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 Ranking [2026] (91–100)
The Howling of the Lost OneNeru96rank/position
This is the 12th work by Neru.
It is included on Neru’s major first full album “Sekai Seifuku” and the VOCALOID compilation album “EXIT TUNES PRESENTS Vocalofuture feat.
Hatsune Miku.”
Agate Caressed by NightAyase97rank/position
Ayase’s song, themed around a heartrending farewell, is characterized by its electronic sound and emotionally resonant melody.
The lyrics convey the protagonist’s regret over not expressing words of gratitude and apology, as well as a deep sense of consideration for the other person.
A Hatsune Miku version was released in February 2019, and a self-cover version was issued as a digital single in September 2021.
Loved by many, it has garnered over 15 million views on YouTube.
Paired with photo posts, it can create an emotional atmosphere.
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya98rank/position
This song sings of a bittersweet love, portraying the feelings of a woman dancing the night away at a disco.
The protagonist, hurt by past relationships, continues superficial encounters while still yearning for true love—an impression that lingers.
It was included on the 1984 album “VARIETY” and released as a 12-inch single in 1985.
Tatsuro Yamashita produced the track and also played guitar.
In 2019, a new promotional video was created to commemorate its 35th anniversary.
It’s a lovely track that also works great for Instagram Stories.
May it be filled with kindnessFlower99rank/position
This is a cover song by JUJU.
While JUJU’s deep, high-quality vocals have their own charm, this bright and cute version is also perfect for an emotional wedding reception.
I think it’s a song that would pair beautifully with a pastel-colored bouquet.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE100rank/position
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad that gently embraces the doubts and struggles of adolescence.
Released in January 2025 as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival,” the piece sings, like a letter to a loved one, of the beauty of being true to yourself.
The grand performance delivered by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE together with a thousand 18-year-olds brilliantly captured the interplay of youthful radiance and anxiety.
It is a song that stands by the feelings of those who, on the verge of losing their sense of self, long for someone who will accept their true selves.
Its tender melody is one that brings tears to your eyes.