The 50+ Greatest Boy Bands Of All Time, Ranked
- 1Adult contemporary music, Bubblegum pop, Pop music
Assembled in the early 90s, the Backstreet Boys have earned their place as one of the best boy bands to grace the music industry. Bursting onto the scene with their debut self-titled album in 1996, they quickly captivated fans worldwide with their remarkable vocal harmonies and infectious pop tunes. Their timeless hits, like "I Want It That Way" and "As Long as You Love Me," continue to evoke feelings of nostalgia and delight for generations of fans. The group's resilience and adaptability are awe-inspiring, as they have remained relevant even after decades in the spotlight.
- 2Bubblegum pop, Pop music, Teen pop
Few groups can compete with the cultural impact of *NSYNC, who dominated the music scene in the late 90s and early 2000s. Composed of five charismatic young men, their impeccable harmonies, sharp dance moves, and striking good looks caught the attention of fans around the globe. With unforgettable hits such as "Bye Bye Bye" and "Tearin' Up My Heart," they cemented their status as icons in the pop music world. Even though their time together was relatively short, *NSYNC's enduring legacy as captivating entertainers and chart-topping artists has solidified their place as one of the best boy bands ever.
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- 3Hip hop music, Bubblegum pop, Pop music
Arguably the pioneers of the modern boy band phenomenon, New Kids on the Block dominated the airwaves in the late 80s and early 90s. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, this five-member group shook the music world with their wildly successful second album, "Hangin' Tough." Known for their catchy beats, smooth dance moves, and passionate fan base, NKOTB carved out a lasting legacy as a quintessential boy band, inspiring numerous other groups to follow in their footsteps. From their early blockbuster hits to today's reunion tours, they've proven that they've still got the right stuff.
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- 4Pop rock
One Direction skyrocketed to stardom after their formation on the UK reality show The X Factor in 2010. Comprised of five talented individuals, the band quickly garnered attention with their debut single "What Makes You Beautiful." Despite an ever-changing pop landscape, 1D managed to remain on top, thanks to their dedicated fans ("Directioners") and their continuous evolution of sounds, styles, and talents. Even after the departure of Zayn Malik and their indefinite hiatus, the remaining members have continued to maintain their success as solo artists, proving that their influence as a boy band is everlasting.
More One Direction
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- 5Hip hop music, Pop music, Contemporary R&B
Renowned for their smooth R&B sound and stunning vocal harmonies, Boyz II Men emerged in the early 90s and effortlessly captured the hearts of millions of fans. Their heartfelt ballads, such as "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You," quickly climbed the charts and broke records for their extended stays at the top. The group's unmatched ability to evoke deep emotions through their soulful melodies has made them a standout among boy bands and earned them a lasting place in music history. Despite lineup changes and the passage of time, Boyz II Men have remained an influential force in the industry, proving that their talent is truly timeless.
More Boyz II Men- Dig Deeper...The Best Boyz II Men Songs
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- 6Bubblegum pop, Motown Sound, Disco
Iconic and legendary, The Jackson 5 not only set the standard for boy bands but also reshaped the course of music history. With hits such as "ABC" and "I Want You Back," the group, which included future megastar Michael Jackson, won over audiences worldwide with their infectious energy, innovative performances, and undeniable talent. Bursting onto the scene in the late 1960s, they captured the attention of both critics and fans alike, and their influence on pop and R&B music has endured for decades. As one of the most groundbreaking and enduring boy bands in history, The Jackson 5's contributions to the music industry will never fade from memory.
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- 7Adult contemporary music, Ballad, Synthpop
Emerging from Ireland in the late 90s, Westlife quickly established themselves as a powerhouse in the world of pop music. With their rich harmonies, heartfelt ballads, and undeniable charisma, they amassed legions of devoted fans and scored numerous chart-topping hits. Their ability to create memorable, emotion-filled performances set them apart from their contemporaries, earning them a well-deserved place among the best boy bands. Westlife's continued success, even after temporary disbandment, is a testament to their talent and enduring appeal to audiences worldwide.
