Boy Bands vs. Girl Groups: Who Rocked the '90s?

The '90s were a very polarizing time for fans of pop music and slow panning close-ups of abs. During the decade, you either sided with team Backstreet or team N'Sync — or, in very rare cases, team 98 Degrees. But what if you were forced to pledge allegiance past the army of boy bands as a whole, or the reigning girl groups like Destiny's Child and Spice Girls?

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There's probably a more scientific way to choose a champion, but here the two camps are pitted against each other in six categories.

A ruling is made for each, but after watching the videos (and remembering how young Justin Timberlake looked during N'Sync's early days), it's really your call on which side looks better in the cold light of the 21st century.

Representing the Girl Groups:

Spice Girls

Image: Tumblr, fuckyeah-gerihalliwell

Destiny's Child

Image: Tumblr, qualitylogoproducts

TLC

Image: Youtube, Thiago Nascimento Costa

And the Boy Bands:

N'Sync

Image: Youtube, JT90INTHEHOUSE

Backstreet Boys

Image: Tumblr, yourgifsforyou

98 Degrees

Image: Tumblr, EagleWeasleyCromwell

The Most Cathartic Break-up Song

N'Sync — "Bye Bye Bye"

Destiny's Child — "Survivor"

Winner: Girl Groups

"Bye Bye Bye" is catchy, but "Survivor" is what you really want to blast in the car when you've just had your heart ripped out.

Best Contribution to a Soundtrack

98 Degrees — "True to Your Heart" (Mulan)

Destiny's Child — "Independent Woman" (Charlie's Angels)

Winner: Boy Bands

Let's be honest, Stevie Wonder helped a lot.

Best for Mass Sing-a-Longs

Spice Girls — "Wannabe"

Backstreet Boys — "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"

Winner: Girl Groups

Sometimes the best lyrics are the lyrics that aren't really words.

Best for First Slow Dance

Backstreet Boys — "I'll Never Break Your Heart"

TLC — "Waterfalls"

Winner: Boy Bands

TLC has the better message, but when you're in your middle school formal wear you just want to be reassured your date is as pure of heart as you imagine Nick Carter is.

Dance Battle

N'Sync-"Tearin Up My Heart"

Spice Girls — "Stop"

Winner: Boy Bands

The only explanation needed- Image: Youtube, JT90INTHEHOUSE

Best Club Song

98 Degrees — "Una Noche"

Destiny's Child-"Jumpin' Jumpin'"

Winner: Girl Groups

When "Jumpin' Jumpin'" comes on, the club must jump. It's a rule.

In a dead heat, the lesser-known groups must battle in an important tie breaker.

Most Important Addition to Disney Channel's Smart House

5ive-"Slam Dunk Da Funk"

B*Witched-"C'est La Vie"

Image: Youtube, anxietyhamster

Winner, and ultimate champion: Boy Bands

While B*Witched inspired run-of-the-mill jumping on the bed, 5ive compels the boys to do a synchronized slide dance. Image: Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images