The world around us constantly changes, but if one thing is static, it's the persistence of boy bands. These manufactured pop icons have swayed fans for generations with their vocals, dance moves, and looks. While clothing styles and popular music have evolved, the formula of the boy band remains the same and we can't get enough of it! That said, here's our list of the top 10 best boy bands of all time!
10. New Kids on the Block
New Kids on the Block are the quintessential boy band of the 80s. Despite giants like NSYNC* and the Backstreet Boys dominating in the 90s, these guys walked so they could run. NKOTB more or less invented several of the core traits of the modern boy band. Their upbeat and danceable songs have captured the hearts of fans for generations. After forming in the early 80s, the group went through a rocky start. Two members left the original group after mere months, leading to a complete overhaul of the group's identity, but they made the right choice, as the band would go on to be iconic. NKOTB displays a unique staying power in pop music, still doing live shows today, four decades later.
9. Big Time Rush
Big Time Rush is most fondly remembered from the Nickelodeon show of the same name. The boys rose to fame in 2009, completely manufactured to go along with their sitcom. While BTR were essentially just characters at first, their music would stick with listeners, solidifying them as a big name in late 2000s music. Many of us who grew up in the 2000s remember the inception of the show and often argued with our friends over who was better, BTR or the Jonas Brothers. While the majority of BTR's music was produced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, they are still making music today. They released a full-length album in 2023, titled "Another Life" and have most recently released a single called, "Only One" in 2024. Honestly, this group has stayed true to their original sound, just with more skill and experience now. The classics are great but the new music is just as good. If you haven't checked in on BTR in a while, give them a listen!
8. TOMORROW X TOGETHER
TOMORROW X TOGETHER debuted in 2019 under the same label as the K-pop kings, BTS. At first, the group was often seen as BTS's "little brother band", with many of the same traits as their mentors shining through. However, TxT has really made a name for themselves over the past few years. The band's sound is dreamy and surreal, straying from the typical boy band formula with cinematic and narrative experiences in their videos. Each member brings their own unique personality to the group, with rapper Yeonjun being the first to release his own solo single in 2024. So far, TxT has released 8 full-length albums with no signs of slowing down. This charismatic group bridges the gap between K-pop and Western pop, featuring an American member, Heuningkai, alongside his Korean bandmates. It's no surprise they're so popular. The group's music appeals to just about anyone.
7. The Beatles
In 2024, it feels a bit silly to think of the Beatles as a boy band, but they fit the definition perfectly. If anything, the Beatles kickstarted the boy band genre as a whole. Their concerts gave fans a place to scream, cry, and act out the emotion of their music. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the Beatles experimented with countless instruments and techniques. They were true innovators in the rise of pop music, using tape-cutting and altering methods to create sounds no one had ever heard. The boys were also no strangers to testing out unconventional key changes and time signatures. They might have been a boy band by definition, but the Beatles fall more under the category of musical icons to me. Their music has inspired millions over the years, sparking several generations to color outside the lines. Everyone today can name at least one Beatles song, and that's some serious power for a band that formed in 1960.
6. The Jonas Brothers
In the mid-2000s, The Jonas Brothers were a massive hit. Most of us remember seeing them for the first time on Disney Channel, where the trio first appeared with their music video for, "Year 3000". Shortly after, the boys appeared in the DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie), "Camp Rock". The film was a smashing success, following in the footsteps of High School Musical, pairing a story with modern pop and rock music. All JB fans back in the mid-otts had a favorite member, too. You could tell a lot about a person based on whether their favorite Jonas Brother was Nick, Joe, or Kevin. This was the band that showed up in teen magazines and the posters all over our bedrooms. Today, the boys seem to be doing great. Aside from the group making a full comeback in 2019, Nick Jonas has made a successful solo career for himself as well. I tihnk we can definitely expect more from these boys in the future.
