Red debuted at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in October 2012, eventually peaking at No. 2 and becoming one of her signature stadium anthems.
6. “Love Story”
Taylor Swift – Love Story
“Love Story,” from Fearless, is a melodic and fairytale-themed country-pop masterpiece that reimagines Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. The fairytale-themed lead single off Fearless peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100 in 2009, becoming a defining song of her early career and a timeless romantic classic.
5. “Blank Space”
“Blank Space,” from 1989, is a satirical and self-aware pop track that playfully addresses media perceptions of her dating life. Swift made history as the first woman to replace herself at No. 1 on the Hot 100 when the second single off 1989 dethroned “Shake It Off.” “Blank Space” dominated the charts, spending seven weeks at No. 1 in 2014-15 and becoming a cultural touchstone.
4. “You Belong With Me”
“You Belong With Me,” from Fearless, is a quintessential crossover hit that embodies teenage yearning and high school romance. This monster crossover hit dominated airwaves in 2009, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and becoming a cultural phenomenon. It also broke barriers as the first country song to top the all-genre Radio Songs chart since its inception in 1990, following “Love Story”‘s No. 2 peak.
3. “Anti-Hero”
“Anti-Hero,” the lead single from Midnights, is an introspective and confessional pop track that delves into self-doubt and anxieties. Debuting atop the Hot 100, “Anti-Hero” remained at No. 1 for six weeks until Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” temporarily took the top spot in December 2022. It later reclaimed the No. 1 position, totaling eight weeks at the summit, becoming one of her longest-reigning No. 1 hits.
2. “Cruel Summer”
“Cruel Summer,” from Lover, experienced a resurgence years after its initial release, becoming a defining pop anthem with themes of passionate but complicated summer love. Despite being released on Lover in 2019, “Cruel Summer” gained single treatment four years later and became one of her biggest songs to date, finally topping the Hot 100 in October 2023 and showcasing its timeless appeal.
1. “Shake It Off”
Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
“Shake It Off,” the lead single from 1989, is a carefree and infectious pop anthem about ignoring negativity and embracing individuality. Swift’s anthem found pop dominance, debuting at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and staying there for four weeks. Its nearly six-month stay in the top 10 solidifies its status as Taylor Swift’s biggest charting single, representing a career filled with monumental achievements and chart-topping hits.
