Top 10 Best My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Episodes

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic isn't just some cartoon about pastel ponies prancing around. It's packed with heart, humor, and moments that stomp directly on your feelings with tiny animated hooves.

Over its nine-season run, the show delivered everything from epic battles and emotional character growth to musical numbers that could give Broadway a friendly little nudge. Some episodes made you laugh until your sides hurt, while others left you staring at the screen, wondering how a show about talking ponies just managed to make you cry.

But which episodes stand out as the absolute best? That's where you come in. This list is built by fans, for fans, and it's all about celebrating the episodes that did something special. Maybe it was a jaw-dropping season finale, a heartwarming story about family, or a song that got stuck in your head for weeks.

Whatever the reason, fans have made their voices heard. Scroll through the list, upvote your favorites, and see where they land among the top picks.

The Top Ten

Twilight's Kingdom

Tirek escapes from Tartarus and begins stealing magic from ponies, forcing the princesses to transfer their power to Twilight Sparkle for safekeeping. Twilight ultimately defeats Tirek using the magic within the Chest of Harmony. The event results in the creation of a new castle and Twilight's acceptance of her role as the Princess of Friendship.

Megan McCarthy finally created something awesome and so cool. This is my favorite season finale and two-parter to date. Discord may be a good villain, but Lord Tirek beats Discord by a landslide. The fight scene was so awesome!
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic has many fight scenes, like A Canterlot Wedding with the changelings vs. the Mane 6. Lesson Zero had Fluttershy snapping a bear's neck. Twilight's Kingdom, on the other hand, had Lord Tirek vs. Princess Twilight Sparkle, which was completely awesome and unforgettable.
The plot and moral were great. The songs were beautiful, especially You'll Play Your Part. Every princess was singing. Even Princess Luna had a part. This episode deserves all the love it gets!
The Perfect Pear

Applejack, Big McIntosh, and Apple Bloom learn the story of their parents, Bright Mac and Pear Butter, who fell in love despite their families' rivalry. They reconcile with their maternal grandfather, Grand Pear, who regrets being estranged from his daughter.

Truly one of the most serious episodes of MLP. This one truly caused me to cry because of how they told this timeless tale of star-crossed lovers and added one of the biggest mysteries the fandom has been waiting years to discover.
Romeo and Juliet has been told many times, but Shakespeare has a way of making his stories unforgettable for generations. The way this episode tells the story and makes such an emotional impact shows how powerful an episode it is.
As a fan of the show for 5 years, never have I seen an episode where I've been so emotionally invested. I also love the connection with other ponies that had a link to the parents. William Shatner also had an amazing performance as Grand Pear. Felicia Day and Bill Newton as the parents were also amazing. The love between Pear Butter and Bright Mac is genuine. Just by looking into each other's eyes, you can tell from a second that they love each other and can never stay away from each other.
Even though they never tell what happened to the parents after Grand Pear left, I'm still glad they didn't say they left or disappeared. That would've left such an impact on this episode and would've disappointed a lot of fans.
This is not only my favorite episode of season 7 but my favorite episode of the series overall. It's an episode that even people who aren't fans of the show can still enjoy for the love story and Shatner's cameo. Truly a "Perfect Pear" episode.
Amending Fences

Twilight Sparkle returns to Canterlot to apologize to her former friend Moondancer for neglecting her in the past. With the help of her friends, she encourages Moondancer to reconnect with others and embrace friendship.

Amending Fences is a beautiful and realistic episode that finds itself sitting perfectly in a show about friendship. The moral is amazing, Twilight is very relatable, and the new characters are very likable. The storytelling is spot-on, and it leaves the viewer feeling very satisfied at the end.
None of these written comments can do this episode any justice, and I strongly advise that Amending Fences is one of the first episodes you check out if you want to get into the fandom. Otherwise, it's an episode that demands rewatching due to all of the things that make it so amazing. I don't want to spoil too much here, so I'll leave the brevity of this comment as is.
Crusaders of the Lost Mark

The Cutie Mark Crusaders help Pipsqueak win the student election against Diamond Tiara and later assist her in realizing her true potential. Their efforts are rewarded when they all earn their cutie marks, signifying their purpose in helping others discover their talents.

