A gripping television story where investigation, buried truths, and human consequences collide in unexpected ways.
2026
Action, Adventure
2 episodes
TheNextHint Score
9.6
9.6 / 10
Overview
STEEL BALL RUN transports JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure into a fresh continuity and a strikingly different setting. Rather than continuing the earlier Joestar storyline directly, Part 7 shifts to America in the 1890s and focuses on a perilous horse race spanning the continent. Johnny Joestar, formerly a famed jockey, joins after learning that Gyro Zeppeli's enigmatic Spin technique might give him a chance to regain movement in his legs. As the race becomes ever more dangerous, their partnership emerges as the core of the story.
The anime blends Western-style racing, supernatural powers, action, adventure and character-driven drama, all while preserving the distinctive visual identity tied to JoJo.↻
Quick Verdict
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a solid pick for viewers who appreciate supernatural action, unconventional protagonists, Western adventure, and intricate anime battles. Part 7 stands apart noticeably thanks to its 1890s American backdrop and its cross-country horse-race framework. What sets this installment apart from earlier JoJo stories is largely the pairing of Johnny and Gyro.
Where to Watch STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure in the US
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is the anime version of Part 7 of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Taking place in the United States in 1890, the story centers on Johnny Joestar, a one-time horse-racing prodigy left paralyzed from the waist down. Everything shifts when he meets Gyro Zeppeli, an enigmatic outlaw who wields specially controlled steel balls and a technique known as Spin. Intrigued by the odd phenomenon that momentarily lets him move his legs, Johnny joins the Steel Ball Run, a horse race spanning roughly 4,000 miles across North America with a $50 million prize.
Before long, the race proves far more perilous than an ordinary sporting contest. Johnny and Gyro build a wary partnership as they contend with rival racers, violent assaults, and concealed agendas tied to the event. The anime premiered with a special 47-minute 1st Stage on Netflix on March 19, 2026. The 2nd and 3rd Stages launched on September 25, with 11 episodes set for weekly Friday releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure about?
In 1890, Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey, enters a $50 million cross-country horse race after regaining use of his limbs by touching Gyro Zeppeli's mysterious balls. Johnny joins the race to investigate Gyro's abilities in the anime series based on a story arc in the Japanese manga series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki.
Is Steel Ball Run a continuation of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure?
Yes. It is the animated adaptation of Part 7 of Hirohiko Araki's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Part 7 begins a new continuity rather than continuing the previous storyline in the same way.
When did Steel Ball Run premiere?
The 1st Stage premiered globally on Netflix on March 19, 2026, as a special 47-minute episode.
How many episodes will Steel Ball Run have?
The 1st Stage contains one 47-minute episode. Netflix announced that the 2nd and 3rd Stages together contain 11 additional episodes, giving the currently announced run a total of 12 episodes.
Story — Spoiler Free
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a solid pick for audiences who appreciate supernatural action, offbeat protagonists, Western-style adventure, and intricate anime fight sequences.↻ With its 1890s American backdrop and a cross-country horse race as its framework, Part 7 takes on a distinctly different character. The pairing of Johnny and Gyro is at the heart of what sets this installment apart from earlier JoJo narratives.
9.6
TheNextHint Score
9.6 / 10
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a solid pick for viewers who appreciate supernatural action, unconventional protagonists, Western adventure, and intricate anime battles. Part 7 stands apart noticeably thanks to its 1890s American backdrop and its cross-country horse-race framework. What sets this installment apart from earlier JoJo stories is largely the pairing of Johnny and Gyro.
Rating breakdown
Story
9.6
Acting
9.4
Direction
9.6
Visuals
9.8
Sound
9.4
Entertainment
9.8
External Ratings
Scores from other sources, shown in their own scale. These are not TheNextHint's rating.
Strong character chemistry, distinctive supernatural action, striking animation, an unusual Western setting, ambitious world-building and a race structure that keeps the story moving.
Cons
The release is divided into stages, the story contains mature violence and disturbing material, and viewers unfamiliar with JoJo may need time to adjust to its unusual terminology and storytelling style.
The former genius jockey who enters the Steel Ball Run after discovering Gyro's Spin technique.
Yohei Azakami
as
Gyro Zeppeli
A mysterious outlaw and skilled user of the Spin technique who enters the race for his own purpose.
Kaito Ishikawa
as
Diego Brando
One of Johnny and Gyro's major racing rivals.
Rie Takahashi
as
Lucy Steel
Steven Steel's wife and an important figure connected to the race.
Kenta Miyake
as
Steven Steel
The experienced promoter behind the Steel Ball Run.
Masaaki Mizunaka
as
Sand Man
A highly capable competitor in the race.
Kenichiro Matsuda
as
Pocoloco
Another prominent racer.
Tomoaki Maeno
as
Mountain Tim
A legendary cowboy who becomes involved in investigating suspicious incidents.
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
2 episodes March 19, 2026Airing
As of September 28, 2026, only the first two episodes have been released. Netflix has announced 11 weekly episodes for the 2nd–3rd Stage, but future episode titles and individual runtimes are not all officially published yet.
1Steel Ball Run
48 min March 19, 2026
Johnny encounters Gyro and enters the first cross-continental horse race in North America.
2The Sheriff's Request to Mountain Tim
September 25, 2026
After the first stage, mysterious murders emerge while Johnny and Gyro begin the desert crossing and Mountain Tim investigates.
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