Top 10 Best Punk Rock Bands

Born in the gritty '70s, punk rock has been flipping the bird to mainstream music for decades, and it's still as rebellious as ever. With its DIY spirit, it's inspired hordes of artists to pick up a guitar or drumsticks and say "screw you" to the man.

So what makes a punk band legendary? Is it the raw energy that turns a gig into a sweaty mosh pit? Or is it the earworm hooks that you can't get outta your head? No matter what you're into, there's no shortage of kickass punk bands that have shredded stages and left their mark on the scene.

1. The Ramones

   

   The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York City, in 1974. They are widely regarded as the first band to define the punk rock sound. The original lineup included Joey Ramone, Johnny Ramone, Dee Dee Ramone, and Tommy Ramone.

   I don't really understand how anyone who is a true fan of punk rock could place many of these bands on any list related to punk rock. Ask Billy Joe who he thinks is the best punk rock band ever. He might put his band in the top 25, but definitely not number one.

   Come on, people, do some research. Papa Roach, All-American Rejects, and Simple Plan are not punk rock bands by any standard. Punk rock bands should not be judged or rated according to record sales either. That defeats the purpose of what punk rock stands for.

   I suggest some type of screening process before people can vote because without education there is ignorance. Thank you, Bad Religion, Ramones, Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, Op Ivy, Rancid, Guttermouth, Strung Out, The Misfits, and others. Most are on this list, just not where they deserve to be. Live long, punk rock. Pop rock should not be on this list.

2. Green Day

   

   Green Day are an American pop punk and punk rock band formed in East Bay, California, in 1987. The core members are Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals, guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), and Tré Cool (drums), with Jason White often performing live on guitar. They blend punk rock, pop punk, and alternative rock, drawing... read more

   Their music is so meaningful. It delves into topics like government, politics, and religion. Billie Joe Armstrong has a great voice that has remained consistent over the years. When it comes to bassists, I believe Mike Dirnt is the best bass player in the history of punk rock. Tre Cool is also the best drummer in the history of punk rock, as confirmed by Billie Joe Armstrong during their Bullet in a Bible concert.

   Green Day is unquestionably the best punk rock band out there. Billie Joe Armstrong has influenced many people in how they write music. He has inspired others to take up the guitar and even has a signature model with Gibson Guitars.

   Mike Dirnt is renowned for his bass guitar riffs, licks, and techniques. It's no surprise that he has been nominated for the title of the world's best bassist of all time. He even has a signature bass made by Fender.

   As for Tre Cool, where do you even begin? He's incredibly funny and highly skilled on the drums. Who would have thought that a German kid, raised in a hippie environment, would grow up to play American punk rock drums?

3. The Clash

   

   The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Known for their politically charged lyrics and eclectic musical style, they are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock.

   Their music is so iconic and still feels so fresh and clear. I respect the Sex Pistols for their role in the creation of the punk industry, but many people forget the impact of The Clash. To be honest, the Sex Pistols sounded a bit off-tune in some of their songs.

   For Vicious's sake, they only had one album! The Ramones are good, but their songs are a little too repetitive. Green Day is good, but they are not the best band on this list. In my opinion, The Clash should at least be at the top. Green Day should be in fourth or third place, Ramones second, and Sex Pistols fourth or third. The battle for third should be between impact on the industry and quality.

4. Sex Pistols

   

   The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although they lasted only two and a half years and released just four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, they are considered one of the most influential acts in the history of popular... read more

   Okay, here is the point. We have to go back in time and consider the context. The Sex Pistols had one official album and three official years of existence, probably the shortest career of a punk band. But what they did was pure honesty.

   If you put it in the period and political state of England, they were the first band that ever did it with such a "straight-in-your-face" approach as the Pistols did. After 30 years, they are known all over the world. Keep in mind, they never went mainstream or radio-friendly like all those new poser bands did: Offspring, Green Day, Good Charlotte. They all sold out and use punk only for its attractive side. They are nothing more than rich kids making money with major record labels. Pistols rule. It's as simple as that.

5. Dead Kennedys

   

   Dead Kennedys are an American hardcore punk band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1978. They were among the first American hardcore bands to gain a significant following in the United Kingdom. The band's politically charged lyrics and satirical style made them a prominent voice in the punk movement... read more

   Punk is really dead because I see all those girly love song bands at the top of the list, and Dead Kennedys are at Number 13? Jello Biafra is one of the best inspirational figures of punk rock. I could call him the best person in the entire world. He's 54 now but has not yet abandoned his ideals.

