List of cultural references in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Note: References listed on this page without citations have not been confirmed.

Music

 * Jonathan is named after the Beatles' song ""
 * Dio's name partially comes from the heavy metal singer, founder of the supergroup "."
 * Dio's vampire form could be a reference to Dio's (the artist's) song "I Speed At Night"
 * Dio's design is may inspired after Dio's album ""
 * Erina Pendleton's name is possibly a reference to the band
 * She's also named after The Beatles's song ""
 * Robert E. O. Speedwagon's name comes from the rock band.
 * The Zeppeli surname is named after the English rock band.
 * Zeppeli's allegory about vikings could be a reference to Led Zeppelin's song ""
 * The name of the 8th chapter is a possible reference to the song "Ogre Battle."
 * Tonpetty is named after American musician.
 * Dire and Straizo are named after the British Rock band.
 * Poco's name likely comes from the Californian Country Rock band.
 * Wang Chan's name is inspired by the 80s Pop group.
 * Tarkus is named after the album, by.
 * Bruford is named after musician, formerly the drummer of.
 * Doobie's name is a reference to the.
 * Page, Jones, Plant, and Bornnam are named after, , , and , the four members of Led Zeppelin.
 * The song used for the first ending of the anime is "" by British progressive rock band.
 * The farmer testifying about the presence of Jonathan and Co. (though he does not know their name) is named Jeff Beck, after the.
 * Father Styx is named after the American rock band.
 * From the fact that Phantom Blood ends with a ship, this could be a reference to Styx's song ""

People

 * Will Anthonio Zeppeli's first name is possibly a reference to the English novelist, who was quoted upon Zeppeli's death.
 * The university where Jonathan and Dio studied is named Hugh Hudson Academy. This is likely named after, a British film director, known by the masterpiece movie Chariots of Fire.
 * The concept designs of Jonathan and Dio came from and, whose films were popular at the time.
 * Dio's surname is possibly named after the actor.

Film

 * In, Dio is unsure of Jonathan's survival and seen drinking on the street. The label on the bottle reads both "Cronenberg," a reference to the Canadian director, , as well as "," a movie adaptation Cronenberg had directed.

Manga/Anime

 * Jonathan is vaguely influenced by from . In chapter 37, when he says “I’ve come back from hell, Dio”, it is also a reference to Kenshiro's famous line to his friend and rival Shin (“I’ve come back from hell, Shin”) just before they fight.

Literature

 * The interactions between George Joestar I and Dario Brando parallel that of various interactions in Victor Hugo's novel . George mistakes Dario, who was trying to loot him, as his savior, just as Marius' father mistakes Thenadiers as his savior. George also claims that he gave Dario the ring that Dario himself stole, similar to how the bishop Myriel claims that he had given Jean Valjean the silverware.
 * The premise of Part I parallels Bram Stoker's novel, in that both take place in the closing years of the 19th Century and involve a young adult protagonist named Jonathan interacting with and defeating a charismatic vampire.
 * Araki said in Manga in Theory and Practice that the idea of making a shift to one protagonist to the next partly comes from John Steinbeck's East of Eden, a novel inspired by the myth of Abel and Cain, that tells the conflict of two brothers over several generations. There are many similitudes with this novel especially in part 1 and in part 7. For example, when Jonathan's father says that if he has been more severe with him than with Dio, it was to hide the fact that in reality he prefers him, it reminds of Cyrus Trask telling the same thing to Adam in East of Eden . The psychology of characters such as Jonathan, or even Johnny in part 7, who see their brother as a rival who is stealing from them their father’s attention, is also very typical of this novel. More generally, the themes of inheritance, destiny, and opposition of light and shadow are common to the novel and the manga.
 * The town of Wind Knights Lot is inspired by Stephen King's  'salem's l ot, a novel where the inhabitants of a small town progressively disappear after having been turned into vampires. The very journalistic tone of the town’s depiction, with the number of inhabitants and other geographical information, is a parody of the novel’s prologue.

Other

 * The name Jonathan came from a local restaurant called Jonathan's that Araki used to visit frequently.

Music

 * Joseph is designed after The Beatles's song ""
 * Lisa Lisa is named after Lisa Lisa from the band.
 * Loggins and Messina are named after musicians and.
 * When Caesar Anthonio Zeppeli attacks Wamuu with lights and bubbles, it's a possible reference from Led Zeppelin's song ""
 * Suzi Q is named after musician . May also come from the song "" by (and famously covered by  ).
 * Wired Beck is inspired by musician and his album Wired.
 * The four Pillar Men (Santana, Wamuu, Esidisi and Kars) are named after the bands, , , and.
 * Esidisi eating a dynamite may be a reference to AC/DC's song ""
 * Smokey Brown is named after musicians and.
 * The line by Joseph Joestar to Caesar Zeppeli, "Nice, nice, very nice, Caesarino", is a reference to the song by Californian band and the British Alan Parsons, "Nice, Nice, Very Nice".
 * Donovan is named after the of the same name.
 * The Red Stone of Aja is named after the song and album "Aja" by the group.
 * Air Supplena Island is a reference to the pop or soft rock duo.
 * In the final chapter, Joseph listens to a cassette tape of the song “Get Back” by on his walkman.

People

 * Caesar Anthonio Zeppeli is named after the Roman emperor.
 * Rudol von Stroheim is possibly named after Austrian-born actor.

Film

 * The cave in which Santana is discovered resembles the interior of the derelict spacecraft on LV-426 from the movie.


 * Joseph is shown reading a comic when he and Speedwagon are attacked by a group of hijackers. In the anime however, Joseph is reading the manga Baoh, a manga also made by Araki.

Western Animation

 * The minor character Bruto appears to be a direct Expy of the character Bluto from the series Popeye.

Literature
Chapter 49 was originally named after Sydney Sheldon’s Master of the Game, a novel that tells the rise of a rich and powerful family over several generations, and includes a conflict between twin sisters, one of them repetitively trying to kill her twin and to steal her heirloom.