5. Stray Kids
In our number five spot, we have another K-pop group, Stray Kids. These guys might not be the first group you think of when you think about K-pop, but odds are they're the second or third. Since their inception in 2018, Stray Kids has continued to release banger after banger, giving fans a taste of intense pop music with incredibly difficult vocal artistry and choreography. These boys silently moved up the ranks on pure skill and talent alone. Their slightly gritty sound and aesthetic sets them apart from typical bubblegum pop, giving them an edge in the K-pop market as something unique. The members are also charismatic, showcasing their personalities on the group's social media outlets whenever possible. The combination of vocals, dance, and visuals is a testament to the group's hard work and dedication to their craft. I think that's why the band is so beloved. Check them out!
4. One Direction
Remember how the Jonas Brothers were on all of our posters and magazines in the mid-2000s? Well, One Direction is that band for the 2010s. These British kings are absolute giants in the pop music world. The group got their start on the British talent show, X Factor after each one auditioned as a solo act. Judges thought it best to combine their talents as one act and the rest is history. One Direction became a household name with their song, "What Makes You Beautiful" in 2011. The track's upbeat tone and relatable lyrics had everyone falling headfirst for these guys. Today, the group isn't seen performing together, but all five members have created successful solo careers. Most notably, Harry Styles has seen success with his album "Fine Line" selling over 3 million units in the US alone.
3. NSYNC*
The 90s was the beginning of a war of the ages. You either loved the Backstreet Boys or you loved NSYNC*. There was no in-between, and even if you liked both, you weren't allowed to admit it. Those were the rules. So, what were some reasons folks sided with NSYNC*? Well, the group released some seriously catchy hits that stick with us even today. "Bye Bye Bye", released in 2000, was recently featured in the new Deadpool and Wolverine film, and of course, we all remember, "It's Gonna Be Me", the NSYNC* anthem that millennials meme every April. Most importantly, Justin Timberlake solidified his status as a true blue celebrity with this band. Despite his struggles with fame, Timberlake still releases music and performs to this day. What's even more exciting is that the boys came back together to release a song in 2024 titled, "Better Place" for the "Trolls" movie franchise. While the group doesn't typically perform together, it's nice to see a reunion for old-time's sake.
2. BTS
Finally, we've reached the top K-pop boy band on this list. Despite debuting in 2013 with questionable odds of success, BTS has become South Korea's golden boys both in music and in culture as a whole. These guys are EVERYWHERE with a completely unavoidable influence. Much of BTS's success comes from their genuine personalities and chemistry as a group. Each member brings their A-game to the music, as well as genuine, meaningful messages. the group's "Love Yourself" era included three albums entirely based around the idea of embracing yourself as a person and being proud to be you. The concepts behind their music paired with funny, bright personalities make BTS a record-breaking K-pop giant. And they aren't just musicians, they're public figures. The group was the first idol band in South Korea to earn diplomatic passports, making them incredibly important people in their home country. Currently, all of the members (save for Jin who just finished his term) are serving their mandatory military service for South Korea. They are all set to be finished in 2025. Who knows, we might see a new album very soon.
1. Backstreet Boys
Congratulations, you've made it to the end to see our number-one pick for the best boy band of all time. Based on popularity, status, and influence, that pick has to be the Backstreet Boys. Coming onto the scene in 1993, these guys dominated the pop music industry in the 90s. They embodied all of the allure of groups before them, working hard to create that cheesy 90s look and feel that we all know and love. Despite the war between BSB and NSYNC* fans, BSB did come first, paving the way for NSYNC*'s success in pop culture. BSB was an overwhelming success, selling over 130 million records worldwide. Loyal fans often cite the band as being the "soundtrack to their life", relating to the lyrics more so than those of other bands. Perhaps that's what sets them apart from the others. One thing is true, though. The Backstreet Boys are the most popular boy band in history, beating out even the Beatles in record sales.
Thank you so much for making it through our list of the top 10 best boy bands of all time! We hope you enjoyed it. So, what do you think? Do you agree with our rankings? Did you find someone new to add to your Spotify rotation? Are you a scorned NSYNC* fan and need to vent? It's all good. Feel free to contact us and tell us your thoughts at any of our socials below.
Written By Shelbi Baker
*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.