Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]
Here’s a ranking of this year’s trending “heart-wrenching songs.”
There are times—during breakups, while in love, in all kinds of moments—when your chest tightens with emotion, right?
Many songs released this year capture those feelings, so you may find them relatable.
We’ll introduce the most-listened-to songs of the year in ranking order.
- Lonely Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Heart-Wrenching Songs by Male J-Pop Singers [2026]
- Popular Love Songs & Romance Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Goodbye Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Depressive Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular Heartbreak Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Unrequited Love Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Love Song Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Moving/Japanese Pop Songs [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Nostalgic Songs and Classics [2026]
Heartbreaking Song Ranking [2026] (11–20)
15 Years of a Clingy Guy’s Petty ObsessionIe no ura de manbō ga shinderu P15rank/position

As the title suggests, you’ll be led to believe it’s just a slightly creepy song about unrequited love—if only that were true.
The way the words are woven in, almost like a gag, is sure to make you laugh.
However, by the middle of the song, anyone perceptive will realize what it’s really about.
This track, which passionately sings of unwavering devotion, is one you should definitely listen to all the way to the end.
Because I fell in loveaimyon16rank/position

It’s a gem of a ballad by Aimyon that not only conveys the aching sense of loss after love ends, but also evokes gratitude for having met that special person.
Included on the album “Shunkanteki Sixth Sense,” released in February 2019, this piece captivates with its stripped-down, unadorned arrangement.
Known for being recorded in a single take, the acoustic guitar tones and her raw vocals resonate as if speaking right beside the listener.
It leaves you with a warm feeling, one that makes you cherish how your view of the world has changed through knowing love.
Perfect for a quiet night when you want to shed a few tears and detox your heart.
cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS17rank/position

This song portrays the ache of unrequited love.
It’s one of the tracks included on the album “ANTI ANTI GENERATION,” released in December 2018, and it carefully captures the subtle emotional shifts that occur in romance.
With RADWIMPS’ characteristically poetic lyrics and memorable melody, it resonates deeply with anyone struggling in love.
The music video features Nana Komatsu and Fūju Kamio, unfolding a romantic story.
It’s perfect for karaoke, so it’s recommended for those troubled by love or anyone who wants to express bittersweet feelings through song.
Try singing your heart out while overlaying your own feelings onto the lyrics.
raspberryMarushii18rank/position

When you fall in love, emotions spill over that reason can’t hold back.
Marcy’s unrequited-love song vividly portrays feelings that only grow stronger for someone special.
Released in June 2023, the piece sets bittersweet, tender emotions for a loved one to a guitar rock-driven sound.
It delicately captures the heart of unrequited love—swaying between joy and despair at the other person’s ambiguity, yet still holding onto hope.
It will surely resonate with hearts that can’t confess their feelings, unable to keep them in.
I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number19rank/position

A quintessential back number love song that distills the pain of unrequited love right into its title.
It’s a track from the album “Chandelier,” released in December 2015.
With plain, direct lyrics, it draws the gap between a wholehearted devotion to someone and the reality that those feelings don’t reach them.
Even while realizing that your world revolves around that person, you’re not someone special to them—that frustrating ache hits hard.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear if you’re in a one-sided love or struggling because the person you like won’t look your way.
Calc.Jimii Samu P20rank/position

This is a Vocaloid song that gently stays by your side in the sorrow of heartbreak.
Created by JimmyThumb-P, a Vocaloid producer known for numerous hits like “from Y to Y,” it was released in September 2010.
The unforgettable parting is sung over a fast-paced band sound, resulting in something that really pierces the heart.
Before you know it, you end up empathizing with the protagonist and feeling tears well up.
Many popular singers have covered it, so if you’re interested, be sure to browse the videos.
Heartbreaking Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)
Cowardly Mont BlancDECO*2721rank/position

When it comes to GUMI songs, this is the one! I’m sure many Vocaloid fans would agree.
This track, created by the Vocaloid producer DECO*27—who has also written many songs for famous artists—was released in 2010.
The lyrics candidly portray the protagonist’s emotional weakness: even though they were supposed to love that person, at some point they lost sight of their true feelings.
You can feel that pain coming through the music, and it tightens your chest.
There’s also a novel adaptation, which I highly recommend checking out as well.


