What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedTurning Red
Domee Shi · Film · 2022
If you loved Turning Red, start with Steven Universe (Rebecca Sugar, 2013) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Turning Red across media.
What hooked you in Turning Red was the messy, transformative journey of navigating family expectations while discovering your own authentic identity.
Books on the same thread
Fun Home
Alison Bechdel · Book · 2007
Explores: Father-Daughter Relationship, Sexual Identity, Family Secrets.
Much like Turning Red, this graphic memoir explores the friction between a young woman and her parent, focusing on the complex emotional labor of finding yourself within a family.
Spinning
Tillie Walden · Book · 2017
Explores: Self-Discovery, Identity, First Love.
If the emotional turbulence of Turning Red resonated with you, this memoir offers a similarly intimate look at self-discovery, identity, and the growing pains of leaving childhood behind.
Smile
Raina Telgemeier · Book
Explores: adolescent anxiety, self-discovery, dental trauma.
This story mirrors the relatable middle school angst found in Turning Red, capturing the awkwardness of puberty and the social pressures that define the transition into teenage life.
Ronia, the Robber's Daughter
Astrid Lindgren · Book · 1981
Explores: Friendship, Family, Nature vs. Nurture.
The rebellion against parental expectations in Turning Red finds a fantasy counterpart here, where a young woman asserts her independence against the backdrop of a demanding family legacy.
Series on the same thread
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with Turning Red: Coming-of-age animation.
Like Turning Red, this series uses magical elements to represent the overwhelming nature of growing up and the effort required to balance personal power with family history.
Invincible
Series · 2021
Explores: Father-Son Relationship, Superhero Legacy, Brutal Superhero.
This show explores the intense pressure of living up to a parental legacy, echoing the intergenerational conflict that Mei faces while coming into her own in Turning Red.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
ND Stevenson · Series · 2018
Explores: Friendship, Betrayal, Good vs Evil.
The focus on identity and the importance of female friendship in Turning Red is reflected here, as the protagonist navigates her own path while dealing with complex interpersonal loyalties.
Ranma ½
Series · 1989
Explores: Accidental Transformation, Arranged Marriage, Fish Out of Water.
If the physical transformation metaphor in Turning Red grabbed your attention, you will appreciate this classic take on how an unwanted curse forces a teenager to navigate daily life.
Podcasts on the same thread
SherPodcast
Podcast · 2025
Explores: self-discovery, life experiences, introspection.
If Turning Red hit, SherPodcast shares the thread.
NerdCast
Jovem Nerd · Podcast
Explores: humor, satire, current events commentary.
If Turning Red hit, NerdCast shares the thread.
Common questions
What happens to Mei in Turning Red when she gets excited?
In Turning Red, thirteen-year-old Mei experiences a unique transformation when she becomes too excited. During these moments, she physically changes into a giant red panda, which complicates her life as she navigates the various social and emotional awkwardness that comes with being a teenager.
Is Turning Red about a teenager?
Yes, Turning Red centers on a thirteen-year-old girl named Mei. The story focuses on the specific challenges and awkwardness she faces while growing up, which are further complicated by her sudden and involuntary ability to transform into a giant red panda whenever she experiences high levels of excitement.
Who directed Turning Red?
Turning Red was directed by Domee Shi. Released in 2022, the movie follows the story of a thirteen-year-old girl named Mei who deals with the typical pressures of being a teenager while managing a supernatural twist that causes her to transform into a giant red panda when excited.
What is the main conflict in Turning Red?
The main conflict in Turning Red involves the protagonist, Mei, balancing the normal awkwardness of being a thirteen-year-old teenager with the unexpected reality of transforming into a giant red panda. This transformation occurs whenever she gets too excited, creating significant challenges for her as she navigates her daily life.