Steel Ball Run is a 2026 Japanese animated action-adventure and supernatural Western series. It is based on the seventh story arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki.
The anime is directed by Yasuhiro Kimura and produced by David Production. The voice cast includes Yūki Ono, Takehito Koyasu, Fairouz Ai, and Tomokazu Seki.
Set in an alternate 1890s America, the story follows a deadly transcontinental horse race from San Diego to New York. Former jockey Johnny Joestar partners with mysterious racer Gyro Zeppeli, uncovering a hidden conspiracy tied to supernatural relics. The series marks a full narrative reboot and is widely considered the most mature JoJo installment.
Steel Ball Run premieres globally on March 19, 2026, streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Steel Ball Run Age Rating
Steel Ball Run is expected to be rated TV-MA for strong violence, sexual content references, disturbing themes, and intense peril. This rating reflects graphic gun violence, body horror, attempted sexual assault themes, and morally complex storytelling intended for adult audiences.
Violence & Peril
Violence is strong and realistic rather than stylized. Characters are frequently shot, mutilated, or killed using guns, supernatural abilities, and rotational weapons known as “The Spin.” Injuries are shown with anatomical detail, including bleeding wounds, dismemberment, and prolonged suffering. The constant life-or-death race setting creates sustained tension and threat.
Language
Language is moderate but harsher than earlier JoJo parts. Strong insults and aggressive dialogue appear during confrontations. There are no recurring racial slurs, but the tone is often hostile and intense, matching the brutal setting.
Mature Themes
The series explores nationalism, exploitation, revenge, disability, and moral corruption. A major storyline involves the attempted sexual assault of a teenage girl by a powerful adult, handled seriously and without comedy. Smoking and alcohol use are frequent due to the historical setting. There is no explicit nudity, but sexual threat and coercion are present.
Is Steel Ball Run Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12–14: No. The graphic violence, sexual threat themes, and moral ambiguity exceed what is appropriate for younger teens.
Ages 15–17: Not Recommended. Older teens may understand the story, but the disturbing content and emotional weight make it unsuitable for most viewers under 18.
Ages 18+: Yes. This series is clearly designed for adults who can process complex ethics, intense violence, and dark subject matter.
Overall recommendation: Steel Ball Run is best suited for adults 18 and older.
What Parents Can Do
- Preview the official trailer to understand the darker tone and realistic violence before allowing viewing.
- Discuss themes of power abuse, nationalism, and moral compromise, which are central to the story.
- Prepare viewers for scenes involving sexual threat and intense violence, which may be upsetting.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating for Steel Ball Run?
A: Steel Ball Run is expected to be rated TV-MA for violence, sexual themes, and mature content.
Q: Is Steel Ball Run appropriate for kids?
A: No. The series contains graphic violence and disturbing adult themes.
Q: Is Steel Ball Run suitable for teens?
A: It is not recommended for teens under 18 due to sexual threat and intense brutality.
Q: Does Steel Ball Run have graphic violence?
A: Yes. Gunshot wounds, dismemberment, and body horror are shown in detail.
Q: Is there sexual content in Steel Ball Run?
A: There are serious themes involving attempted sexual assault, though no explicit nudity.
Q: Where can I watch Steel Ball Run?
A: Steel Ball Run streams exclusively on Netflix starting March 19, 2026.