What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedSteven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
If you loved Steven Universe, start with Steven Universe: The Movie (2019) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Steven Universe across media.
If you loved Steven Universe, you crave stories where the burden of saving the world is balanced by the necessity of healing yourself.
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.
Much like Steven Universe, this story follows a young protagonist thrust into a hidden magical world who discovers that friendship and bravery are his most essential tools for overcoming destiny.
Fun Home
Alison Bechdel · Book · 2007
Shares a thread with Steven Universe: Self-Discovery.
This graphic novel captures the same deep commitment to queer identity and complex family dynamics found in Steven Universe, offering an introspective look at self-discovery and reconciling with one's past.
Nimona
ND Stevenson · Book
Shares a thread with Steven Universe: found family.
The dynamic between a mentor and a chaotic, powerful apprentice mirrors the core of Steven Universe, centering on found family and the struggle to define one's own moral code.
A Wizard of Earthsea
Ursula K. Le Guin · Book · 2012
Shares a thread with Steven Universe: self-discovery.
This narrative mirrors the journey of Steven Universe by focusing on a young person who must confront the consequences of his actions while navigating the heavy weight of magical responsibility.
Films on the same thread
Luca
Enrico Casarosa · Film · 2021
Shares 3 threads with Steven Universe: Friendship, Self-discovery, Coming-of-age animation.
You will find the same spirit of acceptance and the joy of keeping magical secrets that defines Steven Universe, centered on the profound bond between friends navigating a new world.
Lilo & Stitch
Chris Sanders · Film · 2002
Shares 3 threads with Steven Universe: Found Family, Redemption, Friendship.
This film echoes the heart of Steven Universe through its celebration of found family and the way it shows that even the most unconventional beings deserve love and belonging.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1989
Shares 2 threads with Steven Universe: Self-discovery, Magical Girl.
This story captures the quintessential magical girl experience found in Steven Universe, focusing on the internal growth and self-discovery that occur when learning to navigate a community on your own.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Film · 2023
Explores: Multiverse, Identity, Destiny vs Free Will.
Like Steven Universe, this film explores the intersection of immense cosmic stakes and the intimate, personal growth of a hero trying to find his place within a larger legacy.
Podcasts on the same thread
S-Town
Serial Productions · Podcast · 2024
Explores: small-town isolation, eccentricity, social decay.
While the tone differs, this character study shares the curiosity and empathy found in Steven Universe, inviting you to look past surface-level eccentricities to understand the human soul within.
Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness
Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness · Podcast · 2026
Explores: curiosity, self-actualization, mental wellness.
This podcast channels the same optimistic spirit and focus on personal wellness found in Steven Universe, treating self-actualization as a heroic journey that is worth pursuing every single day.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch Steven Universe and the movie?
You should watch the Steven Universe series first as it introduces the gemstone-based beings and the protagonist's growth. After completing the series, you can watch Steven Universe: The Movie, which serves as a follow-up to the events established in the original 2013 show.
Is Steven Universe: The Movie a direct continuation of the series?
Yes, Steven Universe: The Movie is a direct continuation that follows the conclusion of the Steven Universe television series. It builds upon the story of the young boy learning to control his powers and his ongoing responsibilities with the gemstone-based beings.
How long is the Steven Universe story if I include the movie?
The Steven Universe story encompasses the original 2013 television series created by Rebecca Sugar and the 2019 film, Steven Universe: The Movie. While the series tracks the protagonist taking his mother's place, the movie acts as a feature-length extension of that narrative arc.
Should I watch Steven Universe before starting other similar shows?
You should watch Steven Universe first to understand the core premise of a young boy joining gemstone-based beings to master his powers. Once you finish the series and Steven Universe: The Movie, you will have a complete baseline for exploring other animated shows with similar themes.