"Live to Tell" was released in the United States in March 1986. It debuted on the "Billboard" Hot 100 at number 49, reaching the top position eight weeks later, where it remained for one week. Prior to reaching number one, it was stuck in the runner-up spot for two weeks below Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All." It became Madonna's third number-one single in the US, and her second number-one that is featured in a film after "Crazy for You". The song was a crossover success, topping the Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks, and peaking at number three on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart. In Canada the song debuted at number 79 of the "RPM" singles chart in April 1986, and reached the top of the chart for two weeks in May 1986, staying on the chart for a total of 23 weeks, It was ranked at the second position of the 1986 "RPM" Singles year-end chart.