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Discover how each part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure ranks from worst to best, along with fan sentiments towards them.
Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a grand saga following the endless battle between good and evil. Taking place over several generations, multiple locations and even different timelines, every part introduces new concepts, characters and battles that keep the series fresh.
Due to how distinctive each installment to the franchise is, some of them are beloved by fans while others evoke more mixed reactions. Hence, here is how every JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure part ranks from worst to best.
9) Phantom Blood
Most of the fanbase agrees that the first part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is the least impressive part of the series. Phantom Blood introduces the Joestar bloodline for the first time, revolving around the perfect gentleman Jonathan Joestar.
The protagonist’s life soon gets disrupted due to the conniving Dio, who aims to steal the Joestars’ inheritance. Due to this, Jonathan will have to grow strong enough to defeat his new enemy, while also facing the threat of the mysterious stone mask.
Phantom Blood is a very straightforward storyline with one-dimensional characters and a simplistic power system called Hamon. This is not necessarily Araki’s fault, since the series was released in 1986 and fit the themes of its era. Unfortunately, it hasn’t aged well with time. Therefore, apart from being the start of the great saga, this part pales in comparison to its sequels.
8) The JoJoLands
The newest installment to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, titled The JoJoLands is already turning the heads of many fans. Having only 24 chapters currently, the story takes us to Hawaii while introducing the morally ambiguous Jodio Joestar.
Willing to do anything to get rich, Jodio embarks on various dangerous missions that get him caught up in bad company. With exciting new Stands, an intriguing protagonist and the crisp art style of Araki, this has the potential to rank much higher on this list as we delve deeper into the story.
7) Stardust Crusaders
There is a lot to love about JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders. It follows Jotaro Kujo as he goes on an exciting journey to Egypt to defeat Dio and save his sick mother. During his travels, he gains valuable allies such as Polnareff, Avdol, and Kakyoin and engages in intense fights against Dio’s followers.
Stardust Crusaders is the first part that truly introduces the “adventure” part of the series. The first appearance of Stands and the final battle against Dio also make it memorable. Unfortunately, many fans believe that the series overstays its welcome.
While the ending is undeniably enjoyable, the structure of continuous fights makes it extremely repetitive. Most antagonists apart from the main one are also not interesting enough to keep fans engaged. Therefore, this part receives an equal amount of love and hate.
6) Battle Tendency
Battle Tendency is the part that redeemed JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure for most fans, coming immediately after Phantom Blood. In contrast to the noble Jonathan, this part follows the trickster Joseph. While living in America, Joseph soon faces the threat of the Pillar Men, legendary enemies whose powers far surpass humans. This forces Joseph to strengthen his Hamon skills and applying his high intellect to achieve victory.
Battle Tendency is a part that is greatly carried by its protagonist. Joseph is charming, likable, and unlike any of the other main characters. His bond with Caesar and fight against Kars have cemented their reputation in the universe. While the plot doesn’t have the refinement of later sequels due to the lack of Stands, it is a thrilling ride from start to end.
5) Golden Wind
Golden Wind is a refreshing shift of perspective to Giorno Giovanna, Dio’s son. While rising in the Italian mafia, Giorno forms a strong camaraderie with Bucciarati, Mista, and more well-written characters. However, when one aims for the top, they are bound to face the king.
Giorno soon discovers this as he battles Diavolo and his terrifying King Crimson ability. However, he possesses one of the most broken abilities in the series himself—Golden Requiem. The clash between these two Stands, along with the emotional depth of the entire cast, is beloved by viewers.
Additionally, Golden Wind is renowned for its animation quality and sound design, significantly enhancing the source material.
4) JoJolion
JoJolion is one of the most experimental and thrilling JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure parts, set in the new timeline. It is a retelling of Part 4, following Josuke, a man who has lost all his memories. As he gets adopted into the Higashikata family, Josuke aims to unravel the secrets of his life. During his quest, however, he gets roped into a conspiracy while facing dangerous villains called the Rock Men.
JoJolion is full of twists and turns as well as psychological tension. It introduces creative Stands such as Wonder of U and Soft & Wet, further proving the creative genius of Araki. The build-up, intense journey, and heartwarming ending make it a well-rounded and fun package.
3) Diamond Is Unbreakable
Part 4 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, titled Diamond is Unbreakable, is an installment that doesn’t always get the appreciation it deserves. This speaks nothing of its quality, however, since it is one of the most consistent and enjoyable additions to the series.
Pulling away from the grand adventures, Diamond is Unbreakable is a localized tale set around Morioh. It follows the exciting life of Josuke Higashikata as he battles the enigmatic and ingenious Yoshikage Kira.
This part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure highlights Araki’s excellence in character writing. Every character he introduces, right from Josuke and Kira to Okuyasu and Rohan Kishibe serve an important purpose. Its mix of slice-of-life and chilling sequences surrounding the villain make it a unique addition to the franchise.
2) Stone Ocean
Stone Ocean is arguably the most important JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure part, considering that it resets the entire universe forever. With an exhilarating prison setting, it follows Jotaro’s rebellious daughter Jolyne.
While she is originally framed and caught by the police, she soon discovers it to be part of a greater plan by Dio’s follower Pucci. With the threat of losing all her loved ones and disastrous consequences affecting the entire world, Jolyne will be pushed to develop into the story’s hero.
Stone Ocean has the highest stakes and the most tragic ending among all other parts. This is further intensified since all its characters are distinctive and likable. Its finale changed the outlook of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure forever and is a bold move no one expected Araki to make.
1) Steel Ball Run
Steel Ball Run is considered by most readers to be the perfect story, and for good reason. As the second-highest-rated manga of all time on MyAnimeList, this exhilarating tale reimagines the entire JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure universe.
It follows the world’s greatest race taking place in the American Old West, featuring a cast of memorable characters. With unique personalities such as Johnny Joestar, Gyro Zeppeli, and Diego Brando, every race adds a new element of excitement.
At the same time, Funny Valentine’s notorious scheme in the background adds thrill to the overarching narrative as well. Steel Ball Run has us at the edge of our seats through every chapter with its intense Stand battles and races. It has an element of humor, tragedy, growth, and redemption while featuring some of Araki’s finest designs. This deservingly places it at the top of this list.
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