Crying-Your-Eyes-Out Song Rankings [2026]
Here is the ranking of the “tearjerker songs” that were popular this year.
There were quite a few songs that made us cry this year, too.
These are the tearjerker songs that resonated with many people precisely because they understand pain.
We’ll introduce the most-listened-to tracks of the year in ranking order.
- Sad Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- [Gratitude, Encouragement, Memories] Tear-Jerking Graduation Songs You Can’t Listen to Without Crying [2026]
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- Tear-jerking songs I want to sing at karaoke
- HY’s Tearjerker Songs: Top Cry-Inducing and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Popular Moving Songs Ranking [2026]
- Miyuki Nakajima’s Tearjerkers: Best Crying Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- [Just the Lyrics Make Me Cry] Tear-Jerking Songs That Touch the Heart
- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
Crying-Your-Eyes-Out Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)
NonfictionHirai Ken8rank/position
Life can feel overwhelming, full of absurdities and helpless moments.
In times like these, I hope you’ll listen to Ken Hirai’s 42nd single.
Written as the theme song for the drama “Little Giant,” it was released in June 2017.
Born from Hirai’s profound grief over losing a friend, the song delivers fundamental questions about life and a heartfelt cry to see a loved one again, piercing the heart with a voice that cuts deep.
You may find it impossible to listen without tears…
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE9rank/position
A poignant song themed around farewells in youth.
Its lyrics, depicting a parting with friends at summer’s end, resonate with many and often move listeners to tears.
Released in August 2001, the track was also chosen as the theme song for a TBS drama, which quickly boosted its recognition.
The melody, grounded in an acoustic sound, and the members’ clear, translucent vocals beautifully portray the bittersweet scene of parting.
Reflecting on memories with friends while speaking of hope for the future, the lyrics are perfect for cultural festivals and school festival scenes.
When you want to reaffirm the bonds with your friends, give it a listen.
DEPARTURESglobe10rank/position
A love song that defined the ’90s, where a heart-stirringly beautiful melody and gentle vocals resonate deep in your chest.
Through the faint hopes and anxieties born from sharing the same days, and the eventual parting and new beginnings, this single—released in February 1996—lovingly captures the memories the two protagonists walked together.
Its familiar dance tune and bittersweet romantic feelings lead you into a breathtakingly dramatic progression.
Featured in JR East’s ski campaign “JR ski ski,” it was etched into many people’s hearts alongside the striking visuals of Yutaka Takenouchi and Makiko Esumi.
An eternal classic from globe, dedicated to everyone setting out on a new path.
Crying Song Rankings [2026] (11–20)
planetariumOtsuka Ai11rank/position
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.
LemonYonezu Kenshi12rank/position
A signature song by Kenshi Yonezu whose sentimental lyrics and wistful melody resonate deeply.
The words, which honor deep love for someone lost and the beautiful memories they left behind, truly strike a chord.
Released in 2018 and written as the theme for TBS’s Friday drama “Unnatural,” the track became a cultural phenomenon, with its music video surpassing one million views about 13 hours after release.
It’s a moving piece that offers comfort to those grieving the loss of someone dear.
KanadeSukima Suichi13rank/position
A duo’s second single notable for its nostalgic piano timbre and sentimental melody.
Featured as an insert song in the film “Rough,” among many other tie-ins such as TV dramas and commercials, this track is widely known as one of Sukima Switch’s signature songs.
Its lyrics—depicting the straightforward emotions felt at a parting and the unspoken scenes born from caring too much for the other person—likely resonated with many listeners.
Since its release in March 2004, it has been cherished as a Heisei-era classic ballad and a karaoke staple.
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE14rank/position
A gem of a duet song that delicately weaves together the tenderness of first love and the poignancy of parting.
Released in 2018 as an insert song for the film “Blue Summer: 30 Days of You and Me,” this piece blends the voices of Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and Sonoko Inoue, leaving a fleeting yet warm afterglow.
The lyrics are striking in the way they carefully portray, from both male and female perspectives, the joy of meeting, the foreboding of farewell, and feelings too deep for words.
It’s a heartwarming track that resonates with anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear or wants to cherish irreplaceable memories.