The MLP anime StarTrixBurst is based on the following shows:

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – Where all the main characters come from. Starlight, Trixie, and Sunburst are popular enough to be the protagonists and title characters of STB, and their fellow popular non-Mane Six ponies Sunset Shimmer, Moondancer, Daring Do, Derpy Hooves, Lightning Dust, Sky Stinger, and Vapor Trail also play major roles.

Power Rangers – For the monster-of-the-week structure and flashy action scenes with impressive choreography and special effects. STB is far more action-packed than FiM, explores how each pony’s abilities can be used in all-out combat with successful results, and brings out new abilities that feel like natural extensions of each pony.

Fullmetal Alchemist – STB Season 1 involves the heroes uncovering a massive conspiracy about main antagonist Master Element manipulating Twilight’s life with the Elements of Harmony and an entire special effects team that created fake villains with staged attacks to make the Elements “save the day”. Similarly, FMA: Brotherhood is about a massive conspiracy involving Homunculi and Philosopher’s Stones. And like Edward Elric, protagonist Trixie joins the military (in her case, the Ponyopolis Defense Force for more excitement after destroying the first monster and takes Starlight and Sunburst with her).

Jewelpet – For an improved magic system, powerful physical attacks as well, a similar animation style, and better handling of season-long story arcs than FiM (each season of both JP and STB has its own season-long story arc). Also, JP can balance comedy, action, and drama very well and doesn’t rely on stupidity to move its plots forward.