Top 10 Funniest My Little Pony Running Gags

Being the group’s very own drama queen, Rarity tends to faint when the opportunity arises. If something shocking has occurred, if she’s overwhelmed with joy, or if stress has taken over – which happens more often than you’d think – she passes out in over-the-top fashion. She even has her very own ‘fainting couch’ for when she needs a soft landing spot for her fabulous falls. Having a character comedically fainting is a classic trope. But to see one do it so consistently and with extra flair is too amusing not to enjoy – especially when she looks so fabulous.

Among the many background ponies is a cheerful, teal unicorn named Lyra Heartstrings. Every now and then, Lyra is the subject of background gags where she does things like jump happily. The best ones come when she starts demonstrating human-like qualities, such as sitting upright or holding a drink with her hooves when she does not need to be doing that. This peculiar behavior led to a running gag within the fandom itself, speculating about her desire to be a person. It may seem strange. But one thing is certain, you can always expect a little extra silliness from Lyra in the background – often with bestie Bon Bon.

The barn at Sweet Apple Acres serves as Applejack’s home and a symbol of the Apple family itself. Unfortunately, it’s not always the most structurally sound building in Equestria. Every now and then, something comes along to send the barn falling to pieces. It could be eaten by hungry creatures, struck down by runaway haycarts, or even collapsed in a failed barn raising. No matter the circumstances, it all ends with Applejack’s home tumbling down. Thankfully, the Apple Family is resilient enough to raise the barn back up each time… only for it to eventually come crumbling down again.

Do you have that one excitable friend who can’t help but share their enthusiasm in the loudest way possible? Meet Bulk Biceps, the most muscular – and absurdly-designed – stallion in all of Ponyville. He’s not necessarily the brightest, but he’s definitely passionate. So much so that in almost every one of his appearances, he loudly screams “YEAH!,” no matter the occasion. Whether he’s cheering for his fellow ponies, hanging out, or just happily doing his job, he simply can’t contain his enthusiasm, and shows it in the loudest way possible. Volume control aside, we could all take a page from Bulk’s book when it comes expressing ourselves.

Some running gags are so subtle that you don’t catch them until you really look back on them. For instance, over time, we start to notice that MLP has a strange fascination with Tuesdays. A lot of significant events seem to take place either last or next Tuesday. Discord and Fluttershy have their “Tuesday Tea” parties, a time-traveling phenomenon is taking place next Tuesday, Pinkie Pie was born on a Tuesday, or certain events are next Tuesday. And of course, there’s Taco Tuesday. We’re not sure why the crew is so big on this specific day, but we do know that if something significant is going to happen, it’ll most likely be on a Tuesday.

What’s better than one over-the-top, dramatic pony? Multiple, of course! Daisy, Lily, and Rose, are three background ponies appropriately titled “The Flower Trio”. No matter how small or silly an issue is, the trio is quick to panic – screaming “The horror! The horror!”, fainting, or even running inside for cover. It could be threatening like a mysterious affliction, less threatening like a bunny attack, or something as trivial as a broken flower stem. Nothing is too frightening for the flora-themed drama queens of Ponyville -and we can’t help but snicker at their fright.

Fluttershy is undeniably the kindest pony you’ll ever meet – and also the most bashful. She hardly ever raises her voice and usually just speaks above a whisper. We see her timidness on full display when she attempts to cheer or yell, but all we hear is a squeaky shriek and a pitiful “yay.” In all honesty, it’s just plain adorable. That being said, when Fluttershy DOES get loud, watching her lose her temper is both terrifying and hilarious. They aren’t kidding when they say “beware the quiet ones.” Whether she’s staying soft-spoken or making her anger well-known, she keeps us entertained.

Along with breaking the fourth wall, Pinkie Pie has the uncanny ability to break reality itself just by being herself. In almost all her appearances, we see Pinkie performing some absurd, cartoony feat that none of the other ponies can perform. There’s defying gravity, being able to reshape her face at will, and breaking into musical numbers at the drop of a hat. And those are just a few small examples of the excitement she brings to the show. At this point, know to just buckle up and prepare for the unexpected when Pinkie Pie comes on our screens. We hope the hilarious pink pony never changes.

On a normal day, Twilight Sparkle prides herself on being a sensible, rational Princess of Friendship. Unfortunately, she’s also a perfectionist and a bit of a control freak. Occasionally, say if she receives big news or tries too hard to get something right, she spirals out of control. It might seem like an overreaction, but if left unchecked, these episodes can seriously devolve. It’s such a common occurrence that there are even two names for it – either going “Twily-nanas” or “Twilight-ing”. No matter which term you prefer, it should be concerning that it keeps happening. Still, most of the time, Twilight’s reactions feel very real – we get it, girl.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Trixie’s Smoke Bombs
She May Be Great & Powerful, but She Sucks at Making an Exit

“Forever!”
Ponies Just Love Making an Impact When They Speak This Word

Poor Spike
Spike Is Just a Magnet for Cartoony Violence

Party Cannon
Pinkie Always Has One on Standby

Starlight Mentioning Her Past
Even After She’s Reformed, She Can’t Stop Bringing Up It Up

In the very first episode of “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic”, a nameless pegasus mare could be seen with a pair of crossed eyes. Thus, she was christened “Derpy Hooves,” aka Ditzy Doo or Muffins, by the fandom – and ultimately the creative team. She possesses something of a chaotic and clumsy nature, and many recurring jokes play off that fact. Still, her most famous running gag has to be the way she acts as the series’ very own easter egg, just stealthily hiding in the background. Whether she’s in a supporting role or merely hanging out somewhere amid the scenery, we guarantee this Bubbly Mare will be eager for fans to spot her.

What were your favorite Equestrian running jokes? Let us know in the comments.