Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]

horizonback number57rank/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 againSG58rank/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.

Best FriendKiroro59rank/position

Kiroro ｢Best Friend｣ Official Music Video

It is a masterpiece whose warm melody gently envelops gratitude and bonds between friends, sinking deep into the heart.

It portrays the precious times and memories shared with companions, and the beauty of supporting one another in life, accompanied by a calm yet powerful piano tone.

The work is imbued with boundless gratitude for those who have been a source of support throughout one’s life.

Released in June 2001, it moved many people as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan.” In 2016, it was also chosen as the Japanese end theme for the Disney film “The Good Dinosaur,” and it continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a perfect song for spring, a season of many farewells such as graduation ceremonies, and will surely continue to stay in the hearts of many as a piece that accompanies life’s important moments.

I’m YoursJason Mraz60rank/position

Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

The soothing sound of the acoustic guitar seems to seep into a slightly wistful heart at summer’s end.

This song by singer-songwriter Jason Mraz features a light, reggae-tinged groove that naturally loosens you up just by listening.

The lyrics depict a defenseless, boundless love that casts off hesitation and speaks straight from the heart.

That honest emotion curiously matches a scene of getting sentimental by the seaside at dusk.

Included on the 2008 album “We Sing.

We Dance.

We Steal Things.,” the track set a record by staying on the U.S.

charts for 76 weeks.

Also beloved as a theme song for a Kirin Beer commercial, it’s a classic you’ll want to play when you’re in the mood to reminisce about summer.

My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion61rank/position

Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On (Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert)

A signature work by Canadian artist Celine Dion, released in November 1997 as a movie theme song celebrating eternal love.

Created as the theme for James Cameron’s film Titanic, it seamlessly blends James Horner’s sweeping composition with Will Jennings’s poetic lyrics.

Also included on the album Let’s Talk About Love, it achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and four Grammy Awards.

Its message—singing of the enduring power of love that lives on in the heart even amid the profound sorrow of losing a loved one—resonates with everyone who holds dear someone special.

If I Were A BoyBeyoncé62rank/position

Beyoncé – If I Were A Boy

This is a song about a woman who was betrayed by someone important to her.

It expresses the feeling of, “If it were me, I would never betray her,” so I think many women can relate to it.

If you’re a woman who has suffered a painful betrayal, please give it a listen.

Graduationbenny blanco, Juice WRLD63rank/position

benny blanco, Juice WRLD – Graduation (Official Music Video)

A moving graduation song that poignantly portrays memories of high school life and personal growth.

This collaboration by benny blanco and Juice WRLD was released in August 2019 and dominated charts around the world.

The music video features many celebrities and depicts the futures of graduating students.

Set to a melody that samples Vitamin C’s classic hit, Juice WRLD’s delicate vocals sing about past friendships, inner struggles, and hope for the future.

Its honest portrayal of adolescent emotions will surely resonate with junior high school students as well.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.