13 Amazing Bands Similar To Fall Out Boy

Written by Dan Farrant
Last updated

Fall Out Boy, the iconic American rock band formed in the early 2000s, has left an enormous mark on the music industry with songs like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up),” and “Centuries.”

If you love Fall Out Boy and want to find some bands similar in sound and style, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of 13 of our favorite bands like Fall Out Boy, so get ready to explore and discover some incredible artists who are sure to strike a chord with your FOB-loving heart. Let’s jump right in!

Fall Out Boy by Chloe Muro (CC BY-ND 2.0)

1. Panic! At The Disco

Up first, we have Panic! At The Disco, who emerged on the music scene in 2004 as a force to be reckoned with. Like Fall Out Boy, they fused elements of emo-pop and alternative rock in their sound.

Panic’s debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, was released in 2005 and featured the hit single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” This catchy, theatrical tune helped to propel Panic! At The Disco into the mainstream and solidify their distinct style.

Since then, Panic! at the Disco achieved significant commercial success, earning numerous awards and accolades. Their hits like “High Hopes,” “Death of a Bachelor,” and “Victorious” dominated the charts and became anthems for fans around the world.

In 2015, Panic! at the Disco transitioned from a band to a solo project of the group’s frontman Brendon Urie. Despite his success, Urie opted to officially discontinue Panic following the announcement in early 2023 that he and his wife were expecting.

2. Paramore

Form in Franklin, Tennessee, in 2004, we have next the rock band Paramore. One of the key characteristics of the group’s music is the energetic and raw vocal performance by frontwoman Hayley Williams, which captivates audiences.

The band’s debut album, All We Know Is Falling, was released in 2005 and gained them a steady following. However, the 2007 Riot!, their second album, brought them mainstream success. This album contains the hits “Misery Business,” “Crushcrushcrush,” and “That’s What You Get.”

The band and their work have been recognized with various awards over the years, like a Choice Rock Group Teen Choice Award in 2010 and a Best Rock Song Grammy for their song “Ain’t It Fun” in 2015.

These days, Paramore remains a significant presence in the alternative and pop-punk music scene, with a loyal fan base and a lasting influence on other bands. They continue to create music that resonates with audiences, evolving their sound while staying true to their roots.

3. The All-American Rejects

The All-American Rejects is a rock band hailing from Stillwater, Oklahoma. They were formed in the early 2000s by lead vocalist Tyson Ritter. The band rose to fame quickly with their debut self-titled album, released in 2002.

Notable tracks from their early career include “Swing, Swing” and “The Last Song.” These songs showcased the band’s unique blend of pop-punk and emo-rock influences. Their second album, Move Along, further cemented their place in the scene with hits like “Dirty Little Secret” and the title track “Move Along.”

The All-American Rejects continued to evolve their sound with each subsequent release. Their third album, When the World Comes Down, features the smash hit “Gives You Hell,” which still resonates with fans today.

As contemporaries of Fall Out Boy, The All-American Rejects have a similar appeal to fans of pop-punk and emo-rock. Their catchy tunes, meaningful lyrics, and energetic performances make them a must-listen for anyone who enjoys the genre.

4. My Chemical Romance

The next band reminiscent of Fall Out Boy’s style is My Chemical Romance, or MCR, as they are known to fans. This rock band was formed in 2001 with music that can be described as a fusion of punk, emo, and rock.

Their first album was released in 2002, titled I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, which established their presence in the music scene. In 2006, they released The Black Parade. It centers on the character “The Patient” and explores the themes of life, death, and the passage of time.

The album includes the hit songs “Welcome to the Black Parade,” “Famous Last Words,” and “Teenagers.” MCR’s theatrical performances and elaborate costumes during The Black Parade era further solidified their status in the industry.

Despite their growing success, My Chemical Romance decided to disband in 2013. However, in 2019, they announced a reunion and performed a comeback show in Los Angeles. While no new albums have been released since their reunion, the band continues to captivate audiences.

5. Boys Like Girls

Emerging in the mid-2000s, rock band Boys Like Girls quickly caught the attention of music lovers. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, they came together in 2005 and left a lasting mark on the pop-punk and rock scenes.

Their debut self-titled album, released in 2006, delivered instant hits that skyrocketed their popularity. Tracks like “The Great Escape” and “Hero/Heroine” showcased their catchy pop-punk sound, reminiscent of Fall Out Boy and becoming anthems for fans.

Boys Like Girls continued to make a name for themselves in the pop-punk scene with their sophomore album, Love Drunk, released in 2009. Standout tracks on this album include the title track and “Two Is Better than One,” featuring the pop icon Taylor Swift.

Throughout their career, Boys Like Girls have gained a loyal fan base that continues to support them through the years. Fans of Fall Out Boy can undoubtedly appreciate the similar vibe and style of music that Boys Like Girls delivers.

6. All Time Low

Our next band, All Time Low, emerged from Maryland in 2003. After debuting in 2005, they continued to release seven more studio albums and are well-regarded for their captivating music.

In their early days, All Time Low was heavily influenced by bands like Blink-182 and Green Day. As they developed their own distinctive sound, they incorporated elements of pop punk, emo, and pop rock that fans of Fall Out Boy will appreciate. Some of their most popular songs are “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” “Weightless,” and “Monsters.”

Overall, All Time Low is a band that has stayed true to their roots while evolving their sound over time. Their dedication to their craft, coupled with their loyal fanbase, ensures their continued success in the music industry.

