Definitive Guide: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Watch Order (Complete Timeline)

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is one of the most influential franchises in the history of manga and anime. Written by Hirohiko Araki, the series is distinguished by an unusual narrative structure: instead of following a single protagonist, the story is divided into "Parts." Each Part features a new protagonist (nicknamed "JoJo"), a new setting, and a new narrative genre.

Due to this structure, the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure watch order is strict. The story is a generational saga, and skipping a part results in the loss of fundamental context.

Below, we present the correct chronological and release order to watch the modern adaptation by David Production.

The Main Order (The Joestar Saga)

You must watch these series in the exact following order. Skipping any is not recommended, as events from one part directly influence the next.

1. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: The Animation (2012)

This first season adapts the first two parts of the manga.

• Part 1: Phantom Blood (Episodes 1-9): Set in England in 1880. It follows Jonathan Joestar and his conflict with his adoptive brother, Dio Brando. It introduces the "Hamon" power system and the "Stone Mask." It is a gothic horror and martial arts story.

• Part 2: Battle Tendency (Episodes 10-26): Set in New York and Europe in 1938. It follows Joseph Joestar (Jonathan's grandson). The genre shifts to an action adventure and "pulp" story in the style of Indiana Jones.

2. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders (2014-2015)

• Part 3: Set in 1989.

• Protagonist: Jotaro Kujo.

• The Key: This is the most famous part. It introduces Stands (physical manifestations of fighting spirit), replacing Hamon as the main power system. The plot is a "road trip" from Japan to Egypt to defeat DIO. It is divided into two seasons: Stardust Crusaders and Battle in Egypt.

3. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable (2016)

• Part 4: Set in Japan in 1999.

• Protagonist: Josuke Higashikata.

• The Key: The genre shifts drastically to a Slice of Life and murder mystery in a small town called Morioh. It introduces the villain Yoshikage Kira.

4. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind (Vento Aureo) (2018)

• Part 5: Set in Italy in 2001.

• Protagonist: Giorno Giovanna.

• The Key: It is a mobster story. Giorno seeks to rise in the criminal organization "Passione" to stop drug trafficking. Although it is the most standalone part, it is canon and thematically crucial.

5. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean (2021)

• Part 6: Set in Florida, USA, in 2011.

• Protagonist: Jolyne Cujoh.

• The Key: It follows Jotaro Kujo's daughter in a maximum-security prison. This part concludes the original Joestar family saga and the conflict initiated in Phantom Blood.

Where Spin-offs and OVAs Fit In

Once you have understood the main timeline, there is additional content.

Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan

• Format: OVA Series (4 episodes on Netflix).

• When to watch: After Part 4 (Diamond is Unbreakable).

• Description: Follows the solo adventures of Rohan Kishibe, a supporting character from Part 4. These are episodic supernatural horror stories. They do not affect the main plot but expand the world.

What about the 1993/2000 OVAs?

Before the modern David Production series, there were OVAs produced by studio APPP that adapted Stardust Crusaders.

• Verdict: They are a historical curiosity. They have excellent animation but cut a large portion of the story. They do not replace the 2014 series. Only watch them if you have already finished the modern series and want to see a different interpretation.

Summary Data Sheet

Franchise Trivia

• Musical References: Hirohiko Araki names almost all characters and Stands based on Western rock bands and songs (e.g., AC/DC, Queen, Prince).

• The Art Shift: The drawing style changes in each part. Parts 1-3 feature very muscular characters (inspired by Fist of the North Star), while from Part 4 onwards, the characters are more stylized and slender (inspired by high fashion).

• The Poses: "JoJo Poses" are famous for being anatomically improbable and artistic, inspired by fashion magazines like Vogue.

Is It Worth Watching in 2025?

Yes. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure remains relevant because it constantly reinvents itself. By changing genres in each part (Horror -> Adventure -> Road Trip -> Mystery -> Mafia -> Prison), it avoids becoming repetitive.

It is a series that requires patience during the first 9 episodes (Phantom Blood), but rewards the viewer with one of the most creative combat systems (Stands) and a generational narrative unique in anime.

FAQ: Common Questions About JoJo's Watch Order

In what order should I watch JoJo's Bizarre Adventure? The correct order is chronological by release:

1. Phantom Blood (Part 1)

2. Battle Tendency (Part 2)

3. Stardust Crusaders (Part 3)

4. Diamond is Unbreakable (Part 4)

5. Golden Wind (Part 5)

6. Stone Ocean (Part 6)

Can I skip Part 1 (Phantom Blood)? It is not recommended. While Part 1 has a different pacing than the rest of the series, it establishes the foundational conflict between the Joestar family and Dio Brando. Skipping it will make the emotional stakes of Part 3 and Part 6 much harder to understand.

When should I watch "Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan"? You should watch the Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan OVAs after finishing Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable. The main character, Rohan, is introduced in Part 4, so watching it earlier will lead to spoilers and confusion.

Is the 1993 OVA necessary to watch? No. The 1993/2000 OVAs cover the same story as Part 3: Stardust Crusaders but with much of the plot cut out. The modern adaptation (2014) is the complete and faithful version. Only watch the old OVAs if you are curious about the vintage animation style.