   Look at all those "hardcore punk" band members from the '80s. They are probably sitting behind a table doing a lame-ass job. Jello is trying to get his message out to the world as a spoken word artist. He aims to help people free themselves from the chains society has placed around them. He's promoting free speech and free thought.

   If you've never listened to Dead Kennedys before, you should. But don't listen to the Dead Kennedys of 2012. For Jello, songs were never about money. He left the band not because he fought with his band members, but because people coming to their concerts were dumb metalheads with no brains, and he couldn't get his message out.

   The "New Dead Kennedys" suck. They actually changed the "MTV Get Off the Air" song to "MP3 Get Off the Web." Jello is a supporter of music piracy and would have never allowed that to happen. The song "MTV Get Off the Air" is intended to make people aware of the crap that is promoted on TV.

   I've been blabbing on and on about how amazing his message is, but I should also say what an amazing voice he has. East Bay Ray and all the other band members were also awesome. Jello was never good at guitar, and he hummed out the riffs to the others so they could make music. His voice is so amazing, with a really great warble in it. Just listen to "California Uber Alles". His pitch changes so amazingly.... read more

6. The Misfits

   

   Misfits are an American horror punk band often credited with creating the horror punk subgenre. They combine punk rock with themes and imagery from horror films and B-movies. Formed in 1977 in New Jersey, the band was founded by Glenn Danzig.

   How in the world are Blink-182, Sum 41, The Offspring, and Green Day on this list? Don't get me wrong. I love those bands, especially Offspring, but they aren't real punk. They barely sound like real punk bands. I've heard them called pop-punk, and I think that's the best term for them. Whatever they are, they shouldn't be here. Misfits are punk. Black Flag is punk. The Sex Pistols are punk. I used to think that the pop-punk bands were true punk, but now I know.

   My favorite band of all time.

   By the way, since when are a bunch of emos, sellouts, and pop-rock bands considered punk? Back in the '90s, those bands wouldn't even have been considered punk by the biggest musical noob in the world. I really don't like that nowadays there are almost no real punks anymore. Nowadays, it's just a bunch of posers. It's a shame.

7. Bad Religion

   

   Bad Religion is an American punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1979. The band is known for its soaring three-part vocal harmonies, intricate guitar work, and thought-provoking lyrics. Their music often includes commentary on religion, politics, and social issues.

   Undoubtedly, the most intelligent and meaningful punk rock band out there is Bad Religion. Their lyrics put all others to shame, never dumbing them down despite knowing that intelligent music is not popular. This is evident from the popularity of bands such as Sum 41, The Offspring, and Green Day.

   They are also some of the most influential, inspiring artists like Green Day, the Offspring, and Rise Against. The Offspring and Rise Against deserve a top 10 slot. I'm only 19, but I've been listening to punk my entire life. If any band deserves the title of Best Punk Rock Band, it would be Bad Religion.

8. Rise Against

   

   Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The current lineup includes Tim McIlrath (vocals, rhythm guitar), Zach Blair (lead guitar), Joe Principe (bass), and Brandon Barnes (drums). The band is known for blending a punk sound with politically and socially conscious... read more

   Rise Against has been my favorite band since I was eight years old. I have a deep passion for punk, and Green Day simply isn't punk anymore. While many love the overwhelming political statements that Green Day projects in its songs, I don't want to be listening to something that is going to make me mad. Green Day is almost like Anti-Flag, with ridiculous anarchist messages in their songs.

   I do understand The Ramones being ranked higher than Rise Against because The Ramones were really the first good punk band. I also get why Blink-182 is ahead, as they were the first in pop-punk. However, the idea of Sum-41 even being in the top ten is absurd. Bad Religion not being in the top ten is also absurd. Class dismissed.

9. The Offspring

   

   The Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Originally named Manic Subsidal, the band currently consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman, bassist Todd Morse, and drummer Brandon Pertzborn... read more

   I'm mentioning these guys only because of their self-titled album: The Offspring, and Ignition, Smash, and Ixnay. After that, I don't think The Offspring qualify as punk rock from Americana onwards. I don't think this band should be number one, but definitely top three.

   I've listened to so much punk rock, and "The Offspring" and Ignition are extremely good albums. Despite The Offspring not actually being my favorite punk band, their self-titled album is by far my favorite. I've been told that Dexter's voice isn't for everyone, but they did produce some amazing horror punk and hardcore punk. I do find it a shame how they turned out. Now they get categorized with Green Day, Blink-182, and Sum-41, which is sad really.

