We could have told you a while ago that One Direction are pretty darn fascinating, but it looks like Barbara Walters finally caught on. She announced her annual list of the Most Fascinating People, and the fantastic five piece made the cut.

1D are in pretty fine company, joining Secretary of State and former First Lady Hilary Clinton, actor Ben Affleck, Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, 'Fifty Shades of Grey' author E.L. James, 'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. The No. 1 most fascinating person of 2012 will be announced on the show, airing Dec. 12.

The boys are certainly fascinating enough to watch. In addition to appearing in an interview segment on Walters' special, the 'X Factor' alums will also star in their own movie, to be directed by 'Super Size Me' auteur Morgan Spurlock. They've been conquering the charts both here and across the pond, much to the delight of mentor Simon Cowell.

Aside from making headlines (and some serious bank), the band have also made history -- more than once. They were the first U.K. band to ever have a debut album open at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard charts, sold out Madison Square Garden in under a minute and had the fastest selling digital preorder of all time. 'Take Me Home' is poised to take them even farther into the stratosphere.

We wonder if heartthrob Harry Styles' rumored girlfriend, Taylor Swift, made the cut this year.

Watch the One Direction 'Little Things' Video

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