Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

HeavenMrs. GREEN APPLE78rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Heaven” Official Music Video

Released in May 2025 as the theme song for the film “I Will Tell You the Truth,” this track makes a striking impression with its structure: it shifts from a quietly sacred opening to an unpredictable development.

The lyrics gaze equally at the light and shadow, the beauty and ugliness inherent in humanity, hinting at a new depth in Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s expression.

The unusual promotion—available only within the film—also became a major topic on social media.

Different from their usual brightness, the layered, heart-wrenching melody is sure to resonate deeply with you.

The happiest way to die in the worldkoka79rank/position

The Happiest Way to Die in the World / Reminiscence Song feat. IA

Even with its striking title, “The Happiest Way to Die in the World” is drawing attention.

It’s a ballad that sings about the idea that “if everyone hates you, perhaps it wouldn’t be sad even if you were to die.” Take a moment to reflect on that perspective yourself.

Another appeal is how the simple piano tone accentuates IA’s vocals.

With its very quiet melody, it’s also perfect as a companion for relaxation time.

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wrinklebuzzG80rank/position

[GUMI] Wrinkles [Official Video]

It’s a pure love song that looks back on a life walked together with someone precious.

It’s a track by buzzG, released in 2012.

The original version is included on the album “AMPLOID,” and a rearranged version appears on “THE WALL.” The emotional guitar sound blends beautifully with GUMI’s clear vocals.

And the lyric world—“wrinkles as proof of happiness that increase precisely because you spend so long with the one you love”—is enough to bring tears to your eyes.

It’s a song that will resonate deeply when you’re facing a turning point in life.

SoranjiMrs. GREEN APPLE81rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE「Soranji」Official Music Video

Is there any other song that sings of the preciousness of life with such tenderness and strength? Released in November 2022 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s first single in about three and a half years, this piece was written as the theme song for the film “From Siberia With Love,” starring Kazunari Ninomiya and Keiko Kitagawa.

In step with a story that upholds love for family against the harsh backdrop of a Siberian labor camp, the lyrics—like reciting by heart one’s feelings for a beloved—etch themselves into the soul.

Its grand arrangement featuring strings wraps unspoken everyday emotions and hope for tomorrow into a sweeping ballad.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone choosing to believe in the future, no matter how difficult the days may be.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi82rank/position

Aoi Teshima “Letter to Tomorrow (Drama Version)”

Aoi Teshima’s “Ashita e no Tegami” (Letter to Tomorrow) was released in 2014, and the version re-recorded as the ending theme for the 2016 drama “Love That Makes You Cry” also drew attention.

Its piano-centered acoustic sound layered with a delicate, ephemeral vocal tone moves listeners’ hearts.

The lyrics read like a letter to a loved one, and their straightforward message creates a touching effect.

The song was also used in an Aflac commercial, whose narrative-style content portrays Aflac’s stance of supporting those struggling with cancer.

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In The StarsBenson Boone83rank/position

Benson Boone – In The Stars (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Benson Boone from Washington state rose to stardom via TikTok.

Released in April 2022, this work is a tribute ballad that expresses the deep sorrow of losing his beloved great-grandmother through beautiful metaphors of stars and morning scenes.

It begins with a simple, piano-driven accompaniment, and the chorus strikes the heart with soaring high notes.

Later included on the album Fireworks & Rollerblades, it reached the top 10 in countries such as the Netherlands and Norway.

It’s a song that can deeply resonate with middle schoolers grieving the loss of someone precious and grappling with an overwhelming sense of emptiness.

HarukaYOASOBI84rank/position

YOASOBI 'Haruka' Official Music Video

A bittersweet, heart-tugging song that portrays a farewell to someone precious with whom one has spent a long time.

Told from the perspective of an inanimate object watching over its owner’s growth and departure, it conveys a warm wish for the other person’s happiness, tightening the heart as you listen.

Created by the musical duo YOASOBI, it was released in December 2020 and remains enduringly popular.

It was a collaboration with broadcast writer Osamu Suzuki and was included on the 2021 album “THE BOOK.” Chosen as the image song for “Art Aquarium Exhibition 2021 ~Hakata: Festival of Goldfish~” and as the commercial song for “Puniruns,” this work is a tear-jerking goodbye song for those heading into a new environment or seeing someone off.

Please listen while thinking of someone dear to you.