10. Black Flag

    

    Black Flag was an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California. The band was originally called Panic and was founded by guitarist Greg Ginn, who served as the primary songwriter and only consistent member during its various lineup changes. Black Flag is widely regarded as one of... read more

    This list cannot be left out of the top 10 on any true punk rock list. This list is making me feel very angry and punk rock. Maybe it's a trap! Such a shame that these millionaire boy bands found a way to steal the name "punk" and convince millions of unsuspecting jocks and rich kids that being "punk" was cool. There's no better way to crush the revolution than to brand it and make it cool.

    My God, does anyone know what punk is? Bands like Simple Plan and Fall Out Boy are not punk. Black Flag is a real punk band. They started the hardcore scene that all these kids, who don't even know who Black Flag is, are mimicking. Henry Rollins is a legend.

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The Contenders

13. Minor Threat

    

    Minor Threat was an American hardcore punk band formed in 1980 in Washington, D.C. by vocalist Ian MacKaye and drummer Jeff Nelson. The band is credited with helping to define the straight edge movement within punk subculture. They disbanded in 1983 but remain influential in the punk and hardcore scenes... read more

    I do really like these. Why are bands like My Chemical Romance and Paramore on the list? Just because they talk about politics or whatever doesn't make them punk. They aren't part of the genre. They are just alternative/popular rock.

    Pioneers of the Straight Edge movement, this band was raw and unadulterated while delivering a positive, get-your-stuff-together message. I had the opportunity to see them later on as Fugazi, and it was the craziest mosh pit I've ever seen.

    These guys not only defined punk/hardcore long before GD, etc., they were/are incredibly talented musicians! I saw Fugazi in a small venue, and they blew the top off the place. Crazy!

14. NOFX

    

    NOFX is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1983 by vocalist/bassist Fat Mike and guitarist Eric Melvin, with drummer Erik Sandin joining shortly after. They are known for their DIY ethic, satirical lyrics, and long-standing presence in the punk scene.

    Half of these bands aren't real punk. Most are variations of pop. Bands like Bad Religion, NOFX, Social Distortion, Rancid, early Offspring (songs before their 2003 album), The Ramones, Sex Pistols, Nirvana, The Clash, Misfits, Bad Brains, and Papa Roach are examples of real punk. Rise Against can be considered punk. Sum 41 and My Chemical Romance depend on the song. Otherwise, it's pop-punk or post-hardcore. Blink-182 and Simple Plan are pop-punk. Green Day started off somewhat punk, then went pop-punk, and are now alternative. Bands like All Time Low, All-American Rejects, and Good Charlotte are pop and alternative.

    Thank God, a real punk rock band. Listen to their song "The Separation of Church and Skate." Look up the lyrics, read them, and you'll know why I don't like bands like Simple Plan anymore. They're another lame, soft, and whiny sub-genre of punk rock. People mistake this as being punk rock.

    Listen to the song, and you'll hear the difference. The lyrics mean something, as opposed to that song "I'm Just a Kid" by Simple Plan, which is just a guy (who has definitely outgrown his teens) whining about what a hard life he has with his parents and school. Seriously, who cares? I sure don't.

15. Bad Brains

    

    Bad Brains is an American hardcore punk band that was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1977. They are widely regarded as pioneers of the hardcore punk movement. However, the band's members have often rejected this label as too limiting for their diverse musical style.

    A bunch of posers must be voting on this. How are those preppy little pop-punk bands ahead of Bad Brains and Black Flag, both great bands? Good Charlotte is not punk rock. It's corporate pop, as are Simple Plan, Blink-182, Sum 41, Boys Like Girls, Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, and the majority of these bands ahead of Bad Brains. I don't think they're the best, but they're top 25 hands down. All those bands I mentioned are just a bunch of 20-year-old millionaires whining about their make-believe problems and that girl who didn't go to the prom with them because she thought they were dorks. Get over it, you losers. How is Good Charlotte even on here? Britney Spears is more punk than them.

16. Social Distortion

    

    Social Distortion is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The current lineup includes Mike Ness, Jonny Wickersham, Brent Harding, David Hidalgo, Jr., and David Kalish. The band is known for blending punk rock with country and blues influences, and for albums such as Mommy's... read more

    Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance? Seriously? I've been listening to punk rock since I was about nine, and they are not punk, maybe alternative rock. Social Distortion, The Ramones, and The Clash are my all-time favorites. They should be the top bands. Punk pretty much died after 2003.

    The best punk rock band in history, with rockabilly influence, is Social Distortion. Story of My Life is one of the best songs I've ever heard in my whole life. It makes me think about the good times from the past. They are just so great.

