References in Steven Universe

Steven Universe contains many references from anime, video games, movies, other TV shows, and many other sources such as memes or webshows.

Anime

 * Steven's transformation in the episode "Cat Fingers" is similar to that of Tetsuo from the movie, Akira.
 * The fusion dance that gems use to form Fusion Gems is inspired by the fusion dance from the manga and anime Dragon Ball Z.
 * Steven owns toys that look like Pikachu from the Pokémon series and Moogles and the character Cloud from the Final Fantasy series.
 * Sugilite could also be based on an Oni, a Japanese demon or ogre, due to the gem being first discovered in Japan by Professor Ken-ichi Sugi.
 * Sugilite bears a striking resemblance to Roy Koopa from the Super Mario Bros. series.
 * Pearl's battle with holo-pearl has multiple fight sequences identical to ones from the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena.
 * Steven's wrestling identity could be a reference to Tiger Mask, a Japanese masked wrestler from the self titled manga/anime Tiger Mask. Not to mention, both Steven and the main character, Tiger are both wrestling characters whose stage identity are depicted as bad guys, and both characters regretted having such identities and later turned into heroes.
 * When Amethyst said "Chill it dude" after she turned into a blue jay, it might be a reference to Mordecai from Regular Show.
 * When the other Gems are leaving on the Gem Sloop, they say they are going to fight a living island, it may be a reference to Adventure Time, specifically the episode "The Party's Over, Isla de Señorita."

Video Games

 * A red, powerup mushroom from the Mario Bros. franchise can be seen in Greg's storage unit in the episode "Laser Light Cannon."
 * Steven has a toy shaped liked the internet meme Sanic (Gotta Go Fast) in the episode "Steven the Sword Fighter."
 * Golf Quest Mini is a mash of Pokémon, Earthbound, Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog, Digimon, Professor Layton,Persona,golden axe,Disgaea, Final Fantasy, kingdom hearts,Skies of Aracida, Fire Emblem, Chronon Cross. Chrono Trigger, Legend of Dragon, Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Xillia, Star Ocean Last Hope, Ni No Kuni, White Knight Chronicles, Super Mario RPG, Samurai Warriors, Ninja Gaiden,Dragon Quest,Cross Edge, Dynasty Warriors, Vagrant Story,  Evolution Worlds, Monster Hunter,dawn of the new world, Shining Force,Dragon's Crown,Granstream Saga,SaGa Frontier,Alundra and Sonic Chronicles. Incorporating parodies of the play RPG, styles, character design, and dialogue.
 * When Holographic Pearl attacks Steven from above, she appears to be using Sephiroth's Hell's Gate move, the same one he uses to kill Aerith in Final Fantasy VII.
 * The Red Eye possesses a Rupee pattern from The Legend of Zelda games.
 * Also, The Red Eye may be a reference to the Moon from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
 * The blank-eyed Connie resembles the mythical Minecraft mob: Herobrine.

Movies

 * In the episode Lion 2: The Movie, the movie Dogcopter 3 is an allusion to two other movies, Bolt and The War of the Worlds.
 * The episode Lars and the Cool Kids has a title similar to the movie titled Lars and the Real Girl

Shows

 * The gems going on a mission to fight a living island in the episode "Cat Fingers" is a reference to the Island Lady from the Cartoon Network show Adventure Time.

Culture

 * A Spartan helmet is seen in Greg's storage unit.
 * A Chinese, waving lucky cat is seen inside the belly of the Big Bird from the episode "Giant Woman."
 * In many cultures, Garnet's third eye represents "sight beyond normal sight" and heightened telikinetic abilities.
 * It could also be a reference to the professional wrestler, Ted "Million Dollar Man" DiBiase, who was known for flaunting his wealth, being a jerk, and stuffing dollar bills in his opponents' mouths after they lost. Just look at how he spends his Thanksgiving.
 * Additionally, his outfit bears a resemblance to "Irwin R. Schyster" (also known as IRS), who was actually Ted DiBiase's partner in a tag team.
 * The game console Steven is playing resembles a Nintendo 64.
 * There is a Game Boy Color and a Sega Genesis in the Heaven Beetle's room.