More Westlife- Dig Deeper...The Best Westlife Albums of All Time
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- 8Pop music, Dance-pop, EurodanceThe Wanted is a British-Irish boy band consisting of members Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes. They formed in 2009 and were signed worldwide to Universal Music subsidiaries Island Records and Mercury Records, and managed by Scooter Braun.The band's debut album, The Wanted, was released on 25 October 2010 and peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart. The album spawned three UK top 20 singles: their debut single, "All Time Low", which debuted at number one, "Heart Vacancy", which reached number two, and "Lose My Mind", which peaked at number 19. Follow-up album Battleground was released on 4 November 2011 and hit number five in the UK and number four in Ireland. The lead single from the album, "Gold Forever", was released in aid of Comic Relief and reached number three in the UK. Their second number-one hit, "Glad You Came", topped the singles chart in the United Kingdom for two weeks and in Ireland for five weeks. The third and fourth singles, "Lightning" and "Warzone", hit number two and number 21, respectively, in the UK. In early 2012, The Wanted began to achieve success in the United States and Canada: their hit single "Glad You Came" sold 3 million copies in the US and hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Canadian Hot 100. Their follow-up singles "Chasing the Sun" and "I Found You" reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. In 2013, it was announced that the group would be starring in their own reality series on E! entitled The Wanted Life. The series would document the group's stay in Los Angeles while they recorded their third worldwide album and prepare for a world tour, as well as their day-to-day antics. The show promised an honest glimpse into the lives of the band members.According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), The Wanted has been certified for 600,000 albums and 2 million singles in the UK.
- 9Bubblegum pop, Pop music, Rock music
A trio of real-life brothers, the Jonas Brothers burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s with their infectious pop-rock sound and Disney Channel-fueled fame. Crafting memorable hits like "Burnin' Up" and "S.O.S.," they quickly captivated audiences with their harmonious vocals, hook-laden tunes, and undeniable sibling camaraderie. After a hiatus to pursue individual projects, they made a triumphant return in 2019, showcasing their growth as artists and proving that their fanbase's loyalty remained strong. The Jonas Brothers' ability to adapt and persevere as a group has solidified their place as one of the best boy bands in music history.
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- 10Ballad, Synthpop, Pop music
One of the most successful British bands of all time, Take That emerged in the early 90s and quickly established themselves as a global phenomenon. With their catchy pop tunes, polished harmonies, and undeniable chemistry, they won over fans worldwide and scored numerous chart-topping hits. Their longevity and adaptability, even after the departure of Robbie Williams, have solidified their place among the best boy bands in history.
More Take That- #4 of 25 onThe Best English Boy Bands
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- 11Urban contemporary, Adult contemporary music, Pop music
Comprised of four talented vocalists in the late 90s, 98 Degrees captivated fans with their sultry harmonies and smooth R&B-infused pop sound. Their emotive ballads, such as "I Do (Cherish You)" and "The Hardest Thing," showcased their incredible vocal talents and quickly earned them a dedicated fanbase. Despite facing intense competition from contemporaries like *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees managed to carve out their own niche in the boy band world, proving that genuine talent and perseverance can yield lasting success.
- 12K-pop, Hip hop, EDM
Hailing from South Korea, BTS has taken the world by storm, shattering records and solidifying their place as one of the best boy bands of all time. Their unique blend of K-pop, hip-hop, and R&B, along with introspective lyrics and captivating visuals, sets them apart from the competition. With a dedicated fanbase known as the "ARMY," BTS has made history on numerous occasions, including being the first Korean group to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group's impact on the global music scene is a testament to their talent and speaks to the undeniable power of well-crafted, genre-defying music.
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- #793 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- 13Bubblegum pop, Synthpop, Pop music
Developed through the Nickelodeon TV show of the same name, Big Time Rush took the world by storm with their catchy tunes and engaging personalities. Their energetic performances and relatable song themes resonated with fans, leading to sold-out concerts and platinum-selling albums. Though their time as a group was relatively brief, they managed to leave a lasting impact on the hearts of fans everywhere, proving that the right combination of chemistry, talent, and infectious beats can create unforgettable memories. Big Time Rush's unwavering dedication to entertaining their fans secured their spot among the best boy bands in history.
- 14Hip hop music, Old-school hip hop, New Wave
Formed in the early 80s, New Edition laid the groundwork for future boy bands with their innovative fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Their dynamic performances, sleek stage presence, and unforgettable hits like "Candy Girl" and "Cool It Now" quickly propelled them to stardom. As pioneers in their genre, they influenced countless groups that followed, including Boyz II Men and New Kids on the Block. The lasting impact of New Edition's trailblazing contributions to the music industry cements their position as one of the greatest boy bands of all time.
