The Best Girl Groups Of All Time

Coley Reed
Updated May 15, 2024 47.2K views 64 items
Ranked By
17.3K votes
2.2K voters
3 reranks
Voting Rules
Only groups with 3 or more members.
Latest additions: B*Witched, The Runaways, SWV
Most divisive: The Pussycat Dolls
Over 2.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Girl Groups Of All Time

Since pop music emerged in the 1950s and 60s, girl groups have played an integral role in the expansion of the genre. Some of the biggest names and brightest stars in pop music are female singing groups who sing catchy tunes. This list of girl groups seeks to uncover which of these famous music groups can be rightfully considered among the best female pop artists of all time. As music as changed and evolved over the years, trends have come and gone, except for the tried and true formula of the success that girl bands brings to both radio, concerts and overall impact on pop culture. 

So, who are the best girl groups? An essential place to start is with The Ronettes. Part of the American record producer Phil Spector's factory of pop hits, The Ronettes, led by Ronnie Spector, are known to many not only one of the best female bands, but are pioneers in all of pop music. Hits like "Be My Baby" and "Baby, I Love You" are still popular oldies and live on in the many years since they were respectively released. The Supremes are also considered one of the best girl groups. Led by Diana Ross, The Supremes helped usher in the era of Motown soul, and their songs helped Berry Gordy build a musical empire. But, are The Supremes the best girl group of all time? More recently, fans of TLC and the Spice Girls may argue that they deserve to top the list of girl groups; whereas other millennial women prefer Destiny's Child, Little Mix, Blackpink, and Fifth Harmony as the most popular girl groups of all-time.

It's up to you to determine which of these girl groups are considered the greatest of all time. This list seeks to answers the questions of "who are the best girl group bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest girl group musician ever?" Vote for the ladies you think should be at the top of the list and make your vote count. 

  • The Supremes
    1
    Girl group, Doo-wop, Psychedelic soul
    592 votes

    In the pantheon of influential girl groups, The Supremes reign supreme. Their everlastingly stylish and smooth tunes captured the hearts of generations with a perfect fusion of pop, soul, and R&B. As one of Motown's most iconic acts, The Supremes not only broke racial barriers but also became trendsetters in fashion and style. Their trailblazing legacy has inspired countless artists and solidified their place in music history.

  • Spice Girls
    2
    Girl group, Rock music, Dance-pop
    737 votes

    Exploding onto the global music scene in the mid-90s, the Spice Girls redefined pop music and women empowerment with their infectious hits and bold personalities. Each member brought a unique flavor to the group, creating a blend of music that still resonates today. Driving home messages of friendship and unity, their impact on pop culture was unprecedented and solidified them as a force to be reckoned with. With millions of records sold worldwide, the Spice Girls remain an indelible part of music history.

  • Destiny's Child
    3
    Urban contemporary, Girl group, Hip hop music
    723 votes

    Dominating the late 90s and early 2000s, Destiny's Child set the standard for modern girl groups. Their powerful vocals, intricate harmonies, and undeniable charisma captivated audiences worldwide. The trio's dynamic performances showcased their exceptional talent, making them a touchstone for girl groups that followed. Destiny's Child remains a symbol of enduring excellence and sisterhood in the music industry.

  • TLC
    4
    Hip hop music, Girl group, Alternative hip hop
    622 votes

    Trailblazers of the 90s R&B scene, TLC combined their smooth harmonies with a fierce attitude. With their bold messages of female empowerment, self-love, and social awareness, they cemented their status as a groundbreaking force in music. Balancing chart-topping ballads with danceable grooves, TLC's impact stretches far beyond their impressive record sales, as they continue to inspire generations of artists with their unapologetic presence.

  • BLACKPINK
    5
    K-pop, EDM, Hip-hop
    755 votes

    Hailing from South Korea, BLACKPINK is taking the world by storm with their sleek production, electrifying performances, and captivating presence. The quartet seamlessly blends K-pop, hip-hop, and EDM elements, creating a sound that transcends borders. Their immense global success and record-breaking achievements have firmly established them as a groundbreaking group, forever changing the landscape of pop music.