The part when Joseph and Kars almost fall together from a cliff in Switzerland when chasing after the red stone is a reference to the Reichenbach falls in the Sherlock Holmes short novel The final problem. Joseph’s ability to predict his opponent’s next line just by using his observation skills is also inspired by Sherlock Holmes.

Music

 * Star Platinum is possibly designed after the song "" by the Brazilian group ""
 * Muhammad Avdol is named after American singer.
 * Avdol's Stand Magician's Red has an attack called Crossfire Hurricane which comes from the opening line of the Rolling Stones' song "".
 * Avdol's encounter with DIO could be a reference from Paula Abdul's song ""
 * Magician's Red may be designed after 's song ""
 * Kakyoin's favorite musician is.
 * Hierophant Green's design may be inspired from C.C.R's album ""
 * Gray Fly is named after musician.
 * Jean Pierre Polnareff is named after French musician.
 * His sister is named after one of Michel Polnareff's songs "Tout, Tout Pour Ma Chérie".
 * On Brazilian Portuguese dub, during Judgement (story arc), Polnareff says "I don't want money , i just want love" and this is a reference to Tim Maia's song with.
 * Captain Tennille is named after the 1970s pop and soft rock duo.
 * In the localized version Captain Tennille is called Captain Dragon, after the Captain & Tennille member.
 * Forever is named after the album, by the.
 * Devo the Cursed is named after the American rock band.
 * In the localized version Devo is called Soul Sacrifice, after the.
 * When Joseph tries to use Hermit Purple on a television in order to detect DIO from Singapore, his Stand shows him random TV programs. One of these shows the cover of Tom Petty's debut solo album, , and another shows an advert from MTV's prime in the 1980s. The Tom Petty reference was changed to the performance of an artist who's name is "Putty" in the anime.
 * Rubber Soul is named after the Beatles album.
 * Hol Horse is named after the American pop rock duo.
 * J. Geil is named after.
 * In the localized version J. Geil is called Centerfold, after the J. Geils Band.
 * Nena is named after the New Wave German singer.
 * ZZ is named after the American Rock trio.
 * Enya the Hag is named after the Irish singer.
 * During Justice (story arc) Enya mentions
 * Steely Dan is named after American Rock band.
 * In the Viz Media localization, Steely Dan is called Dan of Steel, a play on the band's name while also being a reference to DC Comic's Man of Steel,.
 * Arabia Fats is named after musician.
 * Mannish Boy is named after ' song.
 * The chickens Avdol cares for on the secluded island (Prince, Michael, and Lionel) are likely named after the musicians, , and.
 * Cameo is named after the 70s funk and R&B group.
 * The submarine from the 66th Chapter of Part 3 may be a reference to the Beatles song.
 * Midler is named after singer/actress.
 * In the localized version Midler is called Rose, after the Bette Midler song.
 * The song used for the first ending of the anime's second season is "Walk Like An Egyptian" sung by the US Pop group.
 * Iggy is named after.
 * The Fool's design may being inspired from Iggy Pop'song ""
 * N'Doul is named after Senegalese musician.
 * ​​​​​​Oingo and Boingo are named after the band.
 * ​​​​​​ In the localization, they are named Zenyatta and Mondatta respectively, after The Police album Zenyatta Mondatta.
 * Anubis' first user,, is named after the Santana album.
 * Anubis' other users, Chaka and Khan, are named after British-American singer.
 * Mariah is named after US singer.
 * Alessi is named after the American duo.
 * The D'Arby brothers are a reference to American singer.
 * Daniel J. D'Arby's victims Garie Moor and Christian Vander are named after Irish singer and French musician, respectively.
 * In the episode Hol Horse and Boingo Part 1, the main cast questions a roof repairman about the location of DIO's hideout, the roof repairman has a tattoo Prince's symbol on his arm
 * Pet Shop is named after the.
 * Kenny G. is named after Jazz artist.
 * In the localized version Kenny G. is called Billie Jean, after the song.
 * Vanilla Ice is named after the of the same name.
 * Vanilla Ice's localized name is a reference to Vanilla Ice's song ""
 * Cream is a reference to the world's first supergroup British rock band.
 * Suzi Q's butler, Roses, could be a reference to the band.
 * Senator Wilson Phillips is named after the of the same name.
 * Jotaro quizzes Joseph to make sure he isn't possessed by DIO by asking him who sang the song "" to which he responds "".
 * In the last chapter Joseph listens to " " from The Beatles; this is a wink to the audience as many people think the name "JoJo" is a reference to this song as it's about a man named Jojo.
 * Jotaro's absent father Sadao Kujo might be named after Japanese jazz musician
 * In the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Capcom fighting game, Kakyoin's ending theme uses a score similar to the opening chords of Led Zeppelin's " ."
 * In the part 3 drama CD the Old Man's stand is called Strange Relation after the song.
 * In Escape From JoJo's Bizarre Mansion, the character Dija Maker is named after the song.
 * His stand is called House of Holy, after the Led Zeppelin album.
 * The song used for the second ending of the anime's second season is an instrumental song by the.
 * DIO's stand The World's appearance may be a reference to the song "" by the band Dio, as it has what appear to be oxygen tanks on its back.
 * DIO being in Egypt may also be a reference to the Dio song "".

People

 * Araki mentions that some of the inspiration for Jotaro's character comes from Hollywood actor,.
 * In the anime when Joseph uses Hermit Purple in Singapore one of the images seen is of a show called "The Vision". This is a reference to "The View" which is a show presented by.
 * At some point in the High Priestess (story arc), the crew attempts to take advantage of Midler's infatuation with Jotaro by complimenting her. Kakyoin suggests that she sounds like film actress,.

