Top 20 Best Modern Boy Bands

While the Hallyu wave turned the world's attention to Kpop, this up and coming boy band is eager to represent P-pop, AKA, Pinoy pop on the international scene. The incredibly talented ensemble blends a wide variety of musical stylings and sensibilities to form a wholly unique sound. SB19’s ambitious choices have helped them become trailblazers for a new generation of Filipino music. After going viral in 2019, their fame led to the band making music history by earning top Billboard Music Award nominations. To honor their impact, SB19 has been officially named youth ambassadors for representing the Philippines' “culture and stories” around the world.

Many boy bands begin their careers on reality competition shows. In this case, the members of In Real Life were all finalists from a series literally named “Boy Band.” Part of a rising era of hip hop and R&B groups, their Spanglish lyrics, rapping, and catchy hooks set them apart. Songs like “Tattoo (How ‘Bout You)” were absolute earworms that easily stuck with you. During their run, they saw that song and more chart as they went on several tours. Sadly for fans, In Real Life decided to split up in 2020. But the three years that they were actively making music are still no less memorable.

This Australia based group was originally focused on being a dance crew before they decided to reform as a boy band on “Australia’s Got Talent”. While they didn’t reach the same level of international success as some of their counterparts, the band was huge in their home country. Their single “Boom Boom” is certified platinum, not one, but six times in Australia. The group even toured alongside the likes of Pitbull and One Direction. Additionally, they’ve brought artists like Flo Rida in for features. While some members have left the group over the years, Justice Crew is still releasing music independently today.

Whether it’s the iconic “Love Shot” choreography or the group’s long list of hit singles, EXO has made their mark in the world of Kpop. This unique band has used innovative storytelling and multilingual releases to cast as wide a net as possible. As they earned millions of sales and a worldwide fan base, they helped shape the industry. Many younger idols cite EXO as their inspiration today. When Kpop took off internationally, the group even earned comparisons to One Direction as they became a global pop force. A series of military enlistments kept the group from promoting as a whole in the early 2020s. But not only has the band’s impact lived on, but the group plans to make a comeback.

This is another one of the many boy band success stories that started on the X Factor stage. Even though the band took second place on the show, they were quickly signed. In the blink of an eye, JLS became a UK smash. As of today, they’ve sold over 2 million albums in the UK alone. After ending promotions in 2013, the band reunited after nearly a decade apart to release their album “2.0.” Member JB joked that the group is “a bit uglier and a bit older.” While we’re sure their fans would heavily debate that statement, it’s undeniable that JLS’ music is as infectious as ever.

Considered the “Princes of Kpop,” the members of SHINee elevated the boy band standard with their talent as performers. The group shaped the industry with massive hits like “Replay”. Their constant talent earned the well-decorated band a long list of awards and recognitions. Tragically, vocalist Jonghyun passed away in 2017. But that didn’t stop SHINee’s journey. Fueled by the support from their dedicated fanbase, the group continued to honor his legacy. They went forward and continued to put out high-performing releases. Fifteen years after their debut and twelve top tens on the Billboard World Album Chart later, it’s clear that SHINee isn’t slowing down.

Don’t let the name fool you. This Kpop boy band actually has thirteen members. To make seventeen, all you need is some simple addition: thirteen members and three units coming together to form one group. Soon after their 2015 debut, the group won three rookie awards. The band then went on to set multiple Billboard and charting records. As if their talent wasn’t already apparent, the members are also recognized for songwriting, producing, and choreographing. Made up of Korean, American, and Chinese members, the international band is extremely popular all around the world. Their tours are routinely packed and they have no trouble producing albums whose sales number in the millions. “Seventeen” is a music industry powerhouse.

This band became popular during the British boy band takeover of the early 2010’s. Known for their hits such as “Glad You Came,” The Wanted made their mark with a more electronic dance-pop style. While they struggled to escape One Direction’s shadow, the band’s impressive success up until their hiatus in 2014 shouldn’t be underestimated. Sadly, member Tom Parker passed away due to a brain tumor in March of 2022. His fellow bandmates decided to honor him by returning to their song “Gold Forever” and releasing it to raise money for charitable causes. It’s safe to say that Tom Parker won’t be soon forgotten.

New Hope Club is the product of a British boy band domino effect. In 2012, The Vamps went viral for their One Direction cover. After achieving popularity, New Hope Club gained attention for their cover of “Wake Up” by the Vamps. The British trio opened up for The Vamps before establishing a career of their own. New Hope Club headlined tours, released multiple EP’s, and were nominated as “the next big thing” at the Teen Choice Awards. Band member Blake Richardson is even set to play Paul McCartney in an upcoming Beatles biopic. While they may not have taken a traditional path to fame, they’ve still found a way to be a part of boy band history.

Believe it or not, at one point in time, One Direction actually opened for Big Time Rush. Going back to the beginning, the band initially rose to fame through their self-titled Nickelodeon show. But what began as a fictional boy band soon grew into real success. Big Time Rush’s popularity led to record deal, three albums, and even a movie. While they may not have the same records or sales as other boy bands, their impact on the upcoming generation is what made them so popular. Although the band went on hiatus in 2014, they reunited in 2020 to make a lot more music together.

This boy band started out as five ordinary teenagers who met in LA. After their 2016 debut, the group quickly developed a substantial fan base of “Limelights.” Why Don’t We” went from internet underdogs to well-respected artists due to a ton of hard work. In 2019, they put out a single every month. Seeing their 2020 album hitting number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart was proof that their efforts were paying off. Unfortunately, as the band’s success continued to climb, ongoing legal battles led to the group canceling their activities and announcing a hiatus in 2022. The members are now focusing on individual projects. However, we can only hope they'll reunite in the future!