  • The Bangles
    6
    Jangle pop, Girl group, New Wave
    388 votes

    Capturing the essence of the 80s with their infectious pop-rock tunes, The Bangles left an indelible mark on music history. The group's timeless hits showcased their impressive musicianship and knack for crafting songs that resonate with audiences. Their effortless blend of rock, pop, and folk influences set them apart from their peers and earned them enduring acclaim as one of the era's most beloved girl groups.

  • Little Mix
    7
    Hip hop music, Girl group, Pop music
    949 votes

    Asserting their place in the world of pop music, Little Mix has captured hearts with their flawless harmonies and empowering messages. Winning the UK's The X Factor, they defied the odds for reality show success and became a global sensation. Their unabashed confidence and distinct personalities have made them role models for young fans and solidified their status as an influential girl group.

  • The Pointer Sisters
    8
    Girl group, New Wave, Pop music
    255 votes

    A perfect fusion of R&B, pop, and disco, The Pointer Sisters brought an irresistibly infectious energy to the music world. Their timeless tunes showcased their incredible vocal range and ability to captivate listeners. As pioneers in the industry, they broke barriers for future generations of artists and solidified their status as musical icons.

  • The Go-Go's
    9
    Pop punk, New Wave, Pop music
    312 votes

    Pioneers of the punk and new wave scene, The Go-Go's made their mark with their infectious tunes and rebellious spirit. As one of the first all-female bands to write and perform their own music, they broke down barriers and paved the way for future women in rock. Their energetic performances and timeless hits have established their legacy as one of the most influential girl groups of all time.

  • En Vogue
    10
    Girl group, Pop music, Contemporary R&B
    338 votes

    Rising to fame in the early 90s, En Vogue's stunning vocals and captivating presence brought a new level of sophistication to R&B music. Their distinctive harmonies and soulful performances set them apart from their contemporaries, making them a force to be reckoned with in the industry. As trailblazers in their genre, En Vogue's impact has been felt throughout the years, inspiring countless acts to follow in their footsteps.

  • The Ronettes
    11
    Girl group, Pop music, Rock music
    316 votes

    Their iconic beehive hairstyles and dramatic eye makeup only scratch the surface of The Ronettes' influence on the music world. With their sultry harmonies and captivating stage presence, they became a defining force in the girl group era of the early 60s. As the embodiment of the "Wall of Sound" production, their impact can still be felt today in modern pop and rock music.

  • The Pussycat Dolls
    12
    Hip hop music, Girl group, Pop music
    377 votes

    Exuding confidence and sex appeal with every performance, The Pussycat Dolls became an unstoppable force in the mid-2000s. Combining a sultry image with catchy pop tunes and dancefloor anthems, they captivated audiences and left an undeniable impact on the music scene. With their striking visuals and unforgettable hits, The Pussycat Dolls remain a defining example of girl group success.

  • Martha and the Vandellas
    13
    Doo-wop, Pop music, Rhythm and blues
    257 votes

    As one of Motown's finest girl groups, Martha and the Vandellas brought a fiery energy to the world of pop and soul music. Their unforgettable tunes and striking harmonies embodied the spirit of the 1960s, capturing the essence of the era. With a legacy that has inspired countless artists, Martha and the Vandellas remain an essential part of music history.

