There are countless movies and television shows meant to evoke emotion, butthese 10 songs have found ways to make them even more devastating. Platforms such as Spotify, which seesongs reach over one billion streams, demonstrate how music connects more than ever before. Songs resonate with people worldwide on apps like TikTok.
Through these platforms, people select songs, using them to create edits. Oftentimes, they’re placed over films that are already sad, but with the right tune, they become heartbreaking. Of course,many movies have their own hit songs, such asA Star Is Born. However, the film starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Coopercould be more lachrymose with the right choice.
The interesting part about these songs that people choose to use is that they can come from many different time periods. Sometimes you see the mostwell-known classic rock artistsselected, and other times it’s musicians who have just begun. Regardless of the era they come from,they all resonate deeply and make many productions painful to bear.
10Bleachers - Isimo
It Might Be New, But It Hurts All The Same
Songs don’t always need a long time to connect with audiences. “Isimo” by Bleachers has only been out since 2024, but the song is quickly working its way into people’s commonly used tracks to set moods. The song lasts for just under three and a half minutes,maintaining a somber atmosphere throughout.
It doesn’t make it hurt any less, resurrecting the steps it took to break free.
The instrumental stays soft, with an emphasis on the piano. Each note resonates when placed over the right video. As for the lyrics, they’re presented with the same soft precision. Although it seems to have a positive nature about making it through a difficult life, it doesn’t make it hurt any less, resurrecting the steps it took to break free.
There Is Something With This Instrumental
During their career, Radiohead released many hit songs. “Creep,” “Exit Music,” and “Fake Plastic Trees” are just a few that rank among their very best. With tunes like these,the band became known for having a true understanding of how to emphasize everything they did, creating a haunting feeling each time one of their songs played.
Another tune they accomplished this with was “No Surprises.” Immediately, the first thing that stands out is the instrumental. It is calculated, and it is meant to elicit an immediate response. That’s what has made it perfect for being placed over edits of movies and television shows, asit hooks those watching within the first few seconds.
8Dr. Dog - Where’d All The Time Go?
Life Can Fly By In The Blink Of An Eye
By just reading the title “Where’d All the Time Go?,“the Dr. Dog song can evoke emotion. The concept of time is difficult, as it never feels like there’s enough. Essentially, that’s the root of this tune as it explores the complexity of how time passes. It even mentions two places where time can stand still: hospitals and funeral homes.
Often, this song is used to show the passage of time for different productions. With many having attachments to shows and movies,seeing a reel of how things developed can be very emotional. The song fulfills its purpose as it goes much deeper than just what is on the screen, bringing a variety of thoughts that come from inner turmoil.
7Sydney Rose - Before & After You
The Impact Has Been Felt Right After The Debut
So far in 2025, there have been major releases from some of the biggest artists. From Ringo Starr to The Weeknd, many incredible hits have been unveiled. Also in this mix is Sydney Rose. The singer-songwriterreleased a very meaningful tune in July of this year, evoking emotions in everyone who listened to the track.
As the title suggests, this song reflects on a relationship. It touches on the devastating times without the person nearby, all while remembering what once was when they were around. In all forms of entertainment, strained love is a frequently used topic, and this song fits perfectlyas the backdrop for some of the biggest heartbreaks.
6d4vd - Romantic Homicide
This Is A Slow Walk Through Pain
Sometimes, the movies and television shows that break viewers down the most arethe ones that develop slowly. It’s a chosen pace that allows viewers to see the pain from far away. All that’s left to do is bear the weight that comes with it. This is a concept many musicians have used as well to make their songs connect.
“Romantic Homicide,” in particular, has a true slow build, as d4vd tells this somber story.
One artist who understands how to do this well is d4vd. The up-and-coming musician has seen his career take off over the last few years. His songs, such as “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide,“have become hits on platforms like TikTok. “Romantic Homicide,” in particular, has a true slow build, as d4vd tells this somber story.
5The Fray - How To Save A Life
This Song Evokes A Lot Of Thinking
Although The Fray and lead singer Isaac Slade parted ways in 2022, the songs they created together are still held in high esteem. They had an incredible talent forcrafting tunes that sparked the strongest responses. One of their most meaningful songs is “How to Save a Life,” which is an intense journey through a strained relationship.
The song is known for its iconic piano opening and for how powerful Slade’s voice is throughout. Effortlessly, he is able to accentuate the most impactful phrases in the tune. Truly, this song could probably make anything seem sad when used as an edit, butwhen paired with something already emotional, it makes it devastating.
4Keane - Somewhere Only We Know
A Couple Of Decades Of Tears And Thinking
In 2004, Keane released their debut album,Hopes and Fears. Immediately, they made an impact, placing in the Top 50 of theBillboard200 and at number one on the Heatseekers Albums chart. From this, one of the standout songs was “Somewhere Only We Know,” which wasthe first song on the record and the first single released.
The song brought them significant attention as it placed on six differentBillboardcharts. It has a gentle nature, which helps it instantly connect with listeners. Over the past few decades, since its release, it has becomeone of the most notorious songs to use when trying to heighten an emotional atmosphere, as the tones evoke meaningful reactions.
3Billie Elish - What Was I Made For
Billie Knows How To Stir Up Emotions
It hasn’t taken Billie Eilish very long to become one of the biggest touring musicians worldwide. With hits such as “Bad Guy” and “When the Party’s Over,“Eilish has demonstrated the ability to write fun songs along with relatable ones. Regardless of the tune, something that is always present is Eilish’s delivery, crafting each piece with a certain uniqueness.
When examining her discography, one of her most stunning songs is “What Was I Made For.” Eilish showcases the beauty of her voice, singing each word with clarity. Since each line comes across so crisp, the song does well when enhancing edits. There is a seriousness that the song evokes,making it crucial that your attention doesn’t waver.
2Benson Boone - In The Stars
A Star On The Rise, Bringing Tears To The Eyes
Benson Boone has a tremendous voice which has quickly taken him far in his career. In just a few short years, he has already released two albums. Additionally,he has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world, such as Coachella, where he was joined on stage by legendary Queen guitarist Brian May for a couple of songs.
This song is a true journey, starting slowly before reaching a climactic finale.
Perhaps Boone is best known for the song “Beautiful Things.” However, he has plenty more,with many gaining traction on platforms like TikTok. One of those is “In the Stars,” a track from his 2024 record. A collaboration with a movie or television edit is perfect, as this song is a true journey, starting slowly before reaching a climactic finale.
1Pink Floyd - The Great Gig In The Sky
Legends Bringing Legendary Sadness
While many excelled at it, perhaps no classic rock band wrote the amount of hits that evoked as many emotions as Pink Floyd. With songs such as “Comfortably Numb” and “Wish You Were Here,” they were able to pull at the heartstrings of listeners. However, finding the right words to sing wasn’t the only way they connected.
Aside from the lyrics, they had some of the most beautiful instrumentals. They heightened the landscape of each song, but one in particular didn’t need much more than the instrumental itself. This is “The Great Gig in the Sky.” When used correctly, it’s a classic track that takes a sad movie or television scene and makes it even more devastating.
