Top 10 My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Episodes

To celebrate 100 episodes, “Friendship Is Magic” actually does something new, yet refreshing; they mark the milestone by shifting focus AWAY from the major characters. While our heroes do battle with a monster ...again, the townsfolk are preparing for the wedding of Cranky Doodle and Matilda –who we met in Season 2. Along with hilarious in-jokes for the fandom, we also learn about the lives of several notable background characters – as well as a few DOUBLE lives. In the end, a beautiful wedding ceremony reminds us that while Twilight Sparkle and her friends are the show’s protagonists, every character – no matter how big their part – has a story to be told; and no one is less important in life’s great narrative.

Pinkie Pie loves having fun with her friends; but she can’t join everyone at once… unless there were more of her. With the help of a magical pond, Pinkie clones herself so that she can be a part of it all. Unfortunately, the fun is over when a tidal wave of duplicates overruns the town, and no pony can tell which is the REAL Pinkie… in fact, not even Pinkie can. To prove she’s the real deal, Pinkie will have to do the unthinkable – watch paint dry. Fortunately, the real Pinkie shines through; and she learns that sometimes, you’ll have to miss out on some fun, but opportunity always knocks …and it’s less chaotic than cloning yourself.

Grand Pear, an old rival of Granny Smith’s voiced by William Shatner, has returned to Ponyville, and the Apple Siblings make a shocking discovery – he’s actually their maternal grandfather, meaning their mother – voiced by Felicia Day – was a Pear. Afterwards, the trio search all over town for stories about their parents… and what they find is a ponified “Romeo and Juliet” story. While their families hated each other, the two couldn’t help but fall in love and join together… no matter the bittersweet consequences. Talking about loved ones after they’re gone is difficult, but hearing their stories can uncover a whole new side of your family, and even settle the bitterest of rivalries.

As a filly, Rainbow Dash pulled off the Sonic Rainboom that earned her and her friends their cutie marks. She hopes to achieve it again in the Best Young Flyers competition, and impress her heroes, the Wonderbolts; however, a nasty case of stage fright hinders her chances. The others go for support – and show us more about pegasi culture, but Rarity’s too busy loving the attention her new wings give her. Her evaporating wings bring her back to reality; but luckily, Dash swoops in to rescue her… pulling off the Sonic Rainboom. While Dash is up on Cloud Nine, Rarity learns that supporting your friends is far better than soaking up the limelight.

Pinkie Pie is going all-out to prepare for Rainbow Dash’s birthday/anniversary party, but her plans are interrupted by the arrival of fellow party planner, Cheese Sandwich – voiced by “Weird Al” Yankovic. He inadvertently steals Pinkie’s thunder as party headliner, but she’s not giving up the title without a fight… in the form of a goof-off musical number. Unfortunately, Pinkie realizes too late that she let her pride keep Dash from enjoying her special day. However, this town IS big enough for two party ponies – especially since it was PINKIE who inspired Cheese to become a Super Duper Party Pony; so the two collaborate together to throw Rainbow Dash the most epic ‘birthiversary’ party ever thrown.

Since the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ formation in Season 1, the bratty Diamond Tiara has been a pain in their blank flanks. However, after costing her a school election, the trio learns the source of her high-and-mighty attitude – her overbearing mother; and that she wishes she could be something more. Fortunately, our markless fillies show her a better way than following in her mom’s hoofsteps, and actually turn their oldest enemy into their newest friend. After realizing how much better it is helping ponies with identity crises, the Crusaders finally earn the ultimate reward of their cutie marks. Once they finish their five-year mark-hunt, it’s time for a new chapter – helping other ponies with cutie mark troubles.

Morning in Ponyville shimmers, but everything is certainly not fine, as Twilight’s friends have mysteriously switched cutie marks, and destinies. It turns out an unfinished spell Twilight read caused this, but she fixes the mess by reminding them of how much they all mean to each other. But the biggest surprise of all? This was all a test concocted by Princess Celestia to unlock Twilight’s new destiny – becoming an alicorn princess. Everything she’s ever learned about friendship has led to this event – graduating from Celestia’s prized student to her equal. Of course, no big change comes without controversy; but rest assured, Twilight herself says everything will be fine.

The Mane Six are helping to prepare the wedding between Twilight’s big brother and her old foalsitter – Princess Cadance. However, Cadance’s bridezilla attitude isn’t sitting right with Twilight – or maybe she’s just being overprotective. It turns out it’s the former when Twilight finds the REAL Cadance underground, and the imposter is actually Chrysalis, the Changeling Queen – feeding off Equestrian love to prepare for her army’s invasion. While obviously inspired by the real-life 2011 royal wedding, this two-parter offers more depth to the show, with the Changelings presenting a major threat, and Twilight’s realistic fear of drifting apart from her brother. In the end, her instincts save the wedding, as does her bond with her brother and new sister-in-law.

Discord, the spirit of Chaos voiced by John de Lancie, has returned from his stone prison. He steals the Elements of Harmony, and tricks the Mane Six into playing his little find-it game – where he brainwashes five of them into acting the opposite of their element… some harder than others. Even after they find the Elements, Discord’s influence is too strong, and their unbreakable bond seems broken. Friendship can be difficult, and fallouts are guaranteed to happen; but if you really love your companions, then you can’t give up the ship. If Twilight had ACTUALLY given up on her friends, they never would have reunited and sealed Discord away again… for the moment.

Before we unveil our number one episode, here are a few magical honorable mentions.
- “The Mane Attraction”

- “The Saddle Row Review”

- “Keep Calm and Flutter On”

Uncertain of her role as a Princess, Twilight hopes that the newfound mysterious chest can reveal her purpose. Unfortunately, there’s no time to worry about that, as the monstrous Tirek is loose and stealing Equestrian magic – manipulating Discord with an offer he can’t refuse. After a “Dragon Ball Z”-style duel with Twilight ends in an impasse, Tirek has a different proposal. This is the testament of Twilight’s loyalty to her friends – willingly sacrificing everything for them – even Discord, who now finally understands friendship’s true value. Her sacrifice grants her not only the key to unlock the chest and defeat Tirek, but also an enormous castle, where Twilight finally learns her royal role – spreading friendship across Equestria.”