This is my favorite episode of all time. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were written so well. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon get some character development, all the songs were awesome, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders finally get their cutie marks. Oh my god!
There are some flaws. First is the pacing. This episode is rushed just like Magical Mystery Cure. Then there's Spoiled Rich. I can't stand this miserable excuse of a character.
However, despite its problems with pacing and Spoiled Rich, this is still my favorite episode of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.

There are some spoilers here, obviously.
For the longest time, MMMystery on the Friendship Express was always my favorite episode. That is, until this came along. This episode has nothing bad in it to me. My favorite part was, honestly, Diamond Tiara getting some actual character development.
This episode had some of the best songs in the entire show. I always thought the Equestria Girls movies had better music than the actual show, but every song in this episode was miles better than those movies.
Also, it's been a long time coming, but the CMC finally get their cutie marks!
Pinkie Pride

Pinkie Pie feels overshadowed when Cheese Sandwich arrives in Ponyville to throw a party for Rainbow Dash, leading to a competitive "goof-off." After realizing Cheese's admiration for her, Pinkie accepts his help, and they successfully organize the celebration together.

A reason why Pinkie is the best pony of all time! Just for the sake of her friend, she gave up doing the party herself. It was a heart-touching episode and it should be #2 (of course after Magical Mystery Cure. That one was amazing. I'm obsessed with the cutie mark song and Celestia's Ballad!).
Oh, and Cheese Sandwich + Pinkie Pie 4 life!

Cheese Sandwich is my favorite pony in the show, though he's not my favorite character - that would be Discord. But still, he's awesome because he is portrayed by Weird Al and can sing so expertly. He and Pinkie Pie would also make a great and suitably goofy couple.
Magical Mystery Cure

Twilight Sparkle struggles to fix a spell that accidentally alters her friends' cutie marks, causing them to take on unfamiliar roles. After restoring their true talents, she completes Star Swirl the Bearded's unfinished spell and ascends to become an alicorn princess.

SPOILER BELOW:
Seriously, this was the most amazing episode out of all four seasons. It was well-planned, and I love how they made a bit of a musical out of it. The end where Twilight finally gets her wings and becomes an alicorn was so great, and the ending put me on the edge of my seat, waiting for season 4 to come out.
Hasbro definitely did a great job with this episode, although I feel season 4 could have been better. I guess they kind of ran out of good ideas because now the show is okay, or at least not as great as it used to be. I feel they should have ended it at Magical Mystery Cure.

I love this milestone of an episode. It has great songs every minute, great character development, and it's overall a great "what if" episode.
When you watch it again, it feels like you're watching it for the first time, and those emotions you feel when Twilight becomes her true self come back thanks to Celestia's ballad. It's very underrated and considered the worst episode by fans, but any episode with Celestia singing is automatically the best.
Hurricane Fluttershy

Fluttershy faces her fear of public performance when she is needed to help Ponyville create a powerful tornado to lift water to Cloudsdale. Despite her anxiety, she finds the courage to contribute, ensuring the mission's success.

I can relate to this episode on so many levels. In fact, it helped me get over the same thing Fluttershy was going through. Maybe that's the only reason I like it so much. Plus, it kind of reminded me of Rocky with the sports montage, so that's a definite plus for me.
This episode also features my two favorites in the most prominent light, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. It also has the characters presented at their best. I really like the scene when they're in Fluttershy's cottage, and Rainbow Dash almost acts like a jerk but then stops and becomes a good friend, asking nicely instead of demanding. It might just be because this was one of the first episodes I ever saw, but I still love it nonetheless.
The Return of Harmony

Discord escapes from his stone imprisonment and uses his chaotic magic to manipulate the Mane Six, turning them against each other. Twilight Sparkle restores their friendship with the help of the Elements of Harmony, sealing Discord in stone once again.

Discord was great, and his mind games made sense. Fluttershy and Rarity get personality switches that actually make them funnier and work well. Twilight finds despair, Rainbow Dash is confronted with divided loyalties, and Pinkie Pie seems more insecure than ever (she is under the impression that everyone is laughing at her).
Lots of drama and laughter.
The only flaw for me was Applejack. Lies typically have purposes, but in her case, the lies had neither proper motivation nor any real gain for her. They could have found something more creative to do with the character.

