JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken) is a sprawling, multi-generational saga that has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique art style, over-the-top characters, and thrilling battles. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, one of the first questions is often: just how much JoJo is there to watch? The answer, as the title suggests, is quite a lot! This guide breaks down the episode count across all animated parts, providing a comprehensive overview of this iconic anime series.
Breaking Down the Animated JoJo Universe
The JoJo anime adapts Hirohiko Araki’s long-running manga series, each part focusing on a different member of the Joestar family and their unique struggles against supernatural threats. The anime adaptation isn’t just one long continuous series, but rather divided into distinct “parts,” each with its own story and visual style. Understanding these parts is crucial to knowing the total episode count.
Part 1: Phantom Blood
Phantom Blood is the first part of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure saga and serves as the foundation for the entire series. It introduces Jonathan Joestar, a noble and courageous young man, and his adopted brother, Dio Brando, whose insatiable ambition leads him down a dark path. The story focuses on their rivalry and Dio’s transformation into a powerful vampire.
The anime adaptation of Phantom Blood is relatively short, consisting of only 9 episodes. Despite its brevity, it establishes many of the core themes and concepts that define JoJo’s, including the importance of family, courage, and the fight against evil. It may seem like a quick watch, but it’s a crucial starting point for understanding the rest of the series.
Part 2: Battle Tendency
Battle Tendency shifts the focus to Joseph Joestar, Jonathan’s grandson, a charismatic and resourceful young man with a knack for getting into trouble. This part introduces the concept of Hamon, a breathing technique that allows users to channel sunlight energy, and pits Joseph against the Pillar Men, ancient beings with immense power.
Battle Tendency is significantly longer than Phantom Blood, clocking in at 17 episodes. It’s widely regarded as one of the most entertaining and beloved parts of the JoJo anime, thanks to its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and clever use of strategy and humor. Many fans consider it a high point in the entire series.
Part 3: Stardust Crusaders
Stardust Crusaders is arguably the most iconic and influential part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. It introduces Stands, psychic manifestations of a person’s fighting spirit, which become a central element of the series from this point onward. The story follows Jotaro Kujo, Joseph’s grandson, and his companions as they travel from Japan to Egypt to defeat Dio Brando, who has returned with a Stand of his own.
Stardust Crusaders is the longest part of the JoJo anime, spanning a total of 48 episodes. It’s divided into two seasons: the first season covers the journey from Japan to Singapore, while the second season focuses on the group’s travels through the Middle East and their final confrontation with Dio in Egypt. Its length allows for deeper character development and more elaborate Stand battles.
Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable
Diamond is Unbreakable moves the setting to the fictional Japanese town of Morioh and centers on Josuke Higashikata, Joseph Joestar’s illegitimate son. This part introduces a new cast of Stand users and focuses on the mystery surrounding a string of bizarre incidents occurring in Morioh, eventually leading to a confrontation with a serial killer who is also a Stand user.
Diamond is Unbreakable consists of 39 episodes. It’s known for its more slice-of-life elements, quirky characters, and exploration of the everyday lives of Stand users in a small town. While still retaining the action and adventure of previous parts, Diamond is Unbreakable also delves into themes of community, friendship, and the importance of protecting one’s home.
Part 5: Golden Wind
Golden Wind takes place in Italy and follows Giorno Giovanna, Dio Brando’s son, as he joins the Passione mafia with the goal of reforming it from the inside. This part features a new cast of Stand users and focuses on Giorno’s ambition to become a “Gang-Star,” a mafia boss who protects the innocent and fights against corruption.
Golden Wind is composed of 39 episodes, mirroring the length of Diamond is Unbreakable. It’s known for its stylish visuals, complex characters, and intense Stand battles within the unique setting of Italy’s criminal underworld. Giorno’s ambition and unwavering resolve make him a compelling protagonist, and the battles against rival mafia members are some of the most visually stunning in the series.
Part 6: Stone Ocean
Stone Ocean shifts the setting to Florida and follows Jolyne Cujoh, Jotaro Kujo’s daughter, as she is framed for a crime she didn’t commit and sent to a maximum-security prison. This part explores Jolyne’s struggle for survival within the prison walls, her efforts to clear her name, and her eventual confrontation with a returning enemy with a sinister plot that threatens the entire world.
Stone Ocean consists of 38 episodes, released in batches on Netflix. This Part is considered to be an important part of the whole JoJo saga, even if some critics find it slow-paced compared to previous seasons. It is also the first part to have a female JoJo as the main character.
The Total Episode Count: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Anime
So, how many episodes of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are there in total? Let’s add up the episode counts from each part:
- Phantom Blood: 9 episodes
- Battle Tendency: 17 episodes
- Stardust Crusaders: 48 episodes
- Diamond is Unbreakable: 39 episodes
- Golden Wind: 39 episodes
- Stone Ocean: 38 episodes
Adding these numbers together, we arrive at a grand total of 190 episodes of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime, available as of October 2024. This number excludes any OVAs (Original Video Animations) or specials that may exist.
Why the Number Matters
Understanding the total episode count of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is important for several reasons.
- Planning Your Watch: Knowing the length of each part allows you to plan your viewing schedule accordingly. You can decide whether to binge-watch the entire series or spread it out over a longer period.
- Understanding the Commitment: JoJo’s is a significant time investment. Knowing the total episode count helps you understand the commitment required to fully experience the series.
- Navigating the Series: The division into distinct parts can be confusing for newcomers. Understanding the episode count within each part helps you navigate the series and keep track of your progress.
