Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

HappierEd Sheeran50rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Happier (Official Music Video)

Despite having a title that means “happier than ~,” the fact that the song ends up being about a breakup feels distinctly British to me.

It’s a track by Ed Sheeran—one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time—featured on his 2018 album ÷.

The lyrics, carried by a characteristically beautiful Ed melody, portray raw lingering attachment and regret toward an ex.

The line “You look happier than before” is especially heartrending, isn’t it? Perhaps it’s a sentiment one can eventually overcome, but humans often can’t neatly rationalize such feelings.

The music video, featuring puppet figures, also has a melancholic and suggestive tone, so be sure to check that out as well.

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KOH-1

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Bad DayDaniel Powter51rank/position

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

It was a huge hit in Japan as well, so I think you’ve heard it at least once.

As the Japanese title “Bad Day: A Cheer-Up Song for Unlucky Days” suggests, it’s an uplifting song that can even ease the pain of heartbreak a little.

Since many people know it, it’s one of those Western songs that can really get the crowd going at karaoke.

Stay With MeSam Smith52rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

A signature track from British singer-songwriter Sam Smith’s 2014 debut album, “In the Lonely Hour.” The song captures the morning after a one-night encounter, expressing not love for the other person but a yearning simply to have someone by their side.

Even knowing the feelings will never be returned, the urgent desire to fill the void of loneliness is conveyed with piercing clarity through Smith’s delicate yet powerful vocals.

The gospel-tinged chorus swells in the refrain, bringing listeners to tears.

Winner of the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, this piece offers solace to anyone grappling with heartbreak or loneliness.

horizonback number53rank/position

back number – Horizon

This piece, released in August 2020 by a three-piece band from Gunma Prefecture, is well known for the story behind its creation: it was made for high school students who lost their stage when the 2020 Inter-High was canceled.

It gently stays close to the frustration of efforts that don’t pay off and the unreasonable sorrow that follows, delivering a message that knowing pain makes us kinder to others—one that deeply moves listeners.

While holding the sense of loss from shattered dreams and goals, it carries a warmth that suggests those very experiences will become the nourishment that shapes your future self.

Even as graduates face a reality that doesn’t go as planned, this song will softly support them as they take their first steps down a new path.

For a cherished new beginning, why not offer the deep love woven by back number?

We againSG54rank/position

Us, Again – SG (Official Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter SG, who has garnered attention through his activities on TikTok and YouTube.

Released in April 2021, this song gently sings of the sadness of parting and the hope of reunion—truly a track worthy of being called a “Reiwa-era graduation song.” Simple yet irreplaceable memories—like the day they both got drenched after forgetting an umbrella—are sure to vividly resurface in listeners’ hearts.

The piece also made waves when its brass band version was featured in a Calorie Mate commercial supporting exam-takers.

Pair it with moving ceremony footage or a slideshow of photos with friends, and make your graduation unforgettable—try using it in your Instagram Stories.

The clap-along rhythm makes it perfect for everyone to sing together.

HARU HARUBIGBANG55rank/position

BIGBANG – HARU HARU PV Japanese version. This is a song/PV that makes you cry.

As a monster group that YG proudly boasts, BIGBANG has had a tremendous impact in Japan and has led the K-pop scene with overwhelming charisma.

“HARU HARU” is a ballad with an MV guaranteed to make you cry.

Released in 2008 on the mini album “Stand Up,” it has also captivated listeners with its Japanese lyrics; even people not deeply familiar with BIGBANG often say they love this song.

The graceful melody crafted by DAISHI DANCE and G-DRAGON will completely break your tear ducts, too.

It’s an unfading masterpiece that makes you painfully feel the depth of loving one person and the preciousness of everyday life.

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KEI

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When I Was Your ManBruno Mars56rank/position

Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man [Japanese Subtitled Ver.]

It’s a classic ballad that clearly brings out Bruno Mars’s delicate talent as a songwriter—despite his string of massive hits and the strong party-animal image he somehow carries.

In Japan, it was even given the Japanese title “Kimi ga Ita Ano Koro ni” (“Back to When You Were There”).

His voice, pouring out the feelings of a protagonist who only realizes what mattered after losing someone important, who regrets that there’s no going back, and who still tries to entrust “your” happiness to your new partner, is enough to move you to tears.

The emotions portrayed here may be a man’s egoism, a selfish feeling—but many people have surely felt something similar, and the wonderful melody and vocals make you believe it’s anything but a lie.

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KOH-1

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