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JoJo Steel Ball Run: The Most Anticipated Anime of 2026
Steel Ball Run is finally here, and it's already breaking records. After years of anticipation, David Production's adaptation of Hirohiko Araki's beloved seventh part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has landed on Netflix — and the anime community is losing its mind.
But if you're new to JoJo or returning after a break, you might be wondering: where do I even start?
The Complete JoJo Watch Order (2026 Updated)
Here's the definitive order to watch every JoJo part:
- 1Phantom Blood (Part 1) — 9 episodes
- 2Battle Tendency (Part 2) — 17 episodes
- 3Stardust Crusaders (Part 3) — 48 episodes
- 4Diamond is Unbreakable (Part 4) — 39 episodes
- 5Golden Wind (Part 5) — 39 episodes
- 6Stone Ocean (Part 6) — 38 episodes
- 7Steel Ball Run (Part 7) — Currently airing
Can You Watch Steel Ball Run Without Watching Previous Parts?
Yes, technically. Steel Ball Run takes place in an alternate universe with a completely new cast. Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppelli's story is self-contained. However, you'll miss callbacks, thematic parallels, and the deeper appreciation that comes from knowing the original timeline.
Steel Ball Run Netflix Release Schedule
Netflix is releasing Steel Ball Run in a weekly format — a departure from their usual batch-drop strategy. Here's what we know:
- Part 1 (Episodes 1-12): Available now
- Part 2 (Episodes 13-24): Expected Summer 2026
- Part 3 (Episodes 25-38): Expected Fall/Winter 2026
The weekly release has been a huge win for the community, generating week-to-week discussion and theories reminiscent of the golden age of anime discourse.
What Makes Steel Ball Run Special?
Steel Ball Run is consistently ranked as the best JoJo part by manga readers, and for good reason:
- The Setting: A cross-country horse race across 1890s America
- The Stands: Some of the most creative and terrifying Stand abilities in the series
- The Villain: Funny Valentine is widely considered one of the greatest anime antagonists ever written
- The Themes: Gravity, fate, and what it means to take the "first napkin"
Key Characters to Know
Johnny Joestar
A former horse racing prodigy left paraplegic after a tragic incident. His journey from cynical loner to determined hero is one of Araki's finest character arcs.
Gyro Zeppelli
The charismatic Italian executioner who teaches Johnny the Spin technique. His chemistry with Johnny creates one of the best duos in anime history.
Funny Valentine
The 23rd President of the United States and the main antagonist. His Stand, D4C (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap), allows him to travel between parallel dimensions.
How the Anime Compares to the Manga
Early reception has been overwhelmingly positive. David Production has maintained the gorgeous art style while adding:
- Stunning horse racing animation sequences
- An atmospheric OST that blends Western and rock influences
- Voice acting that brings these characters to new heights
Ready to Identify That Scene?
Spotted a screenshot from Steel Ball Run and want to know the exact episode? Use our AI-powered anime scene finder to identify any JoJo scene in seconds.
Final Thoughts
Steel Ball Run represents a creative peak not just for JoJo, but for manga and anime as a whole. Whether you're a longtime fan or jumping in fresh, this is must-watch anime in 2026.
The race across America has begun. Are you ready to join?