Since its debut, My Little Pony: Equestria Girls has captured the hearts of both young and older fans alike. A spin-off from the massively popular My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic television series, the Equestria Girls franchise gave fans a new dimension where their favorite pony characters are re-imagined as teenage human girls navigating high school life alongside magical mishaps.
TL;DR: There are a total of six main Equestria Girls movies, along with several specials and digital shorts that expanded the universe. The movies chronologically chart the adventures of Twilight Sparkle and her friends as they cross between Equestria and the human world. The core films were mainly released between 2013 and 2016, with additional content coming in later years via digital platforms. Each film introduced new settings, characters, and magical developments while preserving the core friendships and values the franchise is known for.
What Is Equestria Girls?
Equestria Girls is a multimedia franchise launched by Hasbro as part of the larger My Little Pony universe. Unlike the typical ponies of Equestria, the characters in this series are transformed into human teenagers who attend Canterlot High School. With familiar personalities, voice actors, and themes of friendship and harmony, the series retains its recognizable charm while offering new situations and conflicts in a more relatable, high school setting.
Main Equestria Girls Movies – A Quick Count
There are six main full-length Equestria Girls movies. These were released from 2013 to 2016, often in conjunction with convention panels or limited theatrical runs before airing on television channels such as Discovery Family.
List of Main Equestria Girls Movies:
- Equestria Girls (2013)
- Rainbow Rocks (2014)
- Friendship Games (2015)
- Legend of Everfree (2016)
- Equestria Girls: Dance Magic (2017) *(initially released as a special)*
- Equestria Girls: Mirror Magic (2017) *(also treated as a special but often counted with major releases)*
Although only four films were released theatrically or widely as feature films, many fans and sources include Dance Magic and Mirror Magic in the filmography due to their significance, length, and continuity with the greater narrative arc.
The Films in Detail
1. Equestria Girls (2013)
This is where it all began. Twilight Sparkle must travel to a parallel world to retrieve her stolen crown from Sunset Shimmer. Upon entering, she transforms into a human and meets high school versions of her pony friends. This film established the core premise of the franchise – magic crossing worlds and friendships enduring across different forms.
Image not found in postmeta2. Rainbow Rocks (2014)
The sequel introduces a new threat – the Dazzlings, a trio of siren-like entities who feed off negative energy. With the school transformed into a battleground of musical talent, the girls form a band called the Rainbooms and battle through the power of song. This entry is widely considered one of the strongest in the franchise.
3. Friendship Games (2015)
This film introduces Sci-Twi, or human Twilight Sparkle, who from a different world has no memory of her equine counterpart. The story revolves around a friendly competition between Canterlot High and Crystal Prep Academy, which is anything but friendly due to rising magical tensions. Themes of belonging, identity, and acceptance are front and center.
4. Legend of Everfree (2016)
The girls head to Camp Everfree, where they begin developing new magical abilities. The villain is a manifestation of dark magic known as Gaea Everfree. This installment looks into how the powerful emotions and bonds between the characters influence their magical evolution.
5. Dance Magic (2017)
Originally released as a made-for-TV special, it is often listed among the main films due to its length and importance. The girls prepare a music video for a charity event but face rivalry from the Crystal Prep students. The story emphasizes themes of cooperation and artistic integrity.
6. Mirror Magic (2017)
This special features a returning Sunset Shimmer, who travels back to Equestria to get magical help when Juniper Montage finds a mirror portal that offers her dangerous new powers. With cross-realm stakes on the rise, this story connects past films and stories, serving as a bridge between the older narratives and newer special formats.
Beyond the Movies: Specials and Shorts
While the six main movies form the backbone of the Equestria Girls saga, there’s a wealth of additional content that enriches the universe.
Television Specials:
- Forgotten Friendship (2018)
- Rollercoaster of Friendship (2018)
- Spring Breakdown (2019)
- Sunset’s Backstage Pass (2019)
- Holidays Unwrapped (2019)
These specials continued character arcs, introduced new threats and outings, and offered emotionally resonant moments with high school drama and friendship themes. They were typically 44 minutes long and aired on Discovery Family or on digital platforms like YouTube.
In addition to specials, Hasbro also produced several short episodes known as “Canterlot Shorts” and digital webisodes under the Choose Your Own Ending format. These gave fans bite-sized adventures and fun slice-of-life moments.
The Evolution of the Series
One fascinating aspect of Equestria Girls is how it blended coming-of-age stories with fantasy elements. What began as a potential risk – turning beloved ponies into high school-age girls – became a full-fledged universe that complemented the core My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic narrative.
Over time, the emphasis shifted slightly. While early films were more cinematic in nature, the series evolved to fit the growing demand for digital content, leading to more specials, shorts, and episodic formats. Still, the essence of strong friendship, redemption arcs, and girl power remained strong throughout.
Will There Be More Equestria Girls Content?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for new Equestria Girls movies or specials. The last major release was in 2019, and with the release of My Little Pony: A New Generation in 2021, Hasbro seems to be focusing on new properties and characters. That said, the fandom remains dedicated, and the existing content is often rewatched and celebrated through fan arts, fanfics, and conventions.
Final Thoughts
In total, the Equestria Girls universe provided fans with six major movies, five television specials, numerous shorts, and a beautifully tied-together storyline that offered both familiarity and freshness. More than just a spin-off, Equestria Girls carved out its stand-alone identity while honoring the legacy of friendship that lies at the heart of the My Little Pony franchise.
Whether you’re a die-hard “pegasister” or a curious newcomer, there’s much to love and explore in the vibrant world of Equestria Girls. From catchy songs and magical duels to heartfelt moments and teenage antics, the series remains an enchanting gem in the world of animated storytelling.