Western Music Friendship Songs Ranking [2025]

You’ve got a friend in me – Randy Newman –TOY STORY36rank/position

Toy Story – You’ve got a friend in me – Randy Newman – Lyrics

A friendship song that’s easy to recommend even for young children.

Written by singer-songwriter Randy Newman as the theme song for the 1995 animated film Toy Story, it expresses a straightforward sentiment of “You’ve got a friend in me!” The lyrics clearly reflect the film’s story.

Because it’s so well-known, it might be perfect as BGM for a surprise video for Disney fans or friends who love Toy Story.

CoolJonas Brothers37rank/position

Jonas Brothers – Cool (Official Video)

In the music video, set on Miami Beach in the ’80s, they dance in retro, pastel-colored, pop-inspired fashion while blasting a vintage boombox.

It feels like being transported back to a dreamy, glamorous era.

The Jonas Brothers are an American pop-rock band made up of three brothers: eldest Kevin, middle Joe, and youngest Nick.

This song basically says, “We’ve been on fire lately!” As usual, it’s a song sung among men, but turning that on its head, it’s especially recommended for women who like a boyish vibe!

I’ll be there for youThe Rembrandts38rank/position

The Rembrandts- I’ll be there for you (official video)

A masterpiece packed with classic power pop and plenty of ’60s-flavored elements, polished into a breezy slice of American power pop! I bet many listeners can’t help but squint with nostalgia when they hear this one.

The Rembrandts, a Los Angeles duo from California, released “I’ll Be There for You” in 1995.

It’s their signature track and a worldwide hit, best known as the theme song for the popular NBC TV series Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004.

If you looked forward to that show back then, just hearing the intro is probably enough to send a pang through your heart.

It’s a straightforward love song—life may not be going well, but if you’re by my side, I’ll be okay, so I’ll be there for you too—and because it’s about wanting that special person to stay close, it can also be read as a friendship anthem.

Graduation (Friends Forever)Vitamin C39rank/position

Graduation (Friends Forever) – Vitamin C HD

This song, which sings of the wonders of friendship and the sadness of parting, is known as a staple at graduation ceremonies.

Its melody, sampling classical music, combined with a bright pop vocal, creates a moving atmosphere.

Released in August 1999, it charted in countries around the world and became a major hit especially in Australia.

Even today, it’s still played in many places during high school and university graduation seasons.

It’s a recommended track not only for adults who fondly recall their youthful friendships, but also for young people about to step into a new environment.

Friend of MineClarence Clemons & Jackson Browne40rank/position

You’re a Friend of Mine

An upbeat, poppy piece that begins with bright saxophone melodies.

Its appeal lies in a simple, crisp, distinctly American sound.

On his 1984 solo album, Clarence Clemons performed it as a duet with Jackson Browne.

UmbrellaRihanna ft Jay Z41rank/position

Rihanna – Umbrella (Orange Version) (Official Music Video) ft. JAY-Z

Since releasing her debut album as a teenager in 2005, Rihanna has enjoyed tremendous commercial success and an illustrious career, including nine Grammy Awards.

Seamlessly blending her Caribbean roots with contemporary R&B and reigning as a style icon with her sophisticated fashion, Rihanna’s biggest hit is, of course, “Umbrella.” Featuring a cool guest verse by JAY-Z, the song’s brilliance needs no introduction—but do you know what the lyrics are about? The word “umbrella” serves as a metaphor: the falling rain represents life’s hardships, and she sings, “Come under my umbrella,” offering shelter and support.

It’s a masterpiece that eloquently celebrates the importance of two people helping each other—perhaps that’s why it has become a beloved song around the world.

We Can’t StopMiley Cyrus42rank/position

Miley Cyrus – We Can’t Stop (Official Video)

Miley Cyrus rose to global stardom as the lead in Disney Channel’s hit series Hannah Montana.

Since launching her full-fledged career as a singer, she has shifted her style to a cooler, more provocative direction.

Her track We Can’t Stop showcases this sexy, edgy side of her.

Rather than a friendship anthem, it’s crafted as a party song for having fun and goofing around with friends or a partner.

If you’re in high school, why not try using it as background music at a friend’s party?