Film

 * During Joseph's usage of Hermit Purple on the TV, one of the random programs shows in his famous film, where he played Don Vito Corleone.
 * When Polnareff hits Devo in his hotel room, Devo falls off the balcony; he is nowhere to be found when Polnareff checks for his body. This is a possible shout-out to the ending of John Carpenter's.
 * Ebony Devil's possession of a doll is similar to the horror film.
 * Yellow Temperance is likely a reference to.
 * Strength was possibly inspired by the tale of, while its user was modeled after , a character from a 1986 movie of the same name.
 * During The Sun (story arc) when Joseph is asked if he knew how to ride a camel, he said he learned from the movie ""
 * When Polnareff is turned into a kid by Alessi's Stand and locks himself behind a wooden door, Alessi tears this door down by using his axe. He then puts his head into the now broken door, saying "Polnareff, I'm here." The scene closely resembles the famous setting of Stanley Kubrick's.
 * The first half of the Wheel of Fortune part is possibly a reference to Steven Spielberg's first movie,.
 * Lovers' appearance is that of the robot from, crossed with a tick or a fly.
 * The events involving Lovers is based on the sci-fi film .
 * N'Doul is based on Kan Shimozawa's, a long-running Japanese film series centered around a blind swordsman of the same name.
 * While Iggy is fighting Pet Shop in the sewer Iggy uses The Fool to create a wound across the front of Pet Shop's torso. Pet Shop touches the wound with his wing and licks the blood off it, similar to a famous scene in the movie.

Manga/Anime

 * When Joseph tries to use Hermit Purple on a television in order to detect DIO from Singapore, his Stand shows him random TV programs. One of the shows that appear is.
 * Dio's Road Roller move was inspired by an identical move used by in the first episode of the Kinnikuman anime.

Other

 * Judgement's design was influenced by 's and Kikaider. Its ability is based on the story of.
 * When DIO forces Senator Wilson Phillips to drive through the crowd, Waldo from the children's book series can be seen flying through the air.
 * DIO waking up in the 80’s after a century and going to Egypt may be references to Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat. Lestat also comes back in the 80’s after a century of exile and, in this novel, the origins of vampires, as well as the answer to the mystery of their existence, are situated in Egypt.

Music

 * 1) Josuke's Stand Crazy Diamond is named after the  song.
 * 2) * Josuke's design is based on the musician . His favorite musician is also Prince.
 * 3) *Josuke's pose is similar to, a brazilian singer.
 * 4) Koichi's Stand Echoes is named after 's song
 * 5) * The fact that the stand Echoes has three acts is a reference to how the song Echoes has three acts.
 * 6) Okuyasu's Stand The Hand is a reference to Canadian Rock band.
 * 7) Okuyasu's theme sounds very similar to the song Brianstorm by the band Arctic Monkeys


 * 1) Crazy Noisy Bizarre Town instrumental is similar to song "Seven Seas Discover"
 * 2) Rohan's Heaven's Door is named after Bob Dylan's song.
 * 3) The title of Rohan's manga, Pink Dark Boy, may be a reference to Pink Floyd's album The Dark Side of the Moon.
 * 4) Tamami Kobayashi's The Lock is likely a reference to, a song by.
 * 5) Toshikazu Hazamada's Surface is a reference to R&B trio.
 * 6) Yukako Yamagishi's Stand Love Deluxe is named after the  of the same name by the British R&B group Sade.
 * 7) Trussardi's Stand is named after Grunge band.
 * 8) Shizuka Joestar's Stand Achtung Baby is a reference to the  of the same name by Irish band U2.
 * 9) Reimi Sugimoto's name may be a reference to the  song.
 * 10) * The name of Reimi's dog Arnold may also be a reference to another song,.
 * 11) Shigekiyo Yangu's last name is based on the last name of the musician,.
 * 12) Shigekiyo's Harvest is named after Neil Young's song and album.
 * 13) Aya Tsuji's Cinderella is named after Heavy Metal band.
 * 14) Mikitaka's ability is named after R&B group.
 * 15) Yuya Fungami's Highway Star is a reference to the   of the same name.
 * 16) * Yuya's tie bears the words Speed King, possibly a reference to the Deep Purple song of the same name.
 * 17) Anjuro Katagiri's nickname "Angelo" is the namesake to the American composer.
 * 18) * His Stand, Aqua Necklace, might be a reference to Progressive Rock band album, "Aqua."
 * 19) Keicho's Bad Company is named after Rock supergroup.
 * 20) Akira Otoishi's Stand is named after American Rock band.
 * 21) * The pins on Akira's wrists read, a reference to the band of the same name.
 * 22) * Akira likes, , , and 's music.
 * 23) *When Akira's sing "I want to kill.....your mamas" could be a reference to "" by.
 * 24) The Stand Ratt is named after Glam Metal band.
 * 25) Ken Oyanagi's Stand is a reference of the Hip-Hop group.
 * 26) Tama's Stand is named after the Rockabilly band "Stray Cats."
 * 27) Toyohiro Kanedaichi's Super Fly is a reference to  song "Superfly."
 * 28) Terunosuke Miyamoto's Enigma is named after the New Age band "Enigma."
 * 29) * In the localized version Enigma is called Misterioso, after the.
 * 30) Masazo Kinoto's Cheap Trick is a reference to the American Rock band " ."
 * 31) Yoshihiro Kira's Stand Atom Heart Father is named after the  song and album.
 * 32) Yoshikage Kira's Stand Killer Queen and his evolution powers (Sheer Heart Attack and Another One Bites the Dust) are named after songs of the British rock band Queen.
 * 33) * Kira's appearance is based on that of 's song with Queen "", since the song was sing by Queen and David Bowie, and both Kira and Killer Queen are based off them.
 * 34) The boat Joseph came to Morioh on is possibly named after the band.
 * 35) Koichi owns a dog named Police, a reference to.
 * 36) During the Let's Go Out for Italian arc, Okuyasu compares the harmony between mozzarella and tomato to a duet.
 * 37) In The Book: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 4th Another Day Takuma Hasumi's stand is called The Book after the band.
 * 38) Also in The Book: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 4th Another Day, the stand of Teruhiko Futaba is called Memory of Jet, after the song by.
 * 39) The fever that Josuke had as a child is a reference to the  song, in which one of the lyrics states "When I was a child, I had a fever."

