If you loved
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
What hooked you in Steven Universe was the way it balances cosmic, high-stakes adventure with the deeply personal, messy work of growing up.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Steven Universe: The Movie
Film · 2019
Books on the same thread
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Shares 2 threads with Steven Universe: Friendship, Self-Discovery.
Like Steven Universe, this story centers on a young boy discovering his unique heritage and destiny while navigating the complexities of friendship and belonging within an entirely new world.
Fun Home
Alison Bechdel · Book · 2007
Shares a thread with Steven Universe: Self-Discovery.
If the LGBTQ+ themes and complex family dynamics of Steven Universe resonated with you, this graphic memoir offers a profound, grounded look at identity, secrets, and the search for self.
Hello, Universe
Erin Entrada Kelly · Book · 2017
Shares 2 threads with Steven Universe: Friendship, Self-Discovery.
Much like the core group in Steven Universe, this story highlights how a band of unlikely friends finds the courage to face their struggles and discover their true selves.
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card · Book · 2013
Explores: Child Soldiers, Alien Invasion, Moral Ambiguity.
Fans of the moral ambiguity and heavy responsibilities placed on young heroes in Steven Universe will appreciate this challenging story about the weight of leadership and the cost of war.
Films on the same thread
Luca
Enrico Casarosa · Film · 2021
Shares 3 threads with Steven Universe: Friendship, Self-discovery, Coming-of-age animation.
This film mirrors the spirit of Steven Universe by focusing on the transformative power of friendship, the necessity of acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's true identity despite secrets.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Film · 2023
Explores: Multiverse, Identity, Destiny vs Free Will.
You will recognize the heart of Steven Universe in this multiverse journey, which explores how personal identity and mentorship shape a young hero's path against overwhelming, cosmic odds.
Coco
Film · 2017
Explores: Family legacy, Ancestry, Music and passion.
The musicality and focus on family legacy in this film echo the emotional core of Steven Universe, proving that understanding one's past is essential to finding a place in the world.
Treasure Planet
Ron Clements · Film · 2002
Shares a thread with Steven Universe: Redemption.
The mentor-protagonist dynamic here reflects the growth seen in Steven Universe, as a young person learns to navigate danger and redemption through a transformative, intergalactic journey of self-discovery.
Podcasts on the same thread
Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness
Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness · Podcast · 2026
Explores: curiosity, self-actualization, mental wellness.
If you valued the focus on self-actualization and mental wellness in Steven Universe, this podcast provides a similar, gentle space for exploring personal growth and the human experience.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
This podcast mirrors the community-driven storytelling of Steven Universe, providing a supportive space where shared experiences and honest conversations about mental health and friendship foster a deep sense of belonging.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch Steven Universe and the movie?
You should watch the Steven Universe television series, created by Rebecca Sugar in 2013, before viewing Steven Universe: The Movie. The 2019 movie assumes you are already familiar with the gemstone-based beings and the growth of the young boy as he learns to control his powers.
Is Steven Universe: The Movie a continuation of the show?
Yes, Steven Universe: The Movie is a 2019 film adaptation that follows the events of the original 2013 television series. It features the same group of gemstone-based beings and continues the narrative arc of the young boy who took his mother's place in the team.
How long is the Steven Universe story?
The Steven Universe story spans the 2013 television series created by Rebecca Sugar and the 2019 film, Steven Universe: The Movie. The narrative focuses on a young boy learning to control his powers while taking his mother's place among a group of gemstone-based beings throughout these two formats.
Should I watch Steven Universe before starting other similar shows?
You should watch Steven Universe because it establishes the core premise of a young boy joining gemstone-based beings to master his powers. Once you finish the 2013 series and the 2019 film Steven Universe: The Movie, you will have a complete understanding of the show's unique foundation.