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- 15K-pop, Dance-pop, ElectronicSuper Junior, also known as SJ or SuJu, is a South Korean boy band formed on November 6, 2005, by producer Lee Soo-man of SM Entertainment. The group comprised a total of thirteen members at its peak. Super Junior originally debuted with twelve members, consisting of leader Leeteuk, Heechul, Hangeng, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, and Kibum. Kyuhyun joined the group later in 2006. Super Junior launched into international recognition following the release of their best-selling single "Sorry, Sorry" in 2009, the title song of their most critically successful album, Sorry, Sorry. Over the years, they have been divided into smaller groups, simultaneously targeting different music industries and audiences. Individually, the members have also branched out into hosting, presenting and acting.More Super Junior
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- 16
Hanson, a trio of brothers from Oklahoma, burst onto the music scene in the late 90s with their infectious hit, "MMMBop." Their youthful energy, tight harmonies, and undeniable talent captured the attention of fans and critics alike. Despite facing inevitable comparisons to other boy bands of the era, Hanson carved out their own unique niche by incorporating more rock and soul influences into their music. The group's ongoing success as musicians and entrepreneurs serves as a testament to their enduring appeal and solidifies their status as one of the best boy bands in history.
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- 17Pop music, Boy band
Irish group Boyzone captured the hearts of fans with their charming personalities, smooth harmonies, and emotionally-charged ballads throughout the 90s. Under the guidance of iconic manager Louis Walsh, they quickly rose to fame with hits like "No Matter What" and "Love Me for a Reason." Their charisma and vocal prowess allowed them to stand out among the many boy bands emerging during that period, earning them a well-deserved position among the all-time best.
- 18Pop music, Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and blues
Rising to fame in the 90s, All-4-One captured the hearts of fans around the world with their soulful harmonies and heartfelt ballads, such as the now-iconic "I Swear." By combining R&B influences with pop sensibilities, they created a sound that showcased their impressive vocal talents while appealing to a wide audience. Their enduring popularity, even after several decades in the industry, proves that their place among the best boy bands is secure.
- 19Pop music, Boy band
Formed on the reality show Making the Band in 2000, O-Town quickly found success with their catchy pop tunes and vibrant performances. Though their time together was relatively brief, they left an indelible mark on the music industry with hits like "All or Nothing" and "Liquid Dreams." Their ability to combine raw talent with well-crafted production earned them a spot among the best boy bands, proving that sometimes lightning can strike twice— or even five times— in the same place.
- 20Hip hop music, Pop music, Teen pop
British boy band Five garnered widespread attention in the late 90s and early 2000s with their energetic performances and catchy pop tunes. Their unique blend of pop, rap, and rock elements, combined with their distinct personalities, set them apart from other boy bands of the era. With chart-topping hits like "When the Lights Go Out" and "Keep On Movin'," Five proved that an innovative approach to the boy band formula could yield lasting success and earn them a place among the greatest.
More Five- #12 of 25 onThe Best English Boy Bands
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- 21K-pop, Hip hop, Dance-pop
Hailing from South Korea, BIGBANG has left an indelible mark on the music industry with their unique blend of K-pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. Since their debut in 2006, the group has consistently pushed the boundaries of their genre, experimenting with various musical styles and collaborating with top artists from around the world. Their trailblazing efforts and chart-topping hits have earned them a place among the best boy bands, proving that innovative music knows no cultural borders.
More BIGBANG- Dig Deeper...Vote: Who Is The Best Big Bang Member?
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- 22K-pop
Another standout act from South Korea, EXO has captivated audiences worldwide with their sleek choreography, powerful vocals, and captivating stage presence. Their versatility as performers and commitment to producing high-quality music has earned them numerous accolades and a devoted fanbase known as "EXO-L." By seamlessly blending various musical influences and breaking down language barriers, EXO has solidified their place as one of the best boy bands of all time.
