Sad Song Rankings [2026]
Here is this year’s ranking of “sad songs.”
We present the most-listened-to tracks of the year in order of their ranking.
Songs created by overcoming experiences of “sadness,” along with their lyrics, seem to resonate with many listeners.
They will surely be music that people keep listening to for years to come.
- Popular Tearjerker Song Rankings [2026]
- Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]
- Crying-Your-Eyes-Out Song Rankings [2026]
- Lonely Song Rankings [2026]
- Popular Depressive Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular Heartbreak Song Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Tear-Jerking Japanese Songs [2026]
- [Songs of Bereavement] Songs about losing someone dear. Tracks to listen to while thinking of a loved one.
- Popular Moving Songs Ranking [2026]
- [So touching it makes you cry] A heartbreakingly wistful and sad song that tightens your chest
- Ken Hirai’s Tearjerker/Weepy Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- HY’s Tearjerker Songs: Top Cry-Inducing and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- A song I want people who have lost a beloved partner to listen to
Sad Song Rankings [2026] (71–80)
I wanted to dance to your heartbeat.Pikon71rank/position
A slow ballad with a striking piano melody, this captivating track weaves a beautiful world through its heartrending tune and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Released in January 2018, it is the 17th song by Vocaloid producer Picon and has garnered over 3 million views on YouTube.
The melancholic piece, which sings of loneliness and a sense of loss, carries a lingering afterglow that makes you want to listen in the quiet of the night.
When you’re weighed down by pain or want to immerse yourself in the bittersweet feeling of thinking about someone, it will gently stay by your heart.
night after nightKurahashi Yoeko72rank/position
The tune isn’t all that sad, but the lyrics are extremely negative, expressing dark emotions that women often harbor, sung in a way that feels a bit unhinged.
It’s likely to be relatable for many women.
It’s a popular song, with fan-made unofficial PVs and frequent use on Nico Nico Douga.
Best FriendKiroro73rank/position
When you’re feeling kind of worn out and just want to cry for no reason, I recommend Kiroro’s “Best Friend.” Even if you feel alone, listening to this song will remind you that you have people who are important to you and friends by your side.
The song expresses gratitude to those people.
I want to see you.yuzu74rank/position
In April 2009, Yuzu released a gem of a ballad imbued with a stirring melody and deep feelings for a loved one.
Created by Kitagawa as an expression of gratitude and love for his late father, the song touched many hearts as the theme for the NHK drama “Ghost Friends.” Carried by a warm piano tone and a beautiful string arrangement, it gives voice to a heartfelt wish for a beloved person who has been lost.
Their moving performance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen remains fresh in memory, and the song was also included on the album “Yuzu Iroha 1997–2017,” where it continues to be cherished.
It is a piece that gently stays close to the hearts of those who have experienced the parting of a dear one or who carry feelings they cannot fully express.
Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi75rank/position
Many of Kenshi Yonezu’s songs feature masterful, beautiful Japanese lyrics that can move you to tears.
His song “Eine Kleine” is, without exaggeration, one of the first titles that comes up these days when people talk about tearjerkers.
Included on the 2014 album “YANKEE,” it’s also one of Yonezu’s signature tracks.
The song portrays the willingness to sacrifice oneself precisely because you love someone, and the kind of breakup that happens because of that love.
Anyone struggling with romance will likely be brought to tears when they listen.
It’s also a song that makes you want to experience loving someone in that way.
flameLiSA76rank/position
LiSA’s “Homura,” which became a massive hit as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, was the talk of the town.
Some listeners may find themselves in tears as they recall the film’s moving scenes that tie into the song.
But this track is more than that—it’s a song that resonates deeply even with those who haven’t seen the movie, a tearjerker that touches the heart.
It brings to mind someone you made an important promise to long ago, dear friends or family you rarely get to see, or someone you can no longer meet—reminding everyone of the person they’ve kept in their heart, and moving them to tears before they even realize it.
loveHoshino Gen77rank/position
It’s the well-known “Koi” by Gen Hoshino.
It’s become an essential song for weddings.
A track that makes anyone feel happy can serve as a versatile choice for both the entrance and background music.
It’s perfect when you want to create a cute, pop atmosphere.
The chorus might even make everyone want to start dancing.