The Best Girl Groups Of All Time

Coley Reed
Updated April 15, 2024 45.1K views
Ranked By
16.3K votes
2.1K voters
3 reranks
Voting Rules
Only groups with 3 or more members.

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. 

Most divisive: Red Velvet
Over 2.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Girl Groups Of All Time
  • The Supremes
    1
    Girl group, Doo-wop, Psychedelic soul
    561 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.

  • Destiny's Child
    2
    Urban contemporary, Girl group, Hip hop music
    682 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.

  • Spice Girls
    3
    Girl group, Rock music, Dance-pop
    690 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.

  • TLC
    4
    Hip hop music, Girl group, Alternative hip hop
    582 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
    725 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.

  • Little Mix
    6
    Hip hop music, Girl group, Pop music
    924 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 Bangles
    7
    Jangle pop, Girl group, New Wave
    353 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.

  • The Go-Go's
    8
    Pop punk, New Wave, Pop music
    288 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.

  • The Pointer Sisters
    9
    Girl group, New Wave, Pop music
    227 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.

  • En Vogue
    10
    Girl group, Pop music, Contemporary R&B
    318 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.

  • Red Velvet
    11
    351 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.

  • The Ronettes
    12
    Girl group, Pop music, Rock music
    292 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
    13
    Hip hop music, Girl group, Pop music
    351 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
    14
    Doo-wop, Pop music, Rhythm and blues
    235 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.

  • Girls Aloud
    15
    Girl group, Synthpop, Pop music
    284 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
    16

    Sugababes

    Girl group, Urban contemporary, Synthpop
    259 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.

  • Fifth Harmony
    17
    Pop music, Dance music
    501 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' Generation
    18
    K-pop, Bubblegum pop, Electropop
    328 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 Andrews Sisters
    19
    Girl group, Swing music, Boogie-woogie
    211 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.

  • The Shirelles
    20
    Girl group, Doo-wop, Pop music
    255 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.

  • 2NE1
    21
    K-pop, Hip hop, R&B
    259 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.

  • All Saints
    22
    Urban contemporary, Hip hop music, Girl group
    199 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.

  • Atomic Kitten
    23
    Girl group, Pop music, Dance-pop
    167 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 Saturdays
    24

    The Saturdays

    Girl group, Synthpop, Pop music
    211 votes

    Storming onto the UK music scene in the late 2000s, The Saturdays brought a fresh, modern sound with their infectious pop tunes and polished harmonies. Their striking visuals and stylish fashion choices made them a fixture on the charts and earned them a devoted fanbase. With numerous hit singles and albums under their belt, The Saturdays remain an unforgettable force in girl group history.

  • The Shangri-Las
    25
    Girl group, Pop music
    187 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.

  • The Crystals
    26
    Girl group, Pop music, Rhythm and blues
    199 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.

  • The Chiffons
    27
    Girl group
    171 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.

  • Wonder Girls
    28
    172 votes

    As one of the early pioneers in the K-pop wave, Wonder Girls burst onto the scene with their infectious dance tunes and retro-inspired style. With their catchy hooks and unforgettable performances, they quickly garnered a global fanbase and left a lasting mark on the industry. As a trailblazing group in the world of Korean pop, Wonder Girls' influence can still be seen today in the countless acts that have followed in their footsteps.

  • The Cheetah Girls
    29
    Hip hop music, Girl group, Pop music
    143 votes

    Originating from a popular Disney Channel movie, The Cheetah Girls leaped into the hearts of millions with their infectious songs and girl power attitude. Their catchy tunes and empowering messages resonated with fans, making them a beloved part of early 2000s pop culture. With their enduring appeal and unforgettable impact, The Cheetah Girls remain a cherished part of many childhood memories.

  • SISTAR
    30

    SISTAR

    K-pop, Dance pop
    172 votes

    Known for their infectious tunes and eye-catching performances, South Korean girl group SISTAR captivated fans with their unique blend of pop, R&B, and dance music. Their captivating stage presence and stunning visuals set them apart in the crowded K-pop landscape, winning them a loyal international fanbase. As one of the leading girl groups of their generation, SISTAR's impact continues to be felt throughout the world of Korean pop music.