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 a loved one. Tracks to listen to while thinking of someone dear
- 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)
Love SongGReeeeN50rank/position
It was released in 2007 as GReeeeN’s third single.
The lyrics and music were written by GReeeeN themselves, and it is their first love song.
The track received many tie-ins, and its lyrics, which sing of straightforward love, resonate deeply.
Sad Song Rankings [2026] (51–60)
Dried flowersYuuri51rank/position
There are plenty of songs that make you cry, but when it comes to classic tearjerkers, aren’t heartbreak songs the first that come to mind? The song “Dry Flower” is by singer-songwriter Yuuri and serves as a sequel to “Kakurenbo,” which was released in 2019 as his first digital single.
“Kakurenbo” is a heartbreak song from a male perspective, while “Dry Flower” is from a female perspective—like two pieces that complete each other.
The bittersweet, helpless emotions in this track, and listening to both songs in order, make it all the more moving.
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE feat. Inoue Sonoko52rank/position
This is an insert song from the film “Blue and Summer: The 30 Days I Fell in Love With You.” It’s a track crafted by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and the female singer Sonoko Inoue.
A ballad built around a piano-driven sound, it immediately conveys its quality from the intro—some listeners might be moved right from the start.
It also highlights the appeal of a male-female duet.
The beautiful harmonies may bring you to tears before you even realize it.
Let yourself be moved by the clear, translucent voices of these two singers in their twenties.
LeoYuuri53rank/position
Yuuri’s “Leo” is a song about parting with a beloved dog who was part of the family.
Released in 2022 on his debut album “Ichi,” it drew attention as a real tearjerker.
The lyrics are written from the dog’s perspective and overflow with deep love for the owner.
They depict days spent walking and playing together, as well as the loneliness during a time when they were a bit apart.
It reminds us that every single moment spent with someone important is precious and irreplaceable.
If you have a pet, you’ll surely relate—so please give it a listen!
crescent moonayaka54rank/position
There are times when you feel like crying when your partner goes far away, aren’t there? A song recommended for those in a long-distance relationship is Ayaka’s “Mikazuki.” It’s a song themed around long-distance love.
She’s said to have written it based on her feelings when she moved to Tokyo and left her hometown.
The title “Mikazuki” (Crescent Moon) metaphorically refers to the shape of mobile phones at the time.
When you feel lonely, let the relatable lyrics and her beautiful voice soothe you.
It’s a classic that stays close to your heart when you feel like crying.
StoryAI55rank/position
AI is popular across generations for her vocal prowess and emotionally resonant voice.
Among her many songs, “Story” can be considered one of her signature tracks.
It served as the Japanese ending theme for the Disney movie Big Hero 6, making it a highly recognizable song known by both children and adults.
Depending on the listener, the situation or the person it evokes may differ, but it’s a track that strikes a chord with anyone who hears it.
Even if you’ve heard it many times, take a moment to really listen—it’s a moving masterpiece that can bring you to tears.
Love is litrokudenashi56rank/position
A heart-stirring ballad by Rokudenashi that delicately sings of loneliness and anxiety over a simple piano tone.
Ninzin’s clear, translucent voice shines like a warm light on the heart.
Released in February 2023, this song is a collaboration with Vocaloid producer MIMI and is also included on the album “Ai ni Saku Hana.” It’s a piece that reaches out to those who can’t bring themselves to love themselves or others, who are held back by old wounds, and who carry a quiet sadness.
When you’re burdened by feelings you can’t tell anyone, or overcome by deep solitude, it will gently encourage you right by your ear.