I can honestly say that part 2 was my favorite because the ponies turned into complete jerks, which was just hysterical. I love what the writers did with it, making it more of a gag than a pity party.
Rarity was my favorite as the selfish one, and Pinkie and AJ really got my eyes tearing up with laughter. Who doesn't like adorable ponies fighting each other?
A Canterlot Wedding

Twilight Sparkle suspects something is wrong with Princess Cadance, who is acting strangely before her wedding to Shining Armor. She discovers that the real Cadance has been imprisoned by Queen Chrysalis, whose invasion of Canterlot is thwarted by Shining Armor and Cadance's love-powered magic.

The song This Day Aria is my favorite song. I love this episode a lot, but A Dog and Pony Show was my favorite. I love Queen Chrysalis as my favorite villain besides Discord.
Twilight gets thrown in a dungeon, Princess Celestia gets trapped in goo... just, there are no words! Keep up those amazing songs.

It's almost an insult that the most creative and possibly most mature episode is currently ranked below that air-headed, self-exalting, one-dimensional pile of melodrama that is Magical Mystery Cure.
A Royal Problem

Starlight Glimmer is sent to solve a friendship problem between Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, accidentally swapping their cutie marks in the process. Through experiencing each other's roles, the sisters gain a greater appreciation for one another.

We finally get our royal sisters episode. Starlight was great. We get an epic battle between Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker, and we get the best characterization from Princess Celestia in the entire show. Oh, and Twilight as a ballerina music box was just adorable!
Too much awesomeness to handle in this episode!

How was this episode only recently added in? This episode is amazing. It is both hilarious and heartwarming. It even introduces Daybreaker!

The best episode with the royal sisters! Plus, ballerina Twilight was so adorable!

The Newcomers

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Frenemies

Lord Tirek, Queen Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow struggle to work together on a mission given by Grogar to retrieve an artifact. Despite forming a brief bond, they ultimately reject the idea of friendship and return to their villainous ways.

Song is catchy, story is fun, and the humor is great. Top 5 mlp season 9 episodes.
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The Big Mac Question

Big McIntosh plans an elaborate proposal for Sugar Belle, but a series of misunderstandings complicate the moment. In the end, they successfully propose to each other at the same time and celebrate their engagement.

It's like The Saddle Row Review done right (yeah, I don't like said Season 6 episode as it's too confusing for my liking). Not to mention it's like The Break Up Break Down, but TEN TIMES as awesome!
Discord, Spike, Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Granny Smith, The Crusaders, and even those TALKING APPLES were all so funny and likable in the long run of the episode.

The Contenders

Discordant Harmony

Discord prepares a tea party for Fluttershy and attempts to act more normal, only to find himself fading from existence. Fluttershy helps him realize he should embrace his chaotic nature rather than suppress it.

I loved how this episode showed the relationship between Fluttershy and Discord. Previous episodes have shown them being close, but it didn't make it clear that Fluttershy wasn't just hanging out with Discord because she's the Element of Kindness. Fluttershy genuinely loves Discord's personality, and they have a lot in common. Sometimes I feel like Fluttershy has more in common with Discord than any of the Mane 6.
Fluttershy and Discord have both been getting a lot of character development, which I love. I liked the episode where Fluttershy had to run Rarity's boutique and made up so many different personas. She has a lot more imagination than she's given credit for. She's shown to be so much like Discord sometimes, like in that Halloween special.
The main difference is that Fluttershy is much more empathetic and sensitive to others' opinions. She and Discord are similar enough to bond but different enough to help each other grow. Awesome episode!
Sonic Rainboom

Rainbow Dash competes in a flying competition but struggles with confidence until Rarity's perilous fall forces her to act. She performs a Sonic Rainboom, saving Rarity and impressing the Wonderbolts.

As rightfully praised as Hurricane Fluttershy is, I always thought it couldn't help playing like a lukewarm Sonic Rainboom, for all its intelligence. Rainbow Dash just packs such a more potent combination of heart and insecurity that was meant to shine in a scenario like this.
And the bit where she's put to the test and shakes off all the doubt she can't afford is probably her most shining moment in the series.

