The Most Successful Boy Band of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the boy band you think is the most successful!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:57
Throughout the years, numerous boy bands have sung their way into the hearts of fans around the globe. The debate over which is the most successful can be as intense and passionate as the music itself. By establishing a dynamic ranking based on audience votes, we provide a fun and engaging way to see how different bands stack up according to collective fan opinions.
This list isn't just about numbers; it's about giving every fan a voice in the historical narrative of music. As new fans come in and tastes evolve, the rankings will continually update, reflecting the latest in public sentiment and showing new patterns in music fandom. Every vote counts towards championing your favorite to the top of the list.
What Is the Most Successful Boy Band of All Time?
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167votes
Bo Trenter · Public domainThe British rock band consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr is widely considered the most influential and innovative music group of all time. They sold over 600 million albums worldwide and revolutionized pop music with their catchy melodies, experimental sounds, and socially conscious lyrics. The Beatles' legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, and their music remains timeless and beloved.The Beatles were a highly influential British rock band that emerged in the early 1960s. They are regarded as one of the most popular and successful bands in the history of music.- Years Active: 1960-1970
- Genre: Rock, Pop, Psychedelic, Folk
- Albums Released: 13 Studio Albums
- Record Sales: Over 600 million worldwide
- Number One Hits: 20 in the United States
The Beatles in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most successful American band
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular music bands
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Pandora station
- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful piece of entertainment
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular Wikipedia article
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Brit
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243votes
Toglenn · CC BY-SA 4.0Backstreet Boys
Lou PearlmanThe American vocal group composed of AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s with their pop anthems, harmonies, and choreography. They sold over 130 million records worldwide, won numerous awards, and inspired a generation of boy bands.The Backstreet Boys is a highly successful American boy band that rose to fame in the late 1990s. The band consists of five members: AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell. Known for their harmonies and catchy pop sound, the Backstreet Boys became a global phenomenon, selling over 100 million records worldwide.- Formation Year: 1993
- Genre: Pop
- Record Label: Jive Records
- Debut Album: Backstreet Boys
- Number of Studio Albums: 9
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311votesThe American pop group formed by Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass in 1995 became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1990s and early 2000s with their catchy songs, synchronized dance moves, and boy-next-door looks. They sold over 70 million records worldwide, won multiple awards, and paved the way for other boy bands and pop stars.NSYNC was a highly popular American boy band that rose to fame in the late 1990s. They achieved immense success and became one of the most successful boy bands of all time.
- Formation Year: 1995
- Disbandment Year: 2002
- Members: Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick
- Debut Album: 'NSYNC (1997)
- Record Label: RCA Records
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417votesThe American R&B vocal group composed of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman rose to fame in the early 1990s with their soulful ballads, harmonies, and a cappella arrangements. They sold over 60 million records worldwide, won multiple Grammys, and influenced the genre of contemporary R&B.Boyz II Men in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous singer from Pennsylvania
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58votes
New Kids on the Block
Maurice StarrThe American pop group formed in Boston in 1984 by brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood became a teen sensation in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their catchy dance-pop tunes, boyish charm, and fandom. They sold over 80 million records worldwide, won numerous awards, and paved the way for other boy bands.New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) is an American boy band formed in 1984. They achieved massive success and were considered one of the most successful boy bands of all time. The group consisted of five members: Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. NKOTB gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s with their catchy pop and R&B songs, synchronized dance routines, and devoted fan base. They had a significant impact on the music industry during their prime years.- Formation Year: 1984
- Members: Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood
- Music Genre: Pop, R&B
- Years Active: 1984-1994, 2008-present
- Albums Sold Worldwide: Over 80 million
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613votesThe British-Irish pop group formed on the X Factor UK in 2010 by Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik became a global phenomenon in the 2010s with their infectious pop-rock songs, boyish looks, and social media savvy. They sold over 70 million records worldwide, won multiple awards, and inspired a new generation of fans.One Direction Carpool Karaoke is a segment from The Late Late Show with James Corden where the English-Irish pop boy band One Direction joins James Corden in a car to sing their hit songs while driving around. The segment gained immense popularity due to the band's huge fan following and energetic performances.
