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] (81–90)
HANABIMr.Children85rank/position
Mr.Children is a quintessential Japanese band loved by people of all ages, known for many moving, tear-jerking songs.
Their track “HANABI,” released in 2008 as their 33rd single, became a long-running hit as the theme song for the popular drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.” For anyone struggling with something, holding back emotions, or weighed down by worries, this song resonates deeply from start to finish.
It’s a song you’ll want to remember for those times when you feel like crying.
sparrowRADWIMPS feat. Tomae86rank/position
This is the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film “Suzume,” performed by singer Toaka, who gained attention through her activities on TikTok.
The lyrics and composition are by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS—who co-produced the film’s music—together with film composer Kazuma Jinnouchi.
From the very first note, Toaka’s crystalline voice grips the heart.
With lyrics depicting the emotions of girls who grow as they face adversity and a grand, sweeping sound, it’s a profoundly moving track.
evening primroseNovelbright87rank/position
It’s a song that gently accompanies the hearts of those carrying feelings of sorrow.
The lyrics, depicting the pain of heartbreak and the process of self-recovery, resonate alongside a melody that sinks deep into the soul.
Novelbright’s delicate vocals express the world of this song even more profoundly.
Released in December 2020, it captured many hearts, including being featured as the Monthly Song for the weather segment on Fuji TV’s “Tokudane!”.
It’s recommended for those who have experienced a breakup or when you want to immerse yourself in past memories.
Use it in your Instagram Stories, and it will surely wrap your bittersweet feelings in warmth.
Motherkariyushi 5888rank/position
This song is addressed to my mother.
It’s also well-known that the song is based on a true story.
Feelings of gratitude toward your mother that are hard to express in everyday life may be conveyed more deeply if you share them at your wedding with this song as the background music.
YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu89rank/position
When I’m moved to tears by failure or regret, this song gives me the courage to stand up again.
It’s a track by the music unit Hentai Shinshi Club, included on their first album “ZURUMUKE,” released in 2021.
The sound—featuring the beautiful timbre of piano and strings—alone reaches deep into the heart.
And while the flow is understated, you can sense emotions bubbling up beneath the surface.
I recommend listening carefully at night, when you’re alone.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika90rank/position
It was released in 2003 as Mika Nakashima’s 10th single.
As a chaku-uta (mobile ringtone) it achieved million-seller status.
The song was used in Meiji Seika’s commercials for “boda” and “galbo,” in which Nakashima herself appeared, and it is a sad yet beautiful piece that evokes the poignant scenery of winter.
Sad Song Ranking [2026] (91–100)
I long to see you now.MISIA91rank/position
Some of you may strongly associate it with the theme song of the hit drama JIN, starring Takao Osawa.
The song “Aitakute Ima,” released in 2009 as MISIA’s 23rd single, is a tear-jerking masterpiece and one of her signature tracks.
Written as MISIA grappled with the theme of life, it’s a song that makes you think of someone you long to see but cannot.
Her vocals make it all the more moving, bringing listeners to tears.