  • The Marvelettes
    14
    Doo-wop, Pop music, Rock music
    27 votes
    The Marvelettes were an American all-girl group who achieved popularity in the early to mid-1960s. They consisted of schoolmates Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart, and Georgia Dobbins, who was replaced by Wanda Young prior to the group signing their first deal. They were the first major successful act of Motown Records after the Miracles and its first significantly successful girl group after the release of the 1961 number-one single, "Please Mr. Postman", one of the first number-one singles recorded by an all-female vocal group and the first by a Motown recording act. Founded in 1960 while the group's founding members performed together at their glee club at Inkster High School in Inkster, Michigan, they eventually were signed to Motown's Tamla label in 1961. Some of the group's early hits were written by band members and some of Motown's rising singer-songwriters such as Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, who played drums on a majority of their early recordings. Despite their early successes, the group was eclipsed in popularity by groups like the Supremes, with whom they shared an intense rivalry.
  • Sister Sledge
    15
    Disco, Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and blues
    23 votes
    Sister Sledge is an American musical vocal group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formed in 1971, the group consisted of sisters Debbie, Joni, Kim and Kathy Sledge. The siblings achieved international success at the height of the disco era. The year 1979 saw the release of their breakthrough album We Are Family, which peaked at number three on the US Album Chart and included the 1979 US top ten singles "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family". A third single, "Lost in Music", reached the US top forty. "We Are Family" earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Their other US singles include a 1982 remake of Mary Wells' 1964 hit "My Guy", "Mama Never Told Me" (1973), "Thinking of You" (1984), before reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart with the song "Frankie" in 1985. Remixed versions of three of their singles in 1993 returned them to the UK Top 20. Although Kathy undertook a solo career in 1989, she continued to tour with the group (with Kathy occasionally re-joining for one-off performances and several releases in the 1990s). In 2015, Sister Sledge performed for Pope Francis at the World Festival of Families in Philadelphia.
  • Red Velvet
    16
    377 votes

    South Korean girl group Red Velvet has dazzled fans with their unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic dance music. Known for their versatile concepts and distinct musical style, they've attracted a loyal international fanbase. Their powerful vocals, intricate harmonies, and stunning visuals have cemented Red Velvet as a standout act in the crowded K-pop scene.

  • B*Witched
    17
    Pop music, Rock music
    18 votes
    B*Witched are an Irish girl group consisting of twin sisters Edele and Keavy Lynch, Lindsay Armaou and Sinéad O'Carroll. Originally active between 1997 and 2002, they enjoyed success in both Europe and North America between 1998 and 2000, releasing two albums and eight singles, all of which made the UK Top 20. Their first four singles, "C'est la Vie", "Rollercoaster", "To You I Belong" and "Blame It on the Weatherman", all reached number one in the UK Singles Chart. In 2002, having sold over 3 million albums worldwide, B*Witched were dropped by their record company. Soon afterwards, when O'Carroll decided to leave, the group split up. In 2006, the Lynch sisters formed a group, Ms. Lynch, frequently performing B*Witched material at live shows. On 18 October 2012, it was announced that B*Witched would reunite for the ITV2 reality-documentary series The Big Reunion, along with other pop groups of their time, including Liberty X, Five Honeyz and Atomic Kitten. The show follows the six groups as they reunited for the first time in a decade and rehearsed ahead of a comeback performance at the Hammersmith Apollo on 26 February 2013. Due to the success of the show and the high demand for tickets at the Hammersmith Apollo gig, the Big Reunion lineups also embarked on an arena tour around the UK and Ireland. In May 2013, B*Witched unveiled a new song called "Love and Money". During a radio interview in October 2013, Edele Lynch confirmed that the group would be releasing new material. On 28 September 2014, they released an EP, entitled Champagne or Guinness.
  • Fifth Harmony
    18
    Pop music, Dance music
    519 votes

    Fifth Harmony burst onto the scene following their appearance on The X Factor USA, quickly capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Their powerful vocals, fierce attitude, and empowering messages proved that they were more than just a reality show creation. As one of the era's defining girl groups, Fifth Harmony inspired a generation of young fans and solidified their place in pop music history.

  • Girls Aloud
    19
    Girl group, Synthpop, Pop music
    307 votes

    Born from the UK television show Popstars: The Rivals, Girls Aloud exceeded all expectations and became one of Britain's most successful girl groups. Their distinctive sound, which blended pop, dance, and electronic elements, along with their bold fashion choices, made them a force to be reckoned with. With numerous chart-topping hits and a dedicated fanbase, Girls Aloud's legacy endures in the annals of girl group history.

  • Sugababes
    20

    Sugababes

    Girl group, Urban contemporary, Synthpop
    277 votes

    The ever-evolving lineup of the Sugababes didn't stop them from leaving a lasting mark on the pop music landscape. With a sound that seamlessly blended pop, R&B, and electronica elements, they captivated fans with their distinct style and attitude. Their numerous chart-topping hits and enduring success solidify the Sugababes as an unforgettable force in girl group history.