People

 * Tonio Trussardi is named after Italian fashion designer Nicola Trussardi.
 * Rohan Kishibe may be named after.
 * In the Sheer Heart Attack (story arc), Josuke is seen reading a book with the name on the cover.
 * Josuke's pose is similar to pose.

Film

 * In the English dub, Okuyasu says "So go ahead punk, make my day" during his fight with Josuke. This is a reference to.
 * In the Italian food arc, Okuyasu drinks some water that heals his tiredness by releasing large amounts of tears from his eyes. He underplays this by claiming that he had presumably cried a lot more when watching the 1979 film,.
 * In Episode 24 of the TV Anime, in the final shot where Kira escapes, an advertisement for can be seen on the cinema marquee.
 * The story outline of Diamond is Unbreakable takes inspiration from the David Lynch television series . Both series are supernatural thrillers that are set around the search for a psychopath that has caused the death of a teenage girl in a small town with odd characters. The characters of Jotaro, Reimi Sugimoto and Yoshikage Kira play similar roles to that of Dale Cooper, Laura Palmer and Killer Bob (With both Bob and Kira hiding in the guise of another person).
 * During Highway Star (story arc) Rohan compares the damage value of his house with the amount of money earned in the movie ""
 * The fight between Josuke and Highway Star parallels the film " " starring Keanu Reeves.
 * In episode 33 of the TV anime, an 80s Corolla namely the AE86 briefly appears, making a reference to which stars Takumi's AE86.

Manga/Anime

 * Josuke is initially introduced to being bullied by some upperclassmen. One of the bullies insults his hair by claiming it looks like Astro Boy's. In his rage, Josuke mishears it as.
 * After turning into Josuke, Surface asks him if he was familiar with the copy robot from Perman, a parody series by Doraemon author, Fujiko Fujio.
 * In the Italian food arc, Okuyasu compares the harmony between mozzarella and tomato to and 's work on.
 * When asking Okuyasu his name during the Red Hot Chili Pepper arc, Joseph mishears it as Osomatsu.

Literature

 * The whole story for Tama/Stray Cat is an homage to the popular 1983 horror novel  by.

Other

 * Reimi's and Arnold's murders are based on a.

Music

 * Giorno's Gold Experience is named after Prince's album "".
 * Giorno's name is a reference to the Italian musician "".
 * Giorno's favorite musician is Jeff Beck.
 * Giorno's line "I have a dream" is a reference to ABBA's
 * Giorno plays the beginning of "Eruption" by Van Halen. After defeat, he drops a pick that says "One way ticket", a song by the band "Eruption".
 * Gold Experience's design resembles the cover art of the album.
 * Luca's name is possibly a reference to the sung by.
 * Sticky Fingers is named after The Rolling Stones' album of the same name.
 * The album "Sticky Fingers" was particularly known for having a functional zipper in the sleeve for its vinyl release. Sticky Fingers the Stand creating zippers is a reference to this.
 * Bucciarati's dead body is a possible reference from Rolling Stones song ""
 * Bucciarati licking Giorno's face is a possible reference to the Rolling Stones logo featuring a tongue.
 * Bucciarati's fate is a possible reference to Rolling Stone's song "", on the line "I have my freedom, but i don't have much time"
 * Bucciarati's favorite music is Agharta and Bitches Brew by.
 * Mista's Stand is a reference to the British punk rock band "".
 * Mista's favorite musician is.
 * Sex Pistol's localized, Six Bullets's name is a reference to Hola Ghots's song with same name.
 * Narancia Ghirga's Stand is named after the American rock band.
 * Narancia's favourite musicians are and, which may be a nod to how Aerosmith performed a duet remix of "Walk This Way" with.
 * Narancia's design could be a reference to Aerosmith's song ""; alternately his backstory and character themes are evocative of Aerosmith's songs and music videos in the 1990s, specifically "Hole In My Soul" and "Livin' On The Edge", which are characterized by teenage struggles and youth underdogs as secondary background stories.
 * Aerosmith's design can be a reference to Aerosmith's album and music ""
 * While possibly not entirely exclusive to the arc, Narancia's battle cry of "VIO VIO VIO-VIOLARE VIA" is reminiscent of signature scatting as sung by Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler.
 * Abbacchio's Stand name is a direct reference to the British rock band.
 * Abbacchio's favourite musician is.
 * Moody Blues's localized name, Moody Jazz, is a possibly reference to and his album "Jazz Workshop"
 * Moody Blues ability may be in reference to the band's album , due to it's power to rebroadcast "the past" from the future. The album itself is also notable as a concept album depicting an entire day (from dawn to night) over the songs of the album.
 * Abbacchio's backstory is a reference to Moody Blues's song ""
 * Fugo's Purple Haze is a reference to the, performed by.
 * Purple Haze's localized name is a possible reference from Deep Purple's song ""
 * Trish's Stand Spice Girl is named after the British pop group, as well her Stand cry is a reference to the song "" performed by the same group.
 * Zucchero's Stand is named after the British rock band "."
 * Polpo's Stand Black Sabbath is named after the English heavy metal band,.
 * Black Sabbath's fight arc is a possible reference to Black Sabbath's song "" on the lines "Find out I'm the chosen one" and "Watches those flames get higher and higher"
 * Canzoni preferite's instruental is similar to Prince's song ""
 * The accompanying dance was designed to take elements of Michael Jackson's and combine it with the manga's original poses
 * Sale's Kraft Work is named after the German electronic band,.
 * Kraftwork's robot design is a possible reference to Kraftwerk's album ""
 * And also the kraftwork fight arc is a possible reference to Kraftwerk's ""
 * The name Pericolo refers to Il Pericolo Numero Uno by.
 * Pericolo may also be a reference to.
 * Pericolo may also be a reference to.