7. Blink-182

Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Scott Raynor formed Blink-182 in 1992. The band gained popularity with their breakout album in 1999, Enema of the State. The album reached the top 10 of Billboard 200, while the song “All the Small Things” climbed to #6 on the Hot 100 chart.

The group went through several lineup changes in their career, most notably when drummer Travis Barker replaced Scott Raynor in 1998. Barker’s drumming style, characterized by fast-paced beats and intricate fills, became an important element of Blink-182’s sound.

Like Fall Out Boy, Blink-182 has influenced many bands in the pop-punk and alternative rock genres, making them a significant player in the music scene of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Their energetic concerts and relatable lyrics continue to garner new fans, while their existing fan base remains loyal to their ever-evolving sound.

8. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Originating from Middleburg, Florida, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus rock band came to life in 2003. The group’s lineup has changed over the years, but the core members have always been the brothers Ronnie and Randy Winter (on vocals and guitar, respectively).

The band released their debut album titled Don’t You Fake It in 2006. Their lead single, “Face Down,” became an instant hit, reaching #3 on the Alternative Songs chart.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ second album, Lonely Road, was released in 2009. It showcased a heavier sound that incorporated more hard rock and post-hardcore elements. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the album managed to achieve moderate success.

During their career, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus has played in numerous festivals and toured worldwide, often sharing the stage with other similar bands like Fall Out Boy. The band’s captivating live performances and emotionally charged music continue to ensure their place in the rock scene.

9. Simple Plan

People who know the songs “Addicted” and “I’m Just a Kid” might be familiar with our next band, Simple Plan. These hits come from their debut album No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls in 2002, which quickly gained them a following.

With five studio albums to their name, Simple Plan has explored various styles within the pop-punk genre. Other popular songs in their discography are “Welcome to My Life,” “Perfect,” and “Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me?).”

As they continue to make music and tour the world, Simple Plan maintains a strong connection with their fans, ensuring their place in the hearts of pop-punk lovers everywhere—including Fall Out Boy fans.

10. The Academy Is…

Rock band The Academy Is… formed in 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. Two years later, they released their debut album, Almost Here, under Fueled by Ramen, the same record label that would later sign Fall Out Boy.

This album showcased their talent and led to them gaining popularity, opening for acts like Fall Out Boy themselves and Panic! At the Disco. With catchy tunes like “Everything We Had,” “We’ve Got a Big Mess on Our Hands,” and “About a Girl,” their sound appealed to fans of punk and pop-rock.

The Academy Is… released two more albums: Santi and Fast Times at Barrington High in 2007 and 2008, respectively. They experimented with different styles on each album, pushing their boundaries and expanding their fan base.

The Academy Is… announced their breakup in 2011, with a brief reunion in 2015. In 2022, they announced coming back together and future plans, to the delight of fans.

11. Good Charlotte

People looking for more alternative rock, emo, and pop-punk fusion, like Fall Out Boy, can look toward Good Charlotte. The Maryland rock band formed in 1996 and gained popularity in the early 2000s with the release of their debut self-titled album.

Good Charlotte continued to release chart-topping albums, including The Chronicles of Life and Death, in 2004 and Youth Authority in 2016. Songs of theirs worth mentioning are “Dance Floor Anthem (I Don’t Want to Be in Love),” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” and “The Anthem.”

The band’s ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their punk roots has earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. They continue to tour globally, entertaining fans with their energetic live performances and timeless music.

12. Story Of The Year

St. Louis, Missouri, rock band Story of the Year began their musical journey in 2000. They were initially known as Big Blue Monkey, but they changed their name to Story of the Year in 2002.

Their debut album, Page Avenue, was released in 2003 by Maverick Records. The album was a huge success, with its lead single, “Until the Day I Die,” gaining widespread popularity. Their sound is defined by a mix of punk rock, post-hardcore, and alternative rock.

Story of the Year continued their musical journey with their second album, In the Wake of Determination, in 2005. This album showcased a heavier sound and darker lyrics, dealing with themes of personal struggle and self-doubt.

Over the years, Story of the Year continued to evolve, experimenting with their sound even further, sometimes incorporating elements of metal and classic rock into their work. Still, they have not strayed far from their pop-punk roots and continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.

13. Yellowcard

Closing this list of bands like Fall Out Boy is Yellowcard, a rock band that formed in 1997 in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the years, they evolved into a prominent emo/punk-rock group, often recognized for their unique incorporation of the violin in their music.

Throughout their career, the band produced prolific music that gained widespread appreciation from both critics and fans alike, like “Only One,” “Way Away,” and “Ocean Avenue.” Their music resonated with fans due to its relatable, emotional lyrics and catchy melodies, not to mention the group’s energetic live performances.

In 2017, Yellowcard decided to part ways. Thankfully, they’ve since come together and have even recently released a new song, “Childhood Eyes” (May 2023).

Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Fall Out Boy

What you have read are bands that share similarities with Fall Out Boy in terms of their musical style, lyrics, and fan base. They have managed to capture the essence of punk rock, pop-punk, and emo genres, making their music energetic and emotional.

Though similar, each band still has its unique characteristics and contributions, and they all stand out by blending unforgettable melodies with introspective, often confessional, lyrics.

By exploring these bands, fans can further appreciate the larger music landscape and gain a deeper understanding of the appeal and diversity of the punk rock, pop-punk, and emo genres.

Photo of author

Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. He plays the guitar, piano, bass guitar and double bass and loves teaching music theory.