If you loved
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
What hooked you in Steven Universe was the way epic, cosmic stakes are always grounded in the messy, transformative journey of self-discovery.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Steven Universe: The Movie
Film · 2019
Books on the same thread
The Talisman
Stephen King, Peter Straub · Book · 1984
Like Steven Universe, this story centers on a young boy navigating a magical reality while grappling with the heavy, personal weight of his mother's absence and a looming destiny.
The Last Kids on Earth
Max Brallier · Book · 2015
This adventure mirrors the camaraderie of the Crystal Gems, showing how a group of friends can find humor and hope while facing an apocalyptic monster threat together.
The Goldfinch
Donna Tartt · Book · 2013
This novel echoes the deep emotional resonance of Steven Universe, exploring how a young protagonist processes profound grief and finds a new, unconventional family in an overwhelming world.
Dune
Frank Herbert · Book · 1965
Much like Steven Universe, this epic narrative follows a boy coming into his own power while caught between the massive, shifting political tides of a strange new world.
Films on the same thread
Shazam!
David F. Sandberg · Film · 2019
You will recognize the heart of Steven Universe here as a boy balances the sudden burden of magical power with the relatable, everyday struggles of finding his place.
Man of Steel
Zack Snyder · Film · 2013
This origin story captures the existential questioning found in Steven Universe, focusing on a youth who must reconcile his extraordinary alien origins with his desire to protect humanity.
Suzume
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2022
This film mirrors the poignant blend of magical wonder and healing from trauma present in Steven Universe, as a young person journeys to resolve past loss and prevent disaster.
Elio
Domee Shi · Film · 2025
This cosmic adventure captures the spirit of self-discovery from Steven Universe, following a young dreamer who must navigate intergalactic diplomacy and forge bonds to understand his true self.
Podcasts on the same thread
Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness
Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness · Podcast · 2026
If you valued the focus on radical self-acceptance and emotional growth in Steven Universe, this podcast offers a similar path toward personal development through curiosity and open conversation.
Story Pirates
Story Pirates · Podcast · 2026
This podcast channels the imaginative, musical playfulness of Steven Universe, celebrating the power of collaborative storytelling and the uninhibited joy found in creating things with your own voice.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I watch Steven Universe and its adaptations?
You should start with the original television series Steven Universe, which premiered in 2013. After completing the series, you can watch the 2019 feature film titled Steven Universe: The Movie to continue the story.
Is Steven Universe: The Movie a direct continuation of the series?
Yes, Steven Universe: The Movie is a feature-length adaptation that follows the events of the original 2013 Steven Universe television series. It is recommended to finish the series before watching the movie to understand the context of the gemstone-based beings and the protagonist's powers.
How long is the Steven Universe series compared to the movie?
Steven Universe is a television series that began in 2013 and follows a young boy learning to control his powers. Steven Universe: The Movie is a separate 2019 adaptation. The series provides the primary narrative arc, while the movie serves as a subsequent expansion of that story.
Should I watch Steven Universe before starting other similar shows?
If you are interested in stories about gemstone-based beings and young protagonists learning to control their powers, you should watch Steven Universe. This 2013 series by Rebecca Sugar establishes the core world and character development that is further explored in Steven Universe: The Movie.