Oh man, this was the very first episode I watched of the series back in 8th grade, and it made me fall in love with the show from then on.
Lesson Zero

Twilight Sparkle panics when she realizes she has no friendship lesson to report to Princess Celestia and spirals into an obsessive state. She unintentionally causes chaos in Ponyville with a magic spell, leading Celestia to modify the assignment so all her friends can contribute lessons.

How is this one at the bottom?!
Twilight was hilariously hysterical. Fluttershy snapped a bear's neck. And Big Mac took on the whole village for a doll.
This was obviously the best one.

This episode actually felt like something out of Courage the Cowardly Dog.

Twilight really stole the episode. This was a good one!
Wonderbolts Academy

Rainbow Dash is accepted into the Wonderbolts Academy, where she befriends a reckless cadet named Lightning Dust. After witnessing Lightning Dust's disregard for safety, Rainbow Dash stands up for her values, leading to Lightning Dust's expulsion.

SPOILER WARNING:
I loved this episode and the introduction of Lightning Dust! I liked the idea of Rainbow Dash having to stand up to someone like her, but to be honest, I liked them together... until Lightning Dust started being a brat.
I hope in the future, Lightning Dust comes back and reveals her backstory and that she doesn't continue to be one of those characters that are just mean for no reason. But I loved this episode SO DARN MUCH!

I absolutely LOVE this episode. It was an enjoyable and amazing watch from start to finish. This is also one of the most relatable episodes to me! If it weren't for Magic Duel, this would be my favorite Season 3 episode.
To Where and Back Again

Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Discord, and Thorax embark on a mission to rescue the Mane Six, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna after they are captured by Queen Chrysalis. With Thorax's leadership, the changelings transform and overthrow Chrysalis, who refuses redemption and flees.

Why is this not in the top 20? This was a million times better than the season 5 finale. It may not have been as good as Twilight's Kingdom or The Cutie Map, but it was thoroughly entertaining to watch throughout, despite a few flaws.
I loved the way Starlight was handled in this finale, and her conflict here made sense. The lack of explanation for how everyone got captured and the changelings' new looks were my only major complaints about this finale. Loved everything else. I'm also glad they didn't reform Chrysalis.
Starlight haters, watch Starlight episodes with an open mind before writing them off next time. It helped me overcome my initial indifference towards Starlight going into season 6.
The most underrated season finale, period.
Sleepless in Ponyville

Scootaloo joins Rainbow Dash and her friends on a camping trip but is plagued by nightmares due to her fear of ghost stories. Princess Luna helps her overcome her fears, and Rainbow Dash unofficially takes her under her wing.

This is one of the best episodes in the show. Actually, it IS the best episode. It's very emotional, and I know some people don't like that, but anyone can relate to it. Either from being scared of a story and not wanting anyone to know, or just wanting your idol to notice you.
We see why Scootaloo has always wanted Rainbow Dash to see her. Scootaloo most likely DOES have parents, but they probably don't acknowledge each other much, making her want a big sister to look up to and learn from. And what's best for it to be from her idol?

This is like the best one out of all the seasons. We all know we love Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, and they would make the perfect couple!
But anyway, we now know a bit more about Scootaloo in that episode and why she is so attracted to Rainbow Dash. Also, if you watched the episode, even people who despise cuteness, if they watched MLP regularly, have to admit that it's so cute when Rainbow Dash accepts to take Scootaloo under her wing.
Flight to the Finish

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom compete to create a flag-waving routine for the Equestria Games. Diamond Tiara attempts to discourage Scootaloo by mocking her inability to fly. Despite this bullying, the Cutie Mark Crusaders win the competition and the chance to represent Ponyville.

Out of all the Cutie Mark Crusaders episodes, this one was better because we got our first song of Season 4, Hearts as Strong as Horses. It was not as cool as Babs Seed, but it was good.

Sleepless in Ponyville is better, but I still liked this episode.
MMMystery on the Friendship Express

When a cake meant for a competition is mysteriously eaten en route to Canterlot, Pinkie Pie takes it upon herself to solve the case. With Twilight Sparkle's help, she uncovers the culprits among their friends and ensures the contest continues.