 * Formaggio's Little Feet is a reference to the American rock band "".
 * Illuso's Man in the Mirror is a homage to Michael Jackson's.
 * Man in the Mirror's localized name, Mirror Man, is a reference to The Human League's song.
 * Coco Jumbo and its Stand's name are references to the Eurodance group Mr.President, since is one of their songs.
 * Pesci's Stand is named after the American Rock band "".
 * In the localized version Beach Boy is called Fisher Man, possibly after the song.
 * Prosciutto's Stand is a reference to rock band "".
 * Melone's Baby Face is named after R&B artist ' nickname.
 * Ghiaccio's White Album is named after the Beatles' album "The Beatles", nicknamed "" by the fans.
 * White Album's special skill is named after the Beatles song "".
 * Squalo's Stand is named after the British punk group "".
 * Tiziano's Talking Head is a reference to the "", a new wave American group.
 * Talking Head's ability is a possible reference to the Talking Heads song "" on the line "You're talking a lot, but you're not saying anything"
 * Talking Head's design is a possible reference to the Talking Heads album ""
 * Carne's Stand is a reference to American Rapper
 * Notorious B.I.G's ability is a reference from Notorious B.I.G's album ""
 * Risotto's Metallica is a homage to.
 * Metallica's stand cry is a possible reference to Metallica's album ""
 * Metallica's ability to control other Stands and being featured in an arc related to the black market narcotics trade is a possible reference to one of their significant hit albums and songs, "".
 * Cioccolata's Green Day shares its name with the American Punk rock band "."
 * Secco's Stand Oasis is named after the alternative British Rock band "."
 * Oasis's localized name could be a reference to J.geils band's album ""
 * The Requiem Quietly Plays (story arc) is a possible reference to song "" since the events of the arc have things that are similar to the lyrics of the song.
 * Scolippi's Stand is named after the British Rock band "".
 * Rolling Stone's design is a possible reference to Rolling Stone's song ""
 * On Sleeping Slaves (story arc) could me a reference to Rolling Stones's song ""
 * Diavolo/Vinegar Doppio's Stand King Crimson is named after the progressive rock band ; whilst the ability Epitaph is named after their song.
 * Epitaph's localized name Eulogy might be a reference to the song.
 * Diavolo/Vinegar Doppio's condition may be a reference to King Crimson's "", Vento Aureo being the first part to take place in the 21st century.
 * Some music references can be found in Part 5 novel. The Stands of Coniglio, Sogliola Lopez and Rigatoni are named after three Post-Punk/New Wave bands:, and , respectively.
 * In the novel Purple Haze Feedback, Sheila E is named after the American singer of the.
 * In Purple Haze Feedback, the stands of Sheila E, Cannolo Murolo, Vittorio Cataldi, Angelica Attanasio, Vladimir Kocaqi, and Massimo Volpe are named after six Jimi Hendrix songs:, , , , , and , respectively.
 * The cover of volume 62 of Part 5 may be a reference to the album cover of the song "Holy Diver" by the band Dio.

Manga/Anime

 * When Team Bucciarati enters Coco Jumbo, they turn the T.V. on and there is a football soccer game on the screen which shows Tsubasa Ozora from Captain Tsubasa.
 * King Crimson has a similar appearance to an armorless EVA from Neon Genesis Evangelion

Literature

 * The title of episode 37 of Vento Aureo might be a reference to a line from 's poem ("My name is Ozymandias, king of kings"), whose subject matter is the fall of a kingdom whose ruler thought it to be eternal, not unlike Diavolo.
 * Coniglio use to read books and also ,  and s books.

People

 * Abbachio's favorite drive racer is.
 * During The Clash & Talking Head's arc Narancia mentions about.

Film

 * Luca is also a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel, as well as its 1972 film adaptation.
 * In the anime, Fugo uses his wit to outdo a waiter's threats on putting him in jail by mentioning a 1987 court case between "Argento v. De Sica". Said court case is fictional and the names used are references to Italian film directors Dario Argento (Suspiria) and Vittorio de Sica (Bicycle Thieves)
 * Squalo/Clash 's theme in the anime seems to be inspired by the theme.
 * The idea of Diavolo and Vinegar Doppio is very similar to the idea of and Verbal Kint from the Brian Singer movie

Other

 * When Chariot Requiem has the arrow, Polnareff describes how Diavolo has a split personality. He mentions as an example of someone who had ten different personalities.
 * Narancia's backstory is nearly identical to that of the character Tom Hagen in Mario Puzo's novel.
 * During the fight with Ghiaccio, the pose that Giorno holds Mista at the end of the fight is a reference to Michelangelo's in St Peter's Basilica, on Vatican City
 * In GioGio's Bizarre Adventure 2: Golden Heart, Golden Ring Narancia mentions about.

