Boy bands have undeniably influenced the music landscape, delivering catchy romantic ballads and memorable love songs. For decades, these groups have captured the hearts of fans globally, becoming a staple in the teen culture that transcends generations. Various genres, including pop, rock, R&B, K-Pop, and Latin rock, have been significantly shaped by the cultural impact of boy bands, extending even to those that may not have achieved mainstream success.
Since the 1960s, countless boy bands have emerged, each leaving a unique imprint on their loyal fanbase. Churning out hits and embarking on world tours, they’ve managed to captivate audiences from diverse backgrounds. While they share certain characteristics, such as being male performers, each boy band brings its own distinctive sound and style to the table.
It’s essential to clarify that this ranking focuses on groups traditionally recognized as “boy bands,”differentiating them from iconic acts like The Beatles, who, despite their monumental status, do not conform to the stereotypical boy band formula of synchronized choreography and over-the-top romantic themes. Here’s a look at the 12 greatest boy bands that have defined this genre.
12 Big Time Rush
2009-2014, 2021-Present
Big Time Rush experienced a significant surge in popularity, largely propelled by their Nickelodeon television series. The show depicted their journey through the complexities of fame and romance in Los Angeles. The band’s success was intrinsically tied to the show, and post-2013, when the show concluded, their commercial appeal began to wane.
However, during their peak, members Carlos PenaVega, Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, and Logan Henderson secured numerous hits, including “Big Time Rush,”the theme song from their debut album, BTR. Other tracks like “Boyfriend,””Famous,”and “Worldwide”gained traction through this platform, making them a noteworthy name among the teen pop scene.
11 Menudo
1977-2009, 2015-2021, 2023-Present
Originating in Puerto Rico, Menudo was created by producer Edgardo Díaz and evolved into a cultural phenomenon due to its high member turnover, recruiting young boys into its ranks frequently. Notably, Ricky Martin began his illustrious career as part of the group at just 12 years old, characterizing the band’s youthful dynamic.
While their repertoire primarily consisted of Spanish-language songs, they also achieved success with tracks in English such as “Hold Me,”which reached number 62 on the US Hot 100, showcasing their broad appeal.
10 New Edition
1978-1991, 1996-1997, 2002-Present
Led by Bobby Brown, New Edition pioneered elements of the boy band archetype with their charming personas and delightful pop ballads, infused with R&B influences. Their hit “Candy Girl”from their debut album marked a significant milestone in their career.
Despite Bobby Brown’s departure in 1985, the group found continued success with tracks like “Can You Stand The Rain,”solidifying their status during the 1980s. However, it was the “Candy Girl”era that truly highlighted their contributions to the genre.
9 New Kids On The Block
1984-1994, 2008-Present
New Kids On The Block, commonly referred to as NKOTB, embodies the quintessential boy band with members including brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood, and Donnie Wahlberg. Formed by Maurice Starr, who discovered New Edition, NKOTB was a pop sensation in the 1990s.
With a discography packed with hits like “Step by Step”and “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),”they were influential in defining the boy band phenomenon during the height of their career.
8 The Jackson 5
1964-1989
Known for launching the career of music icon Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5 consisted of brothers that achieved remarkable success under the management of their father. Their debut album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, was a precursor to their meteoric rise.
With chart-topping singles such as “I Want You Back”and “ABC,”they released three albums in 1970 alone, each achieving monumental sales. Their pioneering efforts paved the way for future boy bands, establishing a standard for group dynamics within the music industry.
7 BTS
2013-Present
BTS has redefined what it means to be a global boy band, bridging cultural gaps and achieving phenomenal success, particularly in the American market. In 2020, they notably outsold chart-toppers such as Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift (Vogue India).
The septet has produced nine studio albums in various languages, renowned for hits like “Dynamite”and “Butter,”showcasing their versatility and ability to connect with a global audience. Their energetic performances and relatable music reflect the evolution of the boy band in the 21st century.
6 98 Degrees
1996-2002, 2012-Present
98 Degrees carved out a niche for themselves within the boy band sphere with a sound heavily influenced by soul, drawing parallels to Boyz II Men. Comprising Jeff Timmons, Justin Jeffre, and brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, their distinctive style stood apart from contemporaries like *NSYNC or Backstreet Boys.
Signing with Motown Records early in their career enabled them to collaborate with icons, resulting in multi-platinum sales for albums like 98 Degrees and Rising. Their successful duet with Stevie Wonder showcased their broad appeal in the music scene.
5 The Jonas Brothers
2005-2013, 2019-Present
The Jonas Brothers—Kevin, Joe, and Nick—rose to fame during Disney’s rise and captured adolescent hearts everywhere. Not only did they deliver popular music, but they were also stars of Disney productions, adding another layer to their brand.
With hits like “Mandy,”and their self-titled album and A Little Bit Longer achieving immense success, the Jonas Brothers helped usher in a new wave of boy bands, inspiring countless future artists along the way.
4 Boyz II Men
1985-Present
Boyz II Men are hailed as the purveyors of romantic ballads, providing timeless classics characterized by their smooth harmonies. Songs like “I’ll Make Love To You”are emblematic of their ability to convey emotion through music.
Formed in high school, this iconic group has seen sustained success, shaping the standards for all boy bands afterward. With multiple number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, Boyz II Men have made a lasting impact on both pop and R&B music.
3 *NSYNC
1995-2004
The impact of *NSYNC is largely attributed to Justin Timberlake, who went on to become a major solo artist. Yet, the group itself was formidable, with chart-toppers like “Bye Bye Bye”and “It’s Gonna Be Me”becoming cultural phenomena.
With record-breaking album sales such as 2.4 million copies of No Strings Attached in its debut week (Billboard), their legacy includes iconic performances at events like the Super Bowl. They brought boy band choreography to the forefront, creating a lasting influence on pop music.
2 One Direction
2010-2016
One Direction emerged as teen idols, crafting a dedicated fanbase across the world. Formed on The X Factor UK, they catapulted to super stardom with five chart-topping albums such as “What Makes You Beautiful”and “Night Changes.”
Their music captured the essence of a generation, resonating with millions globally and configuring their prominence in pop culture. Even after their hiatus, their legacy continues to influence new artists.
1 Backstreet Boys
1993-Present
The Backstreet Boys are often deemed the quintessential boy band, setting the standard against which all others are measured. Although they were not the first, their impact and recognition cemented their place in the music industry. Their third album, Millennium, went 13x Platinum and featured legendary hits like “I Want It That Way.”
The group—composed of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson—continues to tour and produce new music, proving that their reign is far from over.