Pinkie Pie logic that isn't forced and unfunny? Check. Off-the-wall creativity? Check. Perfect comedic timing? Check. A plot about desserts? Alright, now we have a perfect Pinkie Pie episode.

I love episodes like these! They're full of mystery and clues! So creative! I also enjoyed the little clips when Pinkie was blaming the bakers.

I loved this episode also because of the, we interrupt your really funny episode that resolves well at the end, for James Bond, bit.
Castle Mane-ia

Twilight Sparkle and Spike explore the Castle of the Two Sisters for research, while their friends arrive separately for their own reasons. A series of spooky events ensue before they realize Pinkie Pie was unknowingly responsible for the scares.

I laughed so many times during this episode.
The Cutie Map

This was actually my favorite season opener from the entire series. Instead of having to fight off a world-conquering monster, they meet Starlight Glimmer, who appears to be a normal pony, though she is the leader of a very strange little town in the middle of a desert.
The atmosphere of this episode was just unsettling, and Starlight worked far better as a villain than she does after her redemption, which I had no issue with. She just became a less interesting character after season 6 or so.

This is the two-parter that introduced us to Starlight, and I still love her, villain or not. The Mane 6 and background ponies are at their best here.
Sounds of Silence

Applejack and Fluttershy travel to the Peaks of Peril and meet the Kirin, who have chosen to remain silent to avoid conflict. With their help, the Kirin learn to balance their emotions without losing their voices.

Minor point here, but best conductor EVER! That guy would have been outright terrifying had his scene taken place at night. But for the overall tone of the episode, they set the scene during the daytime, which made the guy simply hilarious! Great laugh, by the way!

Now this was a surprisingly simple premise done exceptionally well! The Kirin themselves are a nice addition to the canon. After so many mediocre episodes, I really hope we get to see more like this!

Awesome episode about anger management with a nice portion of adventure. Love it!
The Best Night Ever

The Mane Six attend the Grand Galloping Gala with high expectations, but each of their plans for the evening falls apart. They regroup at a donut shop, realizing the best part of the night was spending time together.

Love the songs in this episode, plus it was the perfect ending to Season One.

Very funny - one of my favorite episodes!
Castle Sweet Castle

Twilight Sparkle avoids returning to her new castle because it does not feel like home. Her friends decorate it with meaningful memories of Golden Oak Library, making it more welcoming for her.

This deserves to be in the top ten overall best because it's very heartwarming and emotional. It's in my own top ten since I have a very strong connection with Twilight in this episode.

Surprised by this episode completely. Season 5 is off to a great start. I was one of those people who didn't like Season 4 that much.

A heartwarming, touching episode.
Tanks for the Memories

When Rainbow Dash learns that Tank must hibernate for the winter, she goes to extreme lengths to prevent the season from arriving. She attempts to sabotage the Cloudsdale weather factory to stop the snowfall required for winter to begin. After her attempts fail, she ultimately accepts the reality of her pet's seasonal rest.

The only episode to dare touch the topic of death. Without a doubt, one of, if not the most, emotional episodes of the entire series thus far. Rainbow Dash got her first solo "I'll Fly," which was also one of the best songs thus far.
And that RD crying scene was both hilarious and touching at the same time. Remember Twilight, AJ cries on the inside.

I'm extremely surprised to not see this higher on the list. This was absolutely extraordinary, and I recommend it to anybody who has never seen the show.

The "Applejack cries on the inside" line got me.
Stranger Than Fan Fiction

Rainbow Dash meets Quibble Pants at a Daring Do convention and argues with him over the book series' direction. Their differing views are tested when they find themselves in a real adventure with Daring Do herself.

This was a very fun episode to watch. Quibble represents the complaining analysts who need everything to be perfect, and Rainbow represents those who just want to enjoy the material. This is a very real debate put in an entertaining fashion.

This episode is awesome! It was the first one I watched, and what got me into the MLP fandom. I love it!

Yeah, Rainbow Dash meets Daring Do once more and even goes on a cool adventure.