Netflix’s Biggest Anime of 2026 Breaks a 14-Year-Old Tradition, and Fans Are Furious
Netflix’s 2026 anime adaptation of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has sparked significant fan backlash by breaking a 14-year tradition established since the franchise’s animated debut in 2012. The latest season, Steel Ball Run, is breaking an unspecified aspect of a long-standing pattern that has defined the series’ presence across its run.
The JoJo anime has cultivated a devoted cult following over its 14-year history, driven by several distinctive elements including its iconic memes, signature “JoJo posing,” fashionable character designs, progressive gender representation, and notably its carefully curated soundtracks. Music has become a particularly integral part of the franchise’s identity, from recognizable licensed tracks like Yes’ “Roundabout” in the original series’ ending credits to original compositions such as “Il Vento d’Oro” by Yugo Kanno that have achieved their own iconic status among fans.
The breaking of this established tradition—streamed through Netflix for the 2026 installment—has generated considerable fan frustration, suggesting the change represents a departure from an important aspect of what has made the anime adaptation successful and beloved by its audience.