Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

StoryAI85rank/position

AI – Story

A ballad that sings of the reassurance of having someone precious by your side and of an overflowing, profound love.

It’s a single released in May 2005 by AI, a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her husky, soulful voice.

The dramatic melody that begins with a piano intro gently wraps around the listener’s heart.

Also included on the album “Mic-a-holic Ai,” this beloved classic stayed on the charts for over 70 weeks after its release.

It’s also known as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney film Big Hero 6.

Carrying the message that you are not alone, this song is perfect for graduation-season memory videos that express gratitude to friends and mentors.

Be sure to give this warm, moving number a listen.

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston86rank/position

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

Whitney Houston, who captivated the world with her overwhelming vocal prowess.

This work, sung by the American-born artist, is a grand ballad that vows eternal love.

It portrays a self-sacrificial love that chooses separation for the other person’s happiness—a universal theme that resonates with many.

Released in November 1992, the song was used as the theme for the film The Bodyguard and became a massive hit.

It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and spent 14 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 chart.

If you want to feel profound love and the bittersweetness of parting, give it a listen.

BeautifulChristina Aguilera87rank/position

Christina Aguilera – Beautiful (Official HD Video)

I think it’s a song everyone has heard at least once.

It carries the message that “everyone is different, but each person is beautiful.” No matter what anyone says, it makes you want to be confident in yourself and live strongly.

First and foremost, I want to always be on my own side.

planetariumOtsuka Ai88rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A heart-stirring ballad that projects the ache of love onto the stars in the night sky, this piece is marked by Ai Otsuka’s delicate vocals and lyrical piano.

Memories of a lover and the wistfulness of time gone by are woven into the beautiful imagery of starry skies and planetariums, resonating deeply with listeners.

Used as the theme song for the drama “Koi no Karasawagi” and included on the album “LOVE COOK,” it has continued to soothe many hearts since its release in September 2005.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the stars on a solitary night—recommended for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to immerse themselves in cherished memories with someone special.

CirclesPost Malone89rank/position

Post Malone – Circles

I think it’s hard to catch the lyrics of songs in English.

With this song, “Circles,” many people might feel it sounds bright if they just listen to the melody.

The vibe is upbeat, but in fact it’s a song about losing someone important.

Please give it a listen.

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First LoveUtada Hikaru90rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A youthful love song by Hikaru Utada, whose lyrical piano tones and crystalline vocals sink deep into the heart.

The sorrow of parting and precious memories are woven together with care, and the recollection of first love returns like a film playing inside your mind.

Many will relate to the protagonist’s feeling that, even if a new romance comes along after the end of one, they can’t forget their first love.

Released in March 1999 on the album “First Love,” it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Jōken” broadcast the same year.

It’s a song that truly stays by the side of anyone who has experienced farewell with someone dear and is trying to move forward while holding those memories deep in their heart.

far; distant; by farGReeeeN91rank/position

GReeeeN – Haruka

I’d like to introduce a moving ballad where the loneliness of leaving home intertwines with a strong will to pursue one’s dreams.

This work by GReeeeN expresses gratitude to the parents who raised us, and every listen warms the heart by reminding us of family love.

Released in May 2009 as their 11th single, it’s also famous as the theme song for the blockbuster film “ROOKIES: Graduation.” By setting aside the rap parts to let the vocals take center stage, the song resonates deeply.

It’s perfect not only for students about to leave home, but also for adults who’ve long been out in society and want to recall their original resolve.

Highly recommended as background music for graduation season or for videos expressing thanks to someone special.