    I do love The Misfits, The Ramones, The Clash, and The Sex Pistols, but Social Distortion is my ultimate favorite punk rock band. To me, Mike Ness is the Johnny Cash of punk rock. "Ball and Chain" is one of my all-time favorite songs.

17. The Stooges

    

    The Stooges, also known as Iggy and the Stooges, are an American proto-punk band from Ann Arbor, Michigan. They were active from 1967 to 1974 and reformed in 2003. Although they initially sold few records and often faced indifferent audiences, the Stooges are now recognized as a foundational influence... read more

    The Stooges should be number one. They were punk without even trying and couldn't care less. They never bothered to sell out, and their music just has that great sound.

    Besides, what other punk band had a frontman that could compare to Iggy Pop? You get such a calm-looking but fierce-sounding guitarist, Ron Asheton. Then there's Dave Alexander, a great bassist who played for a short time. If you listen to his bass lines in Fun House and T.V. Eye, few can beat those drums as loud as Scott Asheton (Rock Action). Their three original albums were a source of inspiration for The Ramones and The Clash. Their music sounded like no other during their great time (1967-1974).

18. The Descendents

    

    Greatest punk band of all time, for sure. Okay, they didn't write songs about rebelling against the powers that be as often as other, more high-profile punk bands (e.g., The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Ramones), but no other band wrote about the smaller pains and problems of life like they did. Note the use of the word "did": unfortunately, like The Stones, Descendents are still active, even though they passed both their studio and live prime about thirty years ago, but what a glorious prime it was. Albums like "Milo Goes to College" and "All" have stood the test of time.

    Can't believe whoever put them on this list couldn't even spell the name right. It's DESCENDENTS, no "The." Punk rockers in my day were smart. Half the bands on here are pop. Green Day themselves admit that they aren't punk, yet they are number one here. Sickening.

    Anyway, not number one, but they definitely deserve top 10 for creating a style of punk rock that would later become emo. Great live band.

19. Dropkick Murphys

    

    Dropkick Murphys are an American Celtic punk band formed in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1996. They were initially signed to Hellcat Records and released five albums with the label. The band gained a strong local following through constant touring and their annual St. Patrick's Day shows.

    They are the most creative punk band out there. They definitely should be up there in the top tens. So many punk bands just sound cookie-cutter, but these guys have so much character to their music. THIS is what punk music should sound like.

    Dropkick Murphys is definitely my favorite punk rock band. Go Irish boys! (Okay, my roots are Irish, so it helps.) People, if you put Green Day in first place and Dropkick Murphys only at 21st, there is a real problem!

    Behind Blink-182 are the Murphys, my absolute favorite band, because they make the best Irish-folk sound in the world. They should be in the top ten! P.S. The best songs are, in my opinion, "Shipping up to Boston," "Which Side Are You On," and "Rose Tattoo."

20. Rancid

    

    Last time I checked, bands like Rancid, Sex Pistols, the Circle Jerks, and the Exploited were punk. Guys like Simple Plan and Good Charlotte are just writing songs reminiscent of the popular kids in high school who pick on nerds. Punk isn't about being cool, doing drugs, or failing school. It's about doing whatever you want to do.

    RANCID for sure! Come on, people. They have done and continue to do what they want. Their legacy and music will stand the test of time. I have never heard one RANCID song that is bad. Think about it. They are the definition of punk, and they are still going strong.

21. Operation Ivy

    

    Operation Ivy, sometimes called "Op Ivy," was an American ska punk band from Berkeley, California, formed in May 1987. The band played a pivotal role in developing the ska punk genre by combining elements of hardcore punk and ska into a unique, high-energy sound. Operation Ivy was instrumental in the... read more

    They are among the best ever for Punk and Ska. This band was the motivation and inspiration for Green Day. Green Day saw Operation Ivy numerous times and hung out with them when they rehearsed. Operation Ivy should be before Green Day on this list! If you like the old-school sound of garage-style West Coast Punk Rock and haven't done so yet, check out Operation Ivy. They are a great band to hear, and I very much wish they'd go on tour again!

    It was really hard to leave these guys off the list. Even to this day, whenever I listen to "Artificial Lie," "Room Without a Window," or "Missionary," it just puts a smile on my face.

22. The Exploited

    

    The Exploited are a Scottish punk rock band from Edinburgh. The group was formed in 1978 by Stevie Ross and Terry Buchan. Terry was soon replaced by his brother Wattie Buchan, who became the band's frontman and has remained the central figure in the group.

