10 most popular Katy Perry songs of all time

When you think of pop music that defined the 2000s and 2010s, it’s hard not to picture Katy Perry, dressed in candy-colored outfits and singing her heart out about love, freedom, and... the occasional extraterrestrial romance. With her infectious hooks, larger-than-life performances, and playful personality, Katy didn’t just make hits, she made pop culture moments.

The moment I Kissed a Girl hit the airwaves, Katy Perry proved she wasn't here for just a quick radio moment; she was here to run the charts. Whether you're belting her tunes on a road trip or dancing in your living room, chances are Katy's songs have been a soundtrack to at least one chapter of your life.

In this article, we're taking a nostalgic (and slightly sparkly) stroll through the 10 most popular Katy Perry songs of all time, the ones that made us sing louder, dance harder, and believe we were fireworks, too.

The best Katy Perry songs you can't miss

Katy Perry has never been afraid to be bold, weird, or wildly colorful, and her music reflects that perfectly. Across her career, she’s given us anthems for teenage love, party nights gone sideways, personal empowerment, and even the occasional alien love affair.

Choosing just 10 songs wasn’t easy. The woman’s catalog is stacked, but these tracks stand tall among the rest, thanks to their cultural impact, chart success, and the way they still blast at full volume every time they come on. Ready to dive in? Here’s our lineup:

Firework

Firework is Katy Perry’s ultimate power anthem. It's more than just a pop song; it’s an emotional pep talk disguised in a glittery beat. Light one up and remember, you’re original and can’t be replaced.

Teenage Dream

Pure, sugary bliss wrapped up in a perfect pop package. Teenage Dream isn't just about young love; it feels like young love: reckless, magical, and a little endless.

Roar

If you’ve ever needed a soundtrack for your “I’m finally standing up for myself” moment, Roar is it. With a stomping beat and lyrics that yell (literally) strength, this one’s a whole mood.

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California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg)

A beach party in song form, complete with whipped cream bikinis. California Gurls is sun-soaked fun that doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it seriously unforgettable.

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Dark Horse (feat. Juicy J)

Mysterious, a little spooky, and a whole lot of hypnotic. Dark Horse showed Katy’s darker side, and let's be honest, it was totally spellbinding.

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I Kissed a Girl

The song that kicked it all off. I Kissed a Girl was playful, bold, and controversial enough to catapult Katy into pop stardom overnight, and it’s still catchy as ever.

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Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

The anthem for every blurry Saturday morning after a wild night out. Last Friday Night perfectly captures the spirit of youthful chaos, awkward moments, and all.

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E.T. (feat. Kanye West)

Strange, steamy, and otherworldly. E.T. took Katy’s pop sound into new cosmic territory, and somehow made falling in love with an alien seem totally normal.

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Hot N Cold

This one’s for anyone who's ever dealt with someone whose moods change faster than a Netflix queue. Hot N Cold is a sassy bop that turned relationship drama into dancefloor gold.

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Wide Awake

Wide Awake is Katy’s moment of clarity, the song where the glitter falls away and real emotions kick in. It’s introspective, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.

Katy Perry isn’t just a hitmaker, she’s a master of tapping into exactly what we’re feeling (or want to feel) and spinning it into a three-minute anthem. From dance-pop bangers to heartfelt ballads, she’s given us a playlist for life’s highs, lows, and everything in between.

And while these 10 songs are her most popular, Katy’s full discography is packed with hidden gems that deserve just as much love. So the next time you’re building a playlist or just need a pick-me-up, you know exactly where to start. Go on, unleash your inner firework.