"Kings and Queens" is a song by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, featured on their third studio album This Is War. Written by lead vocalist Jared Leto, the track was produced by Flood, Steve Lillywhite and Thirty Seconds to Mars. According to Leto, the lyrics of "Kings and Queens" explores the triumphant feeling of human possibilities. The melody of the song resembles the musical works of U2, and contains several qualities similar to that of 1980s adult contemporary musical works. "Kings and Queens" premiered on Kevin and Bean's radio show of KROQ in Los Angeles on October 6, 2009, and was released as the lead single from the album on October 13.
"Kings and Queens" received critical acclaim, with many critics deeming the song as an album highlight. Much of the praise went to the song's chorus and the musical production; reviewers also complimented Leto's vocals. The song became the band's second number one single on the Alternative Songs in the United States. The accompanying music video, directed by Jared Leto, features Thirty Seconds to Mars and a group of followers on a critical mass movement through Los Angeles at night. Critics lauded the simplicity of the video, which was nominated for numerous accolades, including four awards at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.