  • The Andrews Sisters
    21
    Girl group, Swing music, Boogie-woogie
    232 votes

    Delighting audiences with their close harmonies and upbeat tunes, The Andrews Sisters became one of the most popular girl groups of the 1940s. Their timeless hits and unmistakable charm made them a fixture during World War II, entertaining troops and boosting morale. With their signature sound and enduring appeal, The Andrews Sisters remain a beloved part of music history.

  • Girls' Generation
    22
    K-pop, Bubblegum pop, Electropop
    345 votes

    Dominating the world of K-pop since their debut in 2007, Girls' Generation has become one of the most influential girl groups of all time. Their dazzling visuals, captivating performances, and infectious tunes have earned them a devoted international fanbase. As trendsetters in fashion and pop culture, Girls' Generation's influence extends far beyond the realm of music.

  • The Shirelles
    23
    Girl group, Doo-wop, Pop music
    275 votes

    Pioneers of the girl group era, The Shirelles brought a new level of sophistication to the music scene with their tender harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. Their groundbreaking fusion of doo-wop, pop, and soul created the template for future girl groups to follow. As an indispensable part of music history, The Shirelles' influence can still be heard in the sound of modern pop and R&B.

  • All Saints
    24
    Urban contemporary, Hip hop music, Girl group
    214 votes

    With their edgy style and smooth harmonies, All Saints brought a refreshing sound to the late 90s music scene. Their fusion of pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements set them apart from their contemporaries and earned them a devoted fanbase. As trailblazers in their genre, All Saints have left a lasting impact on the world of pop music.

  • ITZY
    25
    K-pop
    71 votes
    Itzy is a South Korean girl group formed by JYP Entertainment and consisting of members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. They debuted on February 12, 2019, with the release of their single album It'z Different. Their accolades include Rookie of the Year at the 34th Golden Disc Awards, New Artist of the Year at the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards and 2019 Melon Music Awards, Best New Female Artist at the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and the New Artist Award at the 29th Seoul Music Awards; they are the first K-pop girl group to achieve such a "Rookie Grand Slam".
  • 2NE1
    26
    K-pop, Hip hop, R&B
    273 votes

    Breaking the mold in the world of K-pop, 2NE1 brought a fierce and edgy style that set them apart from other girl groups. Their powerful performances and innovative blend of hip-hop, pop, and electronic music won the hearts of fans across the globe. As trailblazers in their genre, 2NE1's influence can still be felt throughout the K-pop scene.

  • The Shangri-Las
    27
    Girl group, Pop music
    205 votes

    Synonymous with the girl group sound of the 1960s, The Shangri-Las captured hearts with their dramatic storytelling and emotive performances. Known for their captivating stage presence and heart-wrenching ballads, they became a defining force in the era's music scene. As an influential part of music history, The Shangri-Las' impact can still be felt in the sound of modern pop music.

  • Atomic Kitten
    28
    Girl group, Pop music, Dance-pop
    181 votes

    Formed in the late 90s, British girl group Atomic Kitten brought a fresh sound to the pop scene with their catchy tunes and playful image. Their seamless blend of pop, R&B, and dance elements won hearts across the globe, making them one of the most successful UK girl groups of their time. With their enduring success and memorable hits, Atomic Kitten remains a beloved part of girl group history.

  • The Chiffons
    29
    Girl group
    188 votes

    Capturing the essence of the 60s girl group sound, The Chiffons charmed audiences with their sweet harmonies and upbeat tunes. Their timeless hits and elegant style became synonymous with the era, helping to define the sound of a generation. As an essential part of music history, The Chiffons' influence can still be heard in the sound of modern pop music.

  • The Crystals
    30
    Girl group, Pop music, Rhythm and blues
    212 votes

    With their elegant harmonies and timeless tunes, The Crystals became a cornerstone of the 1960s girl group sound. Their innovative blend of pop, soul, and doo-wop elements helped to pave the way for future girl groups and set the template for the genre. As an important part of music history, The Crystals' influence can still be heard today in the sound of modern pop music.