Protopunk is a term used to describe a number of performers who were important precursors of punk rock, or who have been cited by early punk rockers as influential.

Most protopunkers are Rock and Roll performers of the 1960s and early-1970s, though some earlier performers have been cited. Garage rock in general has been cited as quite influential.

Protopunk has been proven difficult to define, and many widely different groups have been so dubbed. Most had a certain attitude or appearance seen as important, and not any specific musical tendencies. Significant examples include Love, MC5, The Velvet Underground, the Stooges, The Modern Lovers, Neil Young, The Monks, 60's Yoko Ono and the New York Dolls.

Some protopunk bands also fall into the categories of glam rock or UK pub rock.

See List of forerunners of punk music