Music

 * Jolyne Cujoh's name is likely a reference to the American country song by . Notably, during her fight with Gwess, Jolyne's name is repeated several times in a fashion similar to the song.
 * Stone Free, Jolyne's Stand is named after the song composed and performed by.
 * Jolyne's theme is similar to from.
 * Ermes Costello's name is a reference to the British musician.
 * Her stand, Kiss is named after American Hard Rock band.
 * Kiss's localized name, Smack, could be a reference to a brazilian post-punk band.
 * Emporio's Stand is a reference to the ' song "".
 * F.F. and her Stand's names are based on Alternative rock band "."
 * Weather Report and his Stand's names are based on the Jazz band "."
 * Similarly, Heavy Weather shares its name with.
 * Weather's appearance is based on a silhouette known as Buffalo man, which appears on many of 's albums.
 * Diver Down, Anasui's Stand, is named after the same name album by.
 * Anasui's female form is a possible reference to Van Halen's song "" from album
 * Gwess' Goo Goo Dolls is a reference to.
 * Johngalli A's Stand is named after the contemporary Jazz Fusion band "."
 * McQueen's Stand is a reference to "", a song and album by Australian rock n' roll band.
 * Marilyn Manson shares its name with the American industrial metal band and its lead singer.
 * Jumpin' Jack Flash is a reference to the song of the same name.
 * Limp Bizkit is a reference to the American nu metal band.
 * The name of Guccio's Survivor is based on the American 80s Hard Rock band "."
 * Green, Green Grass of Home, the stand of the Green Baby, is based on.
 * Pucci forces Guccio to sing, conducted by Gardiner in 1982.
 * Planet Waves is named after by  feat..
 * The Stand Dragon's Dream is a reference to Thom Brennan's album and song of the same name
 * Yo-Yo Ma is named after French-born American cellist.
 * Yo-Yo Ma mentions having an sticker.
 * Jail House Lock is a reference to the song "" by.
 * The name of Ungalo's Bohemian Rhapsody is based on the.
 * The nature of Bohemian Rhapsody as a Stand is most likely a reference to the opening lyrics of the song it shares its name with, "Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide,/No escape from reality." Due to Bohemian Rhapsody's ability to bend "fantasy" into "reality", much to the confusion of Anasui and Weather Report, it appears as a direct reference to the lyrics.
 * Rikiel's Sky High is named after 's song "."
 * Versus' Underworld shares its name with the British Electronic band "."
 * , a 1965 song written and sung by, is one of the 14 words for Heaven found in Dio's Diary.
 * "4 Rhinoceros Beetles" is one of the 14 words in Dio's Diary and maybe a reference to.
 * Pucci's Whitesnake is named after.
 * The scene in SO Chapter 34 in which Miraschon steals Pucci's cross may be inspired by the lyrics to the Whitesnake song Saints an' Sinners; "Saints an' sinners, priests an' thieves."
 * C-Moon's name is based on a song by called "".
 * C-Moon's localized name is a possible reference to Raul Seixas's song "Full Moon"
 * Made in Heaven and its original name Stairway to Heaven are respectively references to the songs "" (also an album) by and "" by.
 * The Green Dolphin Street Prison is named after the song.
 * Savage Garden's name is based on an Australian duo of the same name.
 * Their song I Want You was the ending theme for the third season of the JoJo's Anime.
 * The Like A Virgin bracelets the prisoners must wear while searching the farm are a reference to the song.
 * The location of Stone Ocean's setting is set in St. Port Lucie, Florida, where interestingly, real-life former rapper currently makes his residence; considering the part's focus on villains who are still devoted to, this appears to not be just coincidence.
 * The title of the chapter Prisoner of Love, as well as the volume title, might be a reference to the song, sung by , and  among others.
 * The title of SO Chapter 158,, is likely based on the song of the same name by.
 * The goal of DIO to achieve heaven is most likely based off the song,, By.
 * DIO describing how his impregnation of atrocious and selfish women to ensure his children grow up to be hardened and battle tempered as he was echoes of a similar upbringing by polarizing punk rock figure G.G. Allin, who attributed his abusive and poor childhood to "making a warrior soul [out of him]".

People

 * Ermes Costello's first name is based on the French high fashion house "Hermès."
 * Emporio Alniño is named after Italian fashion brand "Emporio Armani."
 * Narciso Anasui is a reference to American fashion designers "Narciso Rodriguez" and "Anna Sui."
 * Gwess shares her name with the American fashion brand "Guess."
 * Loccobarocco is a reference to the Italian fashion designer "Rocco Barocco".
 * Johngalli A has his name based on Spanish-British fashion designer "John Galliano."
 * Thunder McQueen is named after British fashion designer and brand "Alexander McQueen."
 * Miraschon's name is based on Italian fashion designer "Mila Schön."
 * Lang Rangler might be a reference to both Austrian fashion designer "Helmut Lang" and Jeans manufacturer brand "Wrangler."
 * Sports Maxx is named after the Italian fashion brand "Sportmax."
 * Guccio's name is based on Italian fashion designer "Guccio Gucci."
 * Viviano Westwood's name is based on British fashion designer "Vivienne Westwood."
 * Kenzou is named after Japanese stylist "Kenzou Takada."
 * D an G is a reference to Italian fashion house "D&G", founded by "Domenico Dolce" and "Stefano Gabbana."
 * Miuccia Miuller is a reference to both Italian stylist "Miuccia Prada" and her fashion house "Miu Miu."
 * Ungalo is named after French stylist "Emanuel Ungaro."
 * Rikiel shares his name with French fashion designer "Sonia Rykiel."
 * Donatello Versus is named after the Italian fashion designer "Donatella Versace's" brand,.
 * Enrico Pucci's name is based on Italian fashion designers "Enrico Coveri" and "Emilio Pucci."
 * The prisoner whose body F.F. takes over is named after the fashion brand.

Film

 * Affected by Jail House Lock, Jolyne watches some movies while suffering from amnesia. At first, she questions Johnny Depp and later she spoils the ending of . The notes she makes for herself are a reference to the movie.
 * The name of the Burn, Dragon's Dream (燃えよ) story arc references the Japanese localization of Bruce Lee's Moe yo Doragon (燃えよドラゴン).

Manga/Anime

 * Bohemian Rhapsody is a Stand able to bring fictional characters into reality. Some characters from Manga and Comic were summoned. Among them: Spider-Man, Kenshiro, Raoh, Mazinger Z, Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy), Tetsujin 28 (Gigantor) and Giant Robo.
 * The arc There's Six of Them! bears a strong resemblance in name and initial plot to the short shojo manga and anime film.

Other

 * The Visitor arc is based on the episode of X-Files called "" where Scully and Mulder are both trap in a dream while being digested by an unknown secretion from a mushroom, they escape once but discovered that they were still in the dream.
 * Bohemian Rhapsody is a Stand able to bring fictional characters into reality. Some characters from Popular Tales were summoned. Among them: Pinocchio, Mickey Mouse, E.T., Mother Goat, Snow White, and the Seven Dwarves, Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Big Bad Wolf.
 * Bohemian Rhapsody also summoned some art pieces: Vincent van Gogh's portraits and Venus by Botticelli.
 * When the 7 dwarves are summoned they mentioned Terminator's T-2000 and Star Wars' Chewbacca.
 * In popular culture, The Mayan Prophecy of 2012, announced the end of the world in December of that same year. In the manga, Pucci succeeded in ending the actual world to create a new one.
 * In a Florida tourist guide book read by Anasui, the city of Orlando's Disney's Magic Kingdom and MGM, Universal Studios and Sea World Theme Park are referenced.
 * Donatello Versus' back story is a reference to the book.