This band boasts an impressive repertoire of UK number ones and very popular collaborations. Since they’ve gone on to work with the likes of Demi Lovato, Sabrina Carpenter, and Shawn Mendes, their humble beginnings might surprise you. The quartet started out by posting covers on Youtube. Ultimately, their cover of One Direction’s “Live While We’re Young” set them on the track to become the next British boy band sensation. The group was able to celebrate an incredible 10 year anniversary in 2022. Today, The Vamps are continuing to evolve their sound in a brand new era of self-produced music.

It felt like this band was always destined for greatness. After all, it was formed by Latin music legend Ricky Martin and boyband fairy God-father Simon Cowell. After they were introduced to the world on the reality series “La Banda,” the international group grew into a huge Latin group. Their song “Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)” became a smash hit. Today, the music video has more than one and a half billion views. In 2021, the band went from five members to four when Joel left the group. Although they would continue on as a quartet, in 2022 CNCO announced that they would embark on one final tour before disbanding.

If you want for a group full of talented producers, dancers, singers, rappers, and creative visionaries, look no further than PRETTYMUCH. Another Simon Cowell success story, the band actually considers themselves an “anti-boyband.” They trade manicured perfection for one-of-a-kind style. While the group isn’t bubblegum pop, their sweet beats and r&b melodies will stick with you. After a period of label changes and inactivity, the band announced they would be going independent in 2022. Member Nick Mara ultimately chose not to continue with his bandmates. However, the remaining members promised fans that an exciting new era of PRETTYMUCH would still be on the way.

While SuperM may not be an obvious choice for a top Kpop act, they rewrote the boy band formula with their “mega-group” concept. Known as the “Avengers of Kpop,” the band is made up of members from big SM Entertainment organizations like SHINee, NCT, EXO and WayV. The members’ combined level of boy band experience is unmatched. Their international focus led to record-breaking US success. At this point, many fans might recognize their debut single “Jopping.” While their popularity can’t and shouldn’t be pitted against the members’ original groups, SuperM is making waves with a brand new model and unrivaled talent.

They didn’t earn the nickname “Kings of Kpop” by accident. The second generation idol group found success in their refusal to become a cookie cutter boy band. Instead, BIGBANG became known for their diverse range of music and groundbreaking style. By leaning into hip-hop influences, they were quickly able to stand out in a busy industry. Member G-Dragon’s role as an idol, songwriter, and producer also helped ensure their sound stayed strong and very consistent. In 2022, BIGBANG returned to a thriving Kpop industry they helped build. Fans were absolutely ecstatic when the band ended their hiatus with the comeback single "Still Life."

From skinny jeans and lip rings to marriage and their fifth studio album, these four Aussies have over a decade of memories together as a band. Far from one-hit-wonders, Five Seconds of Summer have achieved a longevity that’s not guaranteed in the world of boy bands. Mega hits like “She Looks So Perfect” initially drew fans in. Later on, catchy tunes like “Youngblodod” ensured that their listeners would stick around longer. Their evolution from 2011 pop punk teen idols to a matured rock band has earned them a loyal fan base. Between their radio hits and impressively rich and diverse discography, it’s not hard to see why so many people love them.

This boy band’s journey all began in a family home in New Jersey. Their journey really picked up steam after the musically-inclined brothers were cast as a fictional band in Disney’s “Camp Rock.” From that point on, the Jonas Brothers were cemented as the next big boy band sensation. Not only did the trio gather a strong legion of fans and perform at sold out venues, but they also released chart-topping singles. Who could forget how much “Burnin’ Up” lit up the charts? In 2013, the band’s drama-filled breakup made headlines. But fans' wishes came true when the brothers finally reunited six years later. Rather than just relying on teen boy band nostalgia, the Jonas Brothers forged ahead with a brand new sound and style.

When five motley teenage boys came together on the X Factor in 2011, no one could have imagined the heights they’d go on to achieve. One of the first groups to have their career propelled by social media, the band’s international popularity spread so quickly that it was labeled “One Direction Infection.” They dominated pop culture by bringing an edgier feel to the boy band scene and more top hits than they knew what to do with. The numerous records they broke barely compared to the amount of hearts broken when the four remaining members announced a hiatus. Today, their legacy lives on in many ways. Fans can even find Harry Styles performing 1D hits at his solo shows.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The British Boy Band Enjoyed Massive Success With Their First Single Alone

Disney’s Fictional Boy Band Pulled In Millions of Real Listeners On Spotify

These Talented Musicians Continue the R&B Boy Group Legacy

The X Factor Alums Rose Up In The Competition & Up the Charts

A Genre-Bending Italian Pop Trio

BTS’s success is so much more than a simple reflection of Kpop’s rise to the top. The boy band is something special. Its seven members are trend-setters, history-makers, and supernovas. Over the last thirteen years, the group’s talent, honest storytelling, and philanthropy have helped them build a formidable fan base. The Grammy-nominated performers were the biggest recording act in the world in 2020. To put their impact in perspective, the global response to BTS’s popularity adds an estimated $5 billion per year to South Korea’s economy. In 2022, the group announced a hiatus in order to recharge their creative energies and allow for military enlistments. With plans to return in 2025, BTS still stands as the top boy band.