My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
Top marks all round
Ages 5–10First shown 2010
Princess Celestia sends her star pupil, the bookish unicorn Twilight Sparkle, to Ponyville to improve her socialization skills. Twilight quickly makes five new four-legged friends: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity. Each instilled with the respective spirits of magic, honesty, loyalty, laughter, kindness and generosity, the animals learn that by working together they can achieve the most important element of all: harmony.
Our verdict
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
Calm and gentle Toy-led: mixed views Grating audio: mixed views
Reviewers across many platforms celebrate this series for its sophisticated writing, emotional depth, and high production values that appeal to adults and children alike. It is frequently lauded for providing strong, diverse role models and complex lessons on friendship, though some note its commercial origins as a toy line. While the music and voice work are generally considered excellent, some parents may find the aesthetic and tone slightly too sweet or repetitive.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
5out of 5
The series is widely praised for its deep focus on friendship, conflict resolution, and characters who learn from their flaws and mistakes. While the vast majority of commentary highlights positive values like kindness and loyalty, some reviews point out instances of mean-spirited behavior or problematic parental dynamics that are occasionally left uncorrected. Overall, it is seen as a strong model for social intelligence that avoids simple, one-dimensional stereotypes.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
5out of 5
Reviewers frequently note that this show has a massive adult following due to its sophisticated writing, wit, and pop culture references that often go over children's heads. Most parents find it genuinely entertaining and easy company, though a few dissenting voices find the episodic plots predictable or tedious. Its ability to balance child-friendly themes with emotional depth makes it a standout for co-viewing.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
5out of 5
The show is highly acclaimed for its distinctive visual style, 'Broadway-standard' musical scores, and exceptional voice acting. While the animation is generally praised for its fluid and vibrant look, some detailed reviews note technical errors like clipping or inconsistent framerates inherent to the Flash software used. A few commentators also felt the writing quality dipped in much later seasons, but the overall production is considered top-tier for its era.
Watch-outs
Calm and gentle
Most reviews describe the show as having balanced pacing and peaceful settings, explicitly noting it lacks the frenetic energy of other cartoons. Only a single isolated report mentioned it being overstimulating, which contradicts the general consensus.
Toy-led: mixed views
There is a clear divide in commentary: many identify the show's origins as a Hasbro vehicle designed specifically to sell toys, with some episodes built around new product sets. However, a significant number of reviewers argue that the high-quality storytelling and character development allow it to transcend its commercial roots, making it feel like a creative work rather than a mere advertisement.
Grating audio: mixed views
While the music and theme song are highly praised by many as catchy and professional, a consistent minority of viewers find the musical segments and high-pitched voices to be annoying or 'sickeningly sweet.' The evidence shows a split between those who find the audio a highlight and those who find it unbearable.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
Stream with a subscription
- Not that we know of
Rent or buy
- Not that we know of
DVD and Blu-ray
Last updated 18 October 2026.