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] (41–50)
Spring Dayaimyon43rank/position
Written as the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Honeymoon Hurricane ~The Lost Hiroshi~,” it also portrays the Nohara family, who are Shin-chan’s family.
It’s a number that sings about those small misunderstandings that happen in our endlessly ordinary, thoughtless everyday lives.
If you’ve ended up fighting with family or friends, try singing this song and take a moment to reflect on your feelings.
Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA44rank/position
This song depicts the frustration and inner turmoil of having someone you love but not being able to say the simple words “I like you.” Even if you confess, it may not come true; the feelings are so serious that you can’t express them.
People who are in love will surely find this very relatable, won’t they?
hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake45rank/position
It’s a moving song that brings to mind someone dear who’s far away.
Released in January 2024, it was also chosen as the opening theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Eye Love You.” The lyrics, which sing of love that transcends time and distance, are sure to leave a deep impression on listeners.
Omoinotake’s warm vocals and the soothing sounds of piano and drums create a soundscape that’s perfect for moments of longing.
Use it in your Instagram Stories, and you might be able to share your feelings with friends.
budKobukuro46rank/position
This piece was written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Okan to Boku to, Tokidoki, Oton.” It’s a track by the celebrated musical duo Kobukuro, released in 2007 as their 14th single.
Its moving lyrics, which make you want to express gratitude to the parents who raised you, are sure to resonate with everyone.
The beautiful choral work is surely one reason why.
As the song progresses, you’ll feel your eyes well up—please enjoy this gem of a Japanese pop ballad.
threadNakajima Miyuki47rank/position
Speaking of weddings, Miyuki Nakajima’s “Ito” is an indispensable choice.
Released in 1998, it’s a gem of a masterpiece that has been passed down and sung by many.
The song portrays human connections as threads, celebrating the miracle of meeting and the lives that will continue to be woven together.
It’s a well-known piece across all ages and fits any scene at a wedding.
It’s also perfect for guests to offer as a celebratory gift for the couple’s new beginning.
If you’re confident in your singing, performing it will surely be appreciated!
moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro48rank/position
It was released in 2000 as Chihiro Onitsuka’s second single.
Chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s Friday Night Drama “TRICK,” it became her biggest hit.
It is a medium-tempo ballad praying for liberation from oppression, characterized by a deeply sorrowful sound.
Letter ~Dear You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki49rank/position
“Tegami: Haikei Jugo no Kimi e” is often sung as a graduation song.
It’s Angela Aki’s eighth single, released in 2008, and with this song she appeared on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen twice.
The lyrics, written as a letter to her 15-year-old self, honestly express vulnerable, unadorned feelings, and just listening to it can bring you to tears that won’t stop.
It’s a moving masterpiece that offers comfort in difficult times and gives encouragement, so I highly recommend it.
Please give it a listen.