The Future of JoJo Anime
As of October 2024, the anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has covered Parts 1 through 6 of the manga series. Fans are eagerly awaiting news about the adaptation of Part 7: Steel Ball Run, which is widely regarded as one of the best parts of the entire manga series. Steel Ball Run is known for its complex plot, compelling characters, and unique setting of a cross-country horse race across the United States. The adaptation of Part 8: JoJolion is also eagerly awaited, as this part continues the story in Morioh with a new cast of characters and mysteries. The future of JoJo anime looks bright, with plenty of exciting content to come. When and if it comes out will undoubtedly add to the list of episodes, further expanding the JoJo anime universe.
The Evolution of JoJo’s Art Style and Animation
One of the most striking aspects of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is its constantly evolving art style and animation. Each part of the anime features a distinct visual aesthetic that reflects the tone and setting of the story. From the classic, muscular designs of Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency to the more stylized and fashionable characters of Diamond is Unbreakable and Golden Wind, the visual evolution of JoJo’s is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the animators and character designers. The animation quality has also improved significantly over the years, with later parts featuring more fluid and dynamic action sequences. This evolution is one of the many reasons why JoJo’s remains a visually captivating and engaging series, even for long-time fans.
JoJo’s Influence on Popular Culture
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has had a profound influence on popular culture, inspiring countless works of anime, manga, video games, and other media. Its unique art style, over-the-top characters, and creative Stand abilities have become iconic and instantly recognizable. Many artists and creators have cited JoJo’s as a major influence on their work, and its impact can be seen in a wide range of genres and mediums. From the exaggerated poses and flamboyant fashion to the creative use of music and sound effects, JoJo’s has left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular culture. Its enduring popularity and influence are a testament to its originality, creativity, and enduring appeal.
Beyond the Anime: Exploring Other JoJo Media
While the anime is the most popular and accessible way to experience JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, there are many other forms of media that offer additional content and perspectives on the JoJo universe. The manga series, which serves as the source material for the anime, provides a more complete and detailed version of the story, with additional scenes, character development, and backstory. There are also several light novels, video games, and even a live-action film that explore different aspects of the JoJo universe. For dedicated fans, exploring these other forms of media can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the JoJo saga. Whether you’re reading the manga, playing the video games, or watching the live-action film, there’s always something new to discover in the bizarre and captivating world of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
How many episodes are there in total across all parts of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime adaptation, as of late 2024, spans multiple parts, each adapting a different storyline from the manga. Across these parts, including Phantom Blood, Battle Tendency, Stardust Crusaders, Diamond is Unbreakable, Golden Wind, Stone Ocean, and Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan, there are a grand total of 190 episodes currently released. This encompasses the initial television broadcast episodes as well as the OVAs that form part of the expanded universe.
Keep in mind that this number may increase over time as new parts of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga are adapted into anime form. Future adaptations will add more episodes to the overall count. Fans eagerly await news of upcoming seasons to expand the bizarre world further.
What is the episode count for each individual part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
The number of episodes varies considerably between each part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency together comprise the first season with 9 and 17 episodes respectively. Stardust Crusaders is split into two seasons, totaling 48 episodes. Diamond is Unbreakable has 39 episodes.
Golden Wind consists of 39 episodes, and Stone Ocean has 38 episodes. Additionally, the spin-off series Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan contains 4 OVA episodes, bringing the total count to 190 when combined with the main series episodes.
Does the episode count include the OVAs (Original Video Animations)?
Yes, the total episode count of 190 does include the OVAs, specifically the ones for Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan. These OVAs are considered part of the broader JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime universe and offer standalone stories featuring the popular character Kishibe Rohan. They contribute significantly to the overall viewing experience for fans.
While there are some earlier OVAs related to Stardust Crusaders, they are often considered separate from the main series due to their older animation style and different production team. The commonly cited 190 episode count usually refers to the modern anime adaptation starting with Phantom Blood and includes the modern OVAs of Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan.
Where can I watch all the episodes of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is widely available on various streaming platforms. Popular options include Crunchyroll, which offers simulcasts and a large catalog of anime, including all parts of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure with subtitles. Netflix has also streamed parts of JoJo, notably Stone Ocean, and may occasionally add other seasons.
Depending on your region, Hulu might also offer the series. Be sure to check the availability of specific seasons on these platforms as their content libraries can vary. Purchasing digital or physical copies of the series is another option to ensure access to all episodes.
Are there any differences in episode count between the Japanese and English dubbed versions?
No, there are no differences in the episode count between the Japanese and English dubbed versions of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The dubbing process simply translates the audio into English without altering the number of episodes or the content within each episode. Whether you choose to watch the subtitled version in Japanese or the English dubbed version, you will experience the same narrative structure and episode sequence.
The only potential variation might be in release schedules on certain streaming platforms. Sometimes, the English dubbed versions of newly released episodes may lag slightly behind the Japanese subtitled versions, but the overall episode count remains consistent.
Will the episode count increase in the future?
Yes, it is highly likely that the episode count will increase in the future. The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga series, written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, is composed of multiple parts, and not all of them have been adapted into anime yet. Parts like Steel Ball Run and JoJolion remain highly anticipated for anime adaptations.
If and when these subsequent parts are adapted, they will add significantly to the overall episode count. Given the ongoing popularity of the series and the consistent production quality of the anime adaptations thus far, fans can reasonably expect further expansions to the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime universe.
Is there a specific order I should watch the episodes in?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to watch the episodes in chronological order based on the parts of the story. Start with Phantom Blood (episodes 1-9), followed by Battle Tendency (episodes 10-26), then Stardust Crusaders (seasons 1 and 2 totaling 48 episodes), Diamond is Unbreakable (39 episodes), Golden Wind (39 episodes), and Stone Ocean (38 episodes).
After watching these main parts, you can watch Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan (4 OVA episodes). This order ensures that you understand the overarching narrative, character introductions, and power progression, as each part builds upon the previous one. Deviating from this sequence may lead to confusion and spoilers.