- Aired On: December 15, 2015
- Duration: 13 minutes
- Guests: One Direction (Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne)
- Views on YouTube: over 148 million
- Songs Performed: What Makes You Beautiful, Story of My Life, Steal My Girl
One Direction in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous X Factor winner
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Carpool Karaoke
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular fanfiction on FanFiction.net
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular One Direction album
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714votes
CBS Television · Public domainThe American family band consisting of Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Jackie Jackson captivated the world in the 1970s with their Motown soul, funk, and disco hits, and Michael's electrifying stage presence and talent. They sold over 100 million records worldwide, won multiple awards, and influenced a generation of artists and fans.The Jackson 5 was a popular American boy band that achieved immense success in the 1970s. Comprising five siblings from the Jackson family, the group's soulful music and energetic performances captivated audiences worldwide.- Formation: The Jackson 5 was formed in 1964 in Gary, Indiana, USA.
- Members: The original members included Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and a young Michael Jackson as the lead singer.
- Debut: They signed a record deal with Motown Records in 1968 and released their first single 'I Want You Back' in 1969, which became a massive hit.
- Hits: The Jackson 5 had numerous chart-topping hits, including 'ABC,' 'The Love You Save,' 'I'll Be There,' and 'Never Can Say Goodbye.'
- Albums: They released a total of 14 studio albums as the Jackson 5, with albums like 'Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5,' 'ABC,' and 'Third Album' achieving great commercial success.
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82votes
Take That
Nigel Martin-SmithThe British pop group formed in 1990 by Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams, and Jason Orange became a UK sensation in the 1990s with their pop ballads, dance-pop anthems, and boy-next-door charm. They sold over 45 million records worldwide, won numerous awards, and inspired a new wave of boy bands in the UK.Take That is a British boy band that rose to fame in the 1990s and is considered one of the most successful boy bands of all time. Known for their harmonies, catchy pop tunes, and energetic performances, the group has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.- Formation Year: 1990
- Original Members: Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Jason Orange, Howard Donald
- Genre: Pop
- Record Label: RCA, Polydor, Universal
- Number of Studio Albums: 8
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96votesThe Irish pop group formed in 1998 by Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden captured the hearts of fans in the late 1990s and 2000s with their romantic ballads, harmonies, and slick choreography. They sold over 55 million records worldwide, won multiple awards, and became one of the most successful boy bands in the UK and Ireland.Westlife is a popular Irish boy band that rose to fame in the late 1990s. They are known for their catchy pop ballads and harmonious vocals. The band members are renowned for their clean-cut appearances and a romantic, wholesome image that appealed to a wide audience.
- Formation: 1998 in Dublin, Ireland
- Members: Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Brian McFadden (until 2004)
- Genres: Pop, pop rock
- Record Labels: RCA, Sony BMG, Syco, Virgin EMI
- Active Years: 1998-2012, 2018-present
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1018votesThe South Korean boy band formed in 2013 by RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook has taken the world by storm in the 2010s with their infectious K-pop tunes, colorful visuals, and social media presence. They have broken numerous records, sold over 20 million albums, won multiple awards, and become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a new wave of K-pop fandom and cultural exchange.BTS, also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bulletproof Boy Scouts, is a South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Entertainment in 2013. They are one of the most popular K-pop groups worldwide, known for their energetic performances, catchy music, and meaningful lyrics. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. BTS has gained a massive global fan base, known as the Army, and has achieved numerous milestones and records throughout their career.
- Debut Date: June 13, 2013
- Members: 7
- Genres: K-pop, hip-hop, R&B
- Official Fan Name: Army
- Official Light Stick: ARMY Bomb
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Discussion
Ranking factors for successful boy band
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SalesThe amount of albums sold by the band is a significant factor to consider.
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Chart successThe number of singles that reached the top of the charts or had long chart runs is another important factor.
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Concert toursThe number of sold-out concerts and their audience capacity can be a good indicator of the popularity of the band.
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Impact on pop cultureThe impact the band had on pop culture or their influence on future generations of boy bands.
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LongevityThe number of years the band was active and the continued success and relevance of their music.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most successful boy band of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or boyband is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2044 views
- 177 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each boyband once every 24 hours. The rank of each boyband is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most successful boy band of all time
Boy bands have been a staple in the music industry for decades, with their catchy tunes, synchronized dance moves, and devoted fan bases. Over the years, many boy bands have risen to fame, but only a select few have achieved true global success. In the world of boy bands, success is measured by album sales, chart-topping hits, and sold-out tours. So, which boy band takes the crown for the most successful of all time? Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders and their impressive achievements.
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