Released on October 21, 2022, "Anti-Hero" was the lead single from Midnights, Taylor's tenth studio album, which became a massive commercial success. Described by her as one of the most vulnerable tracks she has ever written, it explores her deepest insecurities: self-criticism and the pressures of living under constant scrutiny. The line “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me” quickly resonated with millions of listeners, turning it into a viral cultural moment.

The music video, directed by Swift herself and released alongside the single, added layers of humor and surrealism to the song’s introspective narrative. It features exaggerated, almost theatrical portrayals of her inner battles, expressions of both vulnerability and wit.

" Anti-Hero " became her longest-running number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for eight consecutive weeks. Its success contributed directly to an unprecedented achievement in the music industry: she became the first artist ever to occupy the entire Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in a single week.