The Equestria Girls franchise, a spin-off of the wildly popular My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, offers a vibrant and engaging parallel universe. To experience the full narrative arc and appreciate character development, the recommended viewing order is chronological by release date, followed by any subsequent specials and shorts.
The Equestria Girls Chronological Viewing Order: A Comprehensive Guide
Watching the Equestria Girls movies and specials in the correct order is crucial to fully understand the storyline and character arcs. While some movies can be enjoyed as standalone stories, many build upon previous events, and missing key pieces can lead to confusion. Here’s the definitively correct way to dive into this world:
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls (2013): This is where it all begins. Twilight Sparkle journeys through the mirror to retrieve her stolen crown from Sunset Shimmer, entering a world populated by human counterparts of her pony friends.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks (2014): The Dazzlings arrive in Canterlot High with manipulative songs and intentions, threatening the harmony Sunset Shimmer and the Mane 7 have worked to establish. This movie introduces the concept of Equestria Magic seeping into the human world.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Friendship Games (2015): The Wondercolts of Canterlot High face off against the Shadowbolts of Crystal Prep Academy. Twilight Sparkle’s human counterpart, Sci-Twi, makes her debut, wrestling with her own connection to magic.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Legend of Everfree (2016): A camping trip to Camp Everfree turns into an adventure when Gaia Everfree, a manifestation of suppressed magic, threatens to destroy the camp. We see significant character growth for Sci-Twi as she learns to embrace her powers.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Dance Magic (2017): This is the first of the three shorts that form the “Equestria Girls: Tales of Canterlot High” series. The girls compete in a dance competition to raise money for a school trip.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Movie Magic (2017): The second short in the “Tales of Canterlot High” series. The girls are extras in a Daring Do movie, and a real-life mystery unfolds on set.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Mirror Magic (2017): The final short in the “Tales of Canterlot High” series. Starlight Glimmer is introduced to the Equestria Girls world, and Juniper Montage seeks revenge, trapping the Mane 7 in limbo.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Forgotten Friendship (2018): This special features Wallflower Blush, who erases the Mane 7’s memories of Sunset Shimmer. This special explores the depth of the girls’ friendship and the importance of memories.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rollercoaster of Friendship (2018): Rarity gets a job at a new theme park, but strange things start happening, threatening her friendship with the other girls. This special highlights the pressures of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Spring Breakdown (2019): The girls’ spring break cruise takes a turn when magic starts causing problems at sea, and Sunset Shimmer has to decide if she should use her magic to fix the problem or let her friends handle it.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Sunset’s Backstage Pass (2019): Sunset Shimmer and Pinkie Pie get stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. They must figure out how to break the loop before it’s too late, learning valuable lessons about friendship and communication.
- My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Holidays Unwrapped (2019): An anthology of holiday-themed shorts featuring the Equestria Girls celebrating different holidays. This provides lighthearted and fun stories that highlight the importance of togetherness and celebration.
A Note on Shorts and Specials:
While the movies form the backbone of the Equestria Girls narrative, the shorts and specials provide valuable context and character development. The “Tales of Canterlot High” shorts, in particular, are crucial for understanding the introduction and integration of Starlight Glimmer and Juniper Montage into the Equestria Girls world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section provides answers to common questions about the Equestria Girls movie and special viewing order, ensuring you have all the information you need for the best viewing experience.
H3: Do I have to watch everything in chronological order?
While watching in chronological order is highly recommended for a complete understanding of the storyline, some of the movies can be enjoyed as standalone stories. However, you’ll miss out on character development and recurring plot threads if you skip around. For the most rewarding experience, stick to the chronological order.
H3: Are the Equestria Girls movies canon to My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic?
Yes, the Equestria Girls movies are generally considered canon to My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. They are presented as a parallel universe accessible through the magic mirror in Canterlot. While there are some inconsistencies, the characters and themes align with the main series.
H3: What’s the difference between a “movie” and a “special” in Equestria Girls?
The main difference lies in the runtime and scope of the story. Movies are typically longer and feature more complex storylines, while specials are shorter and often focus on specific themes or characters. Specials often serve as bridges between the movies, providing additional character development and setting up future plot points.
H3: Where can I watch the Equestria Girls movies and specials?
The Equestria Girls movies and specials are available on various platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube (official Hasbro channel), and digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary depending on your region.
H3: What is the significance of Sunset Shimmer’s character arc?
Sunset Shimmer undergoes a significant transformation throughout the Equestria Girls series. Starting as an antagonist in the first movie, she becomes a key member of the Mane 7 and a powerful force for good. Her journey of redemption and self-discovery is a central theme of the franchise.
H3: Who is Sci-Twi, and how does she fit into the Equestria Girls universe?
Sci-Twi is the human counterpart of Twilight Sparkle. She is introduced in Friendship Games as a brilliant but socially awkward student at Crystal Prep Academy. Her arc revolves around embracing her own magical abilities and integrating into the Mane 7.
H3: Are there any Equestria Girls spin-off series or comics?
Yes, there are Equestria Girls comics published by IDW Publishing. These comics explore additional stories and adventures within the Equestria Girls universe, often expanding upon the characters and events introduced in the movies and specials. They are considered canon by some, but not universally.
H3: Do the Equestria Girls movies have end-credit scenes?
Some of the Equestria Girls movies have short end-credit scenes that provide hints about future storylines or offer a final comedic moment. While they’re not always essential, they can add to the overall viewing experience.
H3: What age group is the Equestria Girls franchise aimed at?
The Equestria Girls franchise is primarily aimed at a young audience, typically between the ages of 6 and 12. However, the themes of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery resonate with viewers of all ages.
H3: What are the main themes explored in the Equestria Girls series?
The Equestria Girls series explores various themes, including the power of friendship, the importance of self-acceptance, the challenges of navigating social situations, the value of teamwork, and the significance of learning from mistakes.
H3: Is there a sequel to Holidays Unwrapped?
As of the current date, there is no official sequel to Holidays Unwrapped. The Equestria Girls franchise has been relatively inactive since 2019, but there’s always a possibility of future installments.
H3: Why is Starlight Glimmer included in the Equestria Girls universe?
Starlight Glimmer’s inclusion provides a unique perspective on friendship and redemption. Having gone through a similar reformation in Friendship is Magic, her presence in the Equestria Girls universe allows her to mentor others and demonstrate the power of second chances, reinforcing the core themes of the franchise. Her initial integration is best understood through watching “Tales of Canterlot High” in order.