    I have always loved them from the start, but when I saw them for the first time last Saturday (Northeast Calling in Newcastle), I was really disappointed. The Damned, who often left their punk roots, were almost hardcore in comparison and, along with 999 and Angelic Upstarts, totally rocked. PUNK LIVES!

    Yeah! I mean, I think literally every band on here is good, but I don't understand how these guys are in 198th place. I mean, c'mon! The Exploited are the original hardcore punk rock. If you don't know who they are, look them up. They are the ones who do the first song in the movie "SLC Punk!"

23. Anti Flag

    

    Anti-Flag is an American punk rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The group is known for its politically charged lyrics and commitment to activism. Their work addresses themes such as anti-war movements, anti-imperialism, class inequality, and human rights.

    Best punk band. Many great songs - punk, hardcore punk, melodic hardcore, and pop-punk. The songs are really melodic. I really like it. They have fast songs (hardcore punk) and slow ones (from pop-punk to alternative rock), as well as some acoustic songs too. Justin Sane and Chris Head are great guitarists, and Justin Sane and Chris #2 provide impressive, wonderful vocals.

    It was hard to choose, but come on, Anti-Flag is REAL punk. Most people don't know what punk is. Simple Plan, Panic! At the Disco, and Paramore are so NOT punk. I mean, I love My Chemical Romance, and maybe some of their songs are kind of punk, but they're not really political, and it's not real punk though.

24. Fugazi

    

    Fugazi is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Washington, D.C. in 1987. The band consists of guitarists and vocalists Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto, bassist Joe Lally, and drummer Brendan Canty. Known for their DIY ethic and refusal to engage with mainstream music industry practices, Fugazi... read more

    In my opinion, Ian MacKaye's (of Minor Threat and Embrace) most interesting and ambitious work. Probably his best band in general. Definitely in the group of top hardcore bands. They helped invent post-hardcore.

    I love Fugazi. 13 Songs and Repeater were my favorites, and I was lucky enough to see them play in Lafayette, LA in the 90s. Fugazi should be at the top of the list without a doubt.

    Pure punk. Shame they're this low. DC

25. Pennywise

    

    Okay, okay, okay, I know it's a little high, but bear with me. A ton of bands could be right here. But after careful deliberation, I decided that, hey, I don't want to leave Pennywise off the top ten because, quite frankly, they rule!

    Personally, no top 10 punk bands list is complete without Pennywise. They are a band who know how to interact with society and clearly explain their views.

    Love this band. Their sound is good and loud, and the music kicks ass. My favorite song by them is As Long As We Can from their album Reason to Believe.

26. Against Me!

    

    May not be the best out there, but definitely deserve to be higher up this list. From their earlier, dirty and gritty acoustic yelps of teenage rage, to the poetic acoustic-punk anthems, the hammering six strings of politically charged adrenaline, and their current, more "mainstream" punk rock sound. It's all done extremely well. Against Me! is not a band that has sold out, it's a band that has matured, and Laura Jane Grace's lyricism has never faltered.

    They are a band who is not afraid to speak against the sometimes strict guidelines of what it means to be "punk." They don't need mohawks, explicit references to anarchism (although this was a pretty prevalent theme in their earlier works), ripped clothes, or clothespins in their shirts. They just need some instruments, a voice or two, and a message. They are not at all posers who are in it for the money.

    Personally, punk inspires me to be who I am, to do what I want to do, and to accept my "faults", perhaps even take pride in them. I don't know about you, but coming out as a trans woman at the height of fame says "be who you are, and forget about society's expectations" A LOT louder than a stereotypical, cliché punk song about vague ideas of anti-conforming.

    If you like more mainstream punk, give their newer stuff (New Wave and on) a shot. If you like acoustic-punk, or punk with a grittier DIY sound, definitely give their older stuff a listen. For me, the 7" "Crime" and "Acoustic E.P." will always hold a huge place in my heart, and their full-lengths "Reinventing Axl Rose" and "As The Eternal Cowboy" carry the same vibe translated to electric instruments. Great, great stuff.

27. Buzzcocks

    

    Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band that formed in Bolton, England, in 1976. The band was created by singer-songwriter-guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto. They were influential in the early punk movement in the UK and are known for songs like Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone... read more

    Love these guys. They introduced me to punk, and I've listened to them my whole life. It's possibly because of them that I'm now in a band with a punk/metal theme.

    These guys kick ass, and they're the real deal. I can't believe I'm even seeing Paramore's name on this list. I feel like I've died and gone to mall hell.

    They should be so much higher on the list. Yellowcard isn't punk, so how did this happen?