Music

 * Johnny Joestar's name could be a reference to the song by.
 * Johnny's horse is named after the song and album by.
 * Tusk Act 4's abillity is a reference to Fleetwood Mac's song, since the lyrics of the song match with Valentine's fate.
 * His Stand is a reference to 's song and album.
 * Gyro Zeppeli's Stand is named after the Album and song.
 * The Spin is named after the band Spin and their 1976 album of the same name.
 * The Spin could also be a reference to the song by the band
 * Diego's horse is named after the.
 * Hot Pants is based on the song of the performed by.
 * Hot Pants' Stand, Cream Starter, is named after, a song by the English electronic dance band "."
 * Hot Pants' horse is named Get Up after the James Brown song.
 * Steven Steel is named after musician.
 * Mountain Tim's horse references ' song.
 * Mountain Tim's Stand is named after the song.
 * Pocoloco is named after "", a composition by.
 * Pocoloco's horse Hey! Ya!  And Stand Hey Ya! Are both named after the song " by US hip hop band.
 * Sandman's given name is 'Sandman', a reference to the song " ."
 * Sandman's Stand is a reference to 's album "."
 * Mrs. Robinson is named after, by.
 * Mrs. Robinson's horse is named El Condor Pasa after the Simon & Garfunkel.
 * All three members of the Boom Boom Family are named from different parts of 's name.
 * The Boom Boom Family's horses are named after the songs,  and.
 * The three racers killed by the Boom Boom family are named after musicians, (both from ) and  (from ).
 * The Boom Boom Family's stand Tomb of the Boom is a reference to the song of the same name by.
 * Oyecomova is named after the song from the Latin jazz and mambo musician.
 * Pork Pie Hat Kid and his Stand Wired are repeated references to 's cover of the song "" from .
 * The third stage of the Steel Ball Run race, "Rocky Mountain Breakdown," is a reference to the song of the same name.
 * Dr. Ferdinand is named after the band,.
 * His Stand is named after the album and song.
 * Both Gaucho and his horse, Peg, are named after two songs, the former of which belongs to an album of the.
 * Ringo Roadagain is named after musician and the  song "Back on the Road Again" from their album "".
 * His Stand is named after the single "Mandom: The Lovers of the World", which was only released in Japan.
 * Blackmore is named after guitarist.
 * His Stand is named after the song "" by Richie Blackmore and 's band "."
 * Sugar Mountain is named after the by.
 * Tatoo You! references the of the same name by.
 * Mike O. is named after progressive Rock musician.
 * Similarly, his Stand is named after his debut song and album,.
 * Wekapipo's name is based on the single "Wake Up People" by.
 * Similarly, his Wrecking Balls appear to be named after 's song "."
 * Magent Magent is also named in a single of, "Magenta Magenta."
 * 20th Century Boy is named after.
 * Axl RO is named after ' frontman "."
 * Similarly, his Stand is named after Guns N' Roses' song "."
 * D-I-S-C-O is named after the by Ottawan.
 * D-I-S-C-O's Stand is a reference to the J-Pop song "Chocolate Disco" by.
 * Funny Valentine is a reference to the famous Jazz slow tune "."
 * Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is named after the  and  of the same name.
 * D4C Love Train is named after the song.
 * Lucy Steel's name could be a reference to song.
 * Lucy's Stand is named after the by The Beatles.
 * The S.S. Blue Hawaii is named after the song.
 * Some of the other horses and racers in the race have names referencing songs. Valkyrie (referencing ), Dixie Chicken (referencing the ), Ramblin' Man (referencing the  ), Zenyatta Mondatta (referencing the  ) Roxanne (referencing the Police ), Baba Yaga (referencing the  song The Curse of Baba Yaga), Nut Rocker (referencing the Emerson, Lake & Palmer ), Caravanserai (referencing the  ), Moonflower (referencing the Santana ), Sloop John B (referencing the  ), Catch A Wave (referencing the Beach Boys ), Billy White (referencing the  song ), Love Unlimited (referencing ), #1 (referencing the  song ), Nellyville (referencing the Nelly ), Country Grammer (referencing the Nelly ), Iglesias (referencing the singer ), Nathalie (referencing the Julio Igesias song of the same name), Mack the Knife (referencing the  ), Rotters Club (referencing the  ), Nightfly (referencing the  album ), Kanye (referencing the rapper ), Mister (referencing the band ), Georgie Porgie (referencing the  song ) and Europe Express (referencing the  album )
 * The High Voltage Arc is a reference to the.
 * The artwork Araki drew for the cover of the Ultra Jump May 2011 Issue is a reference to the album art of Progressive Rock Band ' album, . This album contains the song, "Roundabout", which happens to be the first ending of the anime.
 * The arc Both Sides Now is named after the song "."

Film

 * Steel Ball Run (race) is based on the race movie Cannonball Run.
 * The scene in which Funny Valentine receives his father's handkerchief is very similar to the famous "Gold Watch" scene from.
 * Scary Monsters (story arc) is a reference to.

People

 * In SBR Chapter 3, an actress named "Dorothy Parker" is named by Johnny's girlfriend, likely as a nod to the American writer.

