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)
sparrowRADWIMPS feat. Tomae81rank/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.
somedaySaucy Dog82rank/position
A heartwarming song that captures bittersweet feelings of love and nostalgic memories.
It gently paints the small joys of everyday life—like gazing at the stars while walking up a hill, or the moment you held hands for the first time.
Included on the mini-album “Country Road,” released in May 2017, it was also selected as the ending theme for AbemaTV’s “AbemaPrime” for the month of March.
Perfect for when you want to look back on memories with someone special or soothe the pain of a broken heart.
With a tear-jerking sense of storytelling, it’s sure to resonate if you use it in your Instagram Stories.
Wrapped in Saucy Dog’s warm vocals, this is a song that will stay close to your heart.
evening primroseNovelbright83rank/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 5884rank/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.
MiracleGReeeeN85rank/position
GReeeeN’s “Kiseki” carries a dual meaning: the “miracle” of meeting the one you love on this vast earth, and the “trajectory” of love the two of you will walk from here on.
Its lyrics, which depict how small acts of love become a bond that ties two people strongly together and the desire to stay by each other’s side for life no matter what happens, are perfect for a couple’s new beginning.
How about adding it to your production as the theme song for the day—one that looks back on everything from your first meeting to your wedding and vows to share the life ahead?