More EXO- Dig Deeper...The Best EXO Songs
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- 23Pop music, Contemporary R&B, New jack swingJodeci ( JOH-də-see) is an American R&B quartet with members DeVanté Swing, Mr. Dalvin, K-Ci, and JoJo. Formed in 1989 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jodeci's members began their musical careers as two duos of brothers and, after years of limited success, joined forces. After signing with Uptown Records in 1991, the group began to work on their debut album, Forever My Lady, which brought them mainstream success with the Billboard Hot 100 single "Come and Talk to Me" and the album's titular track.The group's critical and commercial success continued with the releases of Diary of a Mad Band (1993), and also with The Show, the After Party, the Hotel (1995), where the group experimented with various musical styles typically not associated with traditional R&B. Jodeci would incorporate hip hop soul, gospel and new jack swing into their music, which led to the group featured prominently with hip hop artists during the 1990s. Each album released by the group during this period attained platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and helped to redefine the genre, allowing for developments in thematic and musical content within R&B.In 1996, they announced a hiatus (though continuing to work on music as a group), which prompted K-Ci & JoJo to branch off as a duo, releasing five albums until 2013, when the group re-united for their fourth studio album, The Past, the Present, the Future (2015). Jodeci has sold more than 20 million records worldwide to date. Complex magazine ranks the group 1st on their "1990s Male R&B Group Pyramid of Excellence" list in 2014, one of the most influential groups of the 1990s, and the best R&B group of all time. Jodeci's last manager was Damon "Smooth" Hart.More Jodeci
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- 24
Blue
Hip hop music, Pop music, Rock musicAnother standout British boy band, Blue rose to fame in the early 2000s with their combination of smooth R&B-influenced harmonies and infectious pop hooks. Their impressive vocal talents and undeniable chemistry made them an instant hit with fans around the world, resulting in numerous awards and chart-topping singles. By adding their own unique flair to the boy band model, Blue secured their position as one of the best groups of their time and influenced future generations of artists.
- 25K-pop
Since their debut in 2008, South Korean group SHINee has been enchanting fans with their unique blend of contemporary R&B, electronica, and smooth harmonies. Known for their innovative music and meticulously crafted performances, SHINee quickly rose to prominence, garnering critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Their ongoing success and contributions to the evolution of K-pop have earned them a well-deserved spot among the best boy bands in history.
More SHINee- Dig Deeper...Vote: Who Is The Best SHINee Member?
- #4 of 56 onThe Best SM Entertainment Artists Ever, Ranked
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- 26K-pop, Hip hop
Ikonic
iKon, stylized as iKON, is a South Korean boy band formed in 2015 by YG Entertainment. The group was first introduced in the reality survival program WIN: Who is Next as "Team B." After that, Team B went on to appear in the 2014 reality survival program Mix & Match, which determined the final seven-member lineup of iKon: B.I, Bobby, Jay, Ju-ne, Song, DK and Chanwoo.More iKON- #6 of 59 onThe Best YG Entertainment Artists Ever, Ranked
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- 27K-popAstro is a South Korean boy group formed by Fantagio in 2016. The group is composed of six members: MJ, JinJin, Eunwoo, Moon Bin, Rocky, and Sanha. They debuted with the single "Hide & Seek" from their debut EP Spring Up, and were subsequently named by Billboard as one of the best new K-pop groups of 2016.More Astro
- #23 of 30 onThe Best K-pop Lightsticks Every Fan Should Own
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- 28Pop, Pop rock
Rising to prominence in the late 2010s, Why Don't We has quickly amassed a devoted following thanks to their infectious pop hooks and undeniable stage presence. The group's dedication to their craft, coupled with their social media savvy, has allowed them to connect with fans on a deeper level, propelling them to stardom at breakneck speed. As a modern boy band that understands the power of fan engagement and constantly evolving musical styles, Why Don't We is well on their way to becoming one of the best boy bands in history.
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- 29K-pop, Hip hopAteez (stylized ATEEZ), previously known as KQ Fellaz, is a K-pop boy group under KQ Entertainment. It is composed of eight members: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho. They debuted on October 24, 2018 with Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. On November 2nd, the group performed their song, "Pirate King", on KBS2's Music Bank. On January 15, 2019, they released their new EP, Treasure EP.2: Zero to One, alongside the music video for the title track, "Say My Name".More ATEEZ
- Dig Deeper...The Best ATEEZ Songs, Ranked
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- 30K-popThe Boyz (formerly known as Cre.kerz) is a South Korean boy group formed by Cre.ker Entertainment in 2017. The group consists of eleven members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Ju Haknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric. They officially debuted on December 6, 2017.More THE BOYZ
- #51 of 179 onThe 100+ Best K-pop Groups Of All Time
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