Music

 * Josuke's Stand is named after Prince's first single, Soft & Wet.
 * Ojiro Sasame's Stand's name is based on the hit single, by The Beach Boys.
 * California King Bed, Daiya Higashikata's Stand, is named after a song of the.
 * Daiya is revealed to be a fan of the band . She quotes a line from their song,.
 * Daiya asks Josuke to sing 's, while on their way to the store.
 * Jobin's name is a reference to Brazilian singer and songwriter
 * Yasuho's Stand is named after Prince's.
 * Kyo Nijimura's Stand is named after 's and  "Born This Way", though was originally named after 's hit single Going Underground.
 * Shakedown Road (alternatively known as "Shakedown Street", a possible reference to the ) is also known as.
 * The Stand Les Feuilles is possibly named after the song "" or "Les Feuilles Mortes", a poem by.
 * Joshu Higashikata's Stand Nut King Call is named after jazz artist.
 * Tsurugi's Stand Paper Moon King is named after the song by Nat King Cole.
 * Within the Sesame Honey Cafe, there are various fake music albums with covers that reference real ones. One in particular features the Dropout Bear found on Kanye West's album,.
 * Norisuke's Stand King Nothing is named after the.
 * Yotsuyu's Stand I Am a Rock is named after the Simon & Garfunkel song . Yotsuyu himself says a line from the song, "I am a Rock, I am an Island."
 * Jobin's Stand Speed King is named after the Deep Purple song.
 * Aisho's Stand Doobie Wah! is named after the Peter Frampton song.
 * Karera's Stand name is a combination of Part 4's Yukako Yamagishi's Stand, who's name is based on an by the British R&B group Sade, and the Japanese phrase, "Love-Love."
 * The A. Phex Brothers' moniker is a reference to electronic musician, while their Stands' names' likely reference one of the artist's songs,.
 * Damo Tamaki's Stand Vitamin C is named after the song of the same name. His last name is derived from, the former vocalist of the band, . The first name "Tamaki" was chosen as a reference to the band itself as the kanji can also be read as "Kan". This reading is also reflected in the name of Damo's cleaning service.
 * Dolomite's Stand Blue Hawaii is named after the album.
 * Rai's Stand, Doggy Style, is likely named after the album,.
 * Rai Mamezuku is named after the song "When Mermaids cry" by
 * The character Urban Guerrilla is likely named after the.
 * Urban Guerrilla's Stand, Brain Storm, is likely named after the.
 * The character Doremifasolati Do is likely named after the Hawkwind album,.
 * The character Poor Tom is likely a reference to the.
 * Poor Tom's Stand, Ozon Baby, is likely named after the Led Zeppelin song,.
 * Josuke chases an ambulance with the license plate, "S Mori 3-11". This is possibly a reference to the band, ' '.
 * The character Wu Tomoki and his Stand Doctor Wu are a reference to the.
 * Volume 21's title and the story arc that it covers may be references to the.
 * Dododo De Dadada is named after The Police's song
 * Obladi Oblada is named after The Beatles's song with
 * Wonder of U is named after Elvis Presley's song ""
 * Wonder of U's head's design comes from the but also seems to be inspired by the album cover of  by ; this is further backed by the fact that the names of the rock insects Wonder Of U uses seem to not only their music references but  as a whole originating from early jazz
 * Kaato's stand is named after Deep Purple's song ""
 * The Radio Gaga Incident is named after "" by Queen.

Film

 * When Yasuho and Josuke come to Yoshikage Kira's home, they see a naked woman bathing in a way similar to the room 237 scene of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
 * During the same arc Josuke is bitten on the ankle by a poisonous snake sent by Ojiro, who also left a hacksaw with "why don't you cut it off?" on it. This could be a reference to the first Saw movie.
 * When Yasuho is in the basement of the Higashikata residence with Tsurugi, there is a poster on the back wall of the film,, starring Bruce Lee.
 * The Trouble with the curve story arc is a reference to the movie, . The movie stars Clint Eastwood, one of Araki's favorite actors.
 * When Josuke drags Yasuho into the Higashikata family photo, it resembled the family photo scene in The Godfather where Michael Corleone drags Kay into the photo. Also, when Norisuke realizes one of his sons is missing, he decides to not take the picture like the way Vito Corleone acted when he noticed Michael was missing.

Manga/Anime

 * The inside of the Higashikata bunker is filled with several toys and memorabilia, including figures of and.
 * In chapter 25, Yasuho goes in a car that has Monkey D. Luffy plush-doll and doll head wearing hat with antlers, similar to Tony Tony Chopper.
 * The famous mangaka is mentioned to have mediated under a pine tree in Morioh, now on the Wall Eyes opposite the land that belongs to the Higashikatas.
 * When Josuke uses his bubbles to shave, there are some references to Kinnikuman. Josuke also uses Soft & Wet to steal the fur of a cat whose head bears the kanji for meat (肉), another reference to Kinnikuman.

Others

 * The natural disaster that hit Morioh in the manga is the same event that actually took place in Japan on March 11, 2011, the.
 * In Chapter 96, the cover/first page resembles, an oil painting on canvas by Belgian surrealist.

Music

 * Jodio mentions that maybe Dragona got too excited listening to Dua Lipa referencing the British Albanian Pop Singer.
 * Jodio's Stand November Rain is named after the Guns N' Roses song of the same name.
 * Dragona's Stand Smooth Operators is named after the song Smooth Operator by Sade.
 * Barabra Ann Joestar is named after the song Barbra Ann a song by The Regents popularized by The Beach Boys.
 * Paco Lovelantes's Stand The Hustle is named after the Van McCoy song The Hustle.
 * The Iko Iko fashion store may be named after The Dixie Cups song Iko Iko.
 * Usagi Aloha'oe's Stand The Matte Kudesai is named after the King Crimson song Matte Kudesai

Film/TV

 * In Chapter 2 of The JOJOLands Jodio gets arrested by an undercover cop for selling illicit substances the scene seems to be a one to one recreation of the scene in Breaking Bad season 2 episode 8 in which the character of Badger gets arrested in the same way

Music

 * The Stand Remote Romance from the JoJo Exhibition 2012 is named after the song of the same name.
 * The JOJO A-GO!GO! artbook includes several images of different characters and stands having a dance party, with the artwork being captioned with "Let's Dance". This is a possible reference to the David Bowie song of the same name.