- The British Invasion: The Beatles were part of a wave of British bands that became popular in the United States and around the world in the 1960s. This invasion had a major impact on popular music and fashion, and helped to bring British culture to a wider audience.
- Psychedelic music: The Beatles' album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967) is often considered to be the first psychedelic rock album. This album, along with many of the Beatles' other recordings, helped to popularize psychedelic music and culture.
- Youth culture: The Beatles became idols for young people around the world, and their music and fashion helped to define 1960s youth culture. The Beatles' message of peace and love resonated with young people who were disillusioned with the Vietnam War and other social issues.
- Rock music: The Beatles are widely considered to be one of the greatest rock bands in history. Their music incorporated a wide range of styles, from pop and rock to folk and classical music. The Beatles' recordings also featured innovative instrumentation and recording techniques, which helped to shape the sound of rock music.
- Studio experimentation: The Beatles were among the first musicians to experiment with recording techniques in the studio. They used tape loops, backwards recordings, and other effects to create their distinctive sound. Their studio experiments influenced a generation of musicians and producers, and helped to create new possibilities for sonic exploration.