Animation-wise, what have been the biggest improvements from S1 till now?

[Azureth 687]

Since the first episode till now what improvements have been done animation-wise?

[Hierok 11,832]

I don't know. I guess the some smoother shots, but it never occured to me there have been changes. 

[Nyactis Mewcis Catlum 672]

There's definitely a better consistency to the designs, as well as details that demonstrate mastery over Flash that wasn't there previously. You can tell the difference in appearance if you go from a S7 episode and then watch a S1 episode right after.

[Kadeda 178]

I think just season one to two was a big jump in animation quality. They improved each season but i think that was the biggest jump.

Edited March 23, 2018 by Kadeda

[Toastypk 924]

The outlandish facial expressions.

[Oleks 1,993]

Diverse background ponies. Back in season 1 there were dozens of Lyras and Shoeshines statically standing in the background, often virtually motionless. Now there are so many great designs (that, unfortunately, no one notices), and backgrounds feel more alive.

[Rhythm Red 6,484]

I think a lot has improved, especially the facial expressions. They’ve gotten a lot more unique and funny. 

[ultrairongorilla 2,064]

The facial expressions, more dymanic lighting, more unique locations to show off, and the action scenes.

[The Nth Doctor 663]

Manes and tails, faces, body movements...

There's a lot more moving parts on ponies now, as compared to S1, and I like that we have more varied types of pony bodies rather than only two or three

Not to mention there's a lot of fun background pony designs to look at instead of having six of the same pony in one scene

[Truffles 2,033]

They are more capable of using smooth shading on the characters than they were in the first season. Compare the scene in the dark on the train in "Over a Barrel" compared to later episodes. Even in today's S8 premiere, I found it amazing how they shaded Twilight and Spike during the EEA meeting. It looked as good as anything they did in Toonboom in the movie.

Even though didn't do it as often as they do now, you can go as far back as S2 and see they were making great strides in lighting effects. One of the most awe-inspiring moments to this day is the effect they did when Twilight lit her horn to light the cave at the start of "A Canterlot Wedding, pt 2".

[bigbertha 415]

I'd say lighting was the biggest improvement. That and generally smoother movement because when you look at early season 1, the animation looks much stiffer

[PiratePony 8,476]

Less super long neck... Just look at winter round up..

[ShadowPhoenix 153]

They’re getting better at the backgrounds. Take a look at the purple hued daybreak in Flutter Brutter where Zephyr Breeze was complaining about rising early, or Harmonizing Heights and Seaquestria in Surf And/Or Turf, the vividness of the entirety of Secrets and Pies, or the smooth rotating effect of the girls in the song in Fame and Misfortune… I could go on and on.