Girl Groups, Ranked

Motown's flagship act scored 12 US number-one singles in the 1960s, making them the most commercially successful American vocal group of the era. They broke racial barriers on mainstream TV and pop radio.

The best-selling girl group of all time with over 100 million records sold and the global 'Girl Power' phenomenon. 'Wannabe' hit number one in 37 countries.

One of the best-selling girl groups ever with roughly 60 million records sold, powered by hits like 'Say My Name' and 'Survivor.' Launched Beyonce, the biggest solo star of her generation.

The best-selling American girl group with hits like 'Waterfalls' and 'No Scrubs'; CrazySexyCool was the first album by a girl group to be certified Diamond. They fused R&B, hip-hop, and social messaging.

Phil Spector's 'Wall of Sound' showcase behind 'Be My Baby,' often cited as one of the greatest pop recordings ever made. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

The 'Funky Divas' delivered flawless four-part harmonies on 'Hold On' and 'My Lovin',' and 'Free Your Mind' led all nominees at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards. Benchmark for vocal precision.

The most-subscribed music act on YouTube and highest-charting female K-pop group, breaking Western markets with Coachella headlining and stadium tours. Global crossover blueprint.

Genre-spanning Grammy winners who topped charts with 'I'm So Excited' and 'Jump (For My Love).' They uniquely charted across pop, R&B, country, and dance.

Guinness-recognized as the most charted female group, with 'Venus' and 'Cruel Summer' defining 1980s UK pop. Prolific hitmakers across a long run.

The first group to win The X Factor UK, they became a genuine chart force with 'Black Magic' and multiple BRIT Award wins. Dominated 2010s British pop.

'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' made them the first Black girl group to top the Billboard Hot 100, opening the door for the entire 1960s girl-group wave.

'Walk Like an Egyptian' and 'Manic Monday' made them one of the biggest all-female bands who wrote and played their own material. A rare self-contained girl group.

Pioneering female rap trio behind 'Push It' and 'Whatta Man,' among the first women in hip-hop to win a Grammy. Crossover trailblazers.

The first all-female band writing their own songs and playing their own instruments to top the Billboard album chart, with 'We Got the Beat.' Rock Hall inductees.

UK number-one hitmakers with 'Push the Button,' but became notorious for a revolving lineup that eventually left zero original members. Talent undercut by instability.

A steady stream of UK top-ten singles, though 'What About Us' was their only chart-topper and their impact stayed largely confined to Britain. Competent, not iconic.

Formed on MTV's Making the Band, they debuted at number one but flamed out amid public infighting and breakups. More reality-show drama than lasting music.

'Don't Cha' was a massive hit, but the burlesque-troupe-turned-group was widely criticized as a manufactured vehicle that sidelined its own members' vocals. Style over substance.

A Disney Channel movie franchise act aimed at tweens, with sales driven by brand tie-ins rather than